Sharyn Potter

Sharyn Potter is a Professor in the Department of Women and Gender Studies at the University of New Hampshire and Co-founder/Executive Director of Research at the Prevention Innovations Research Center (PIRC), which focuses on ending sexual and relationship violence and stalking. She also co-founded Soteria Solutions as Vice-President of Research, establishing herself as a global leader in bystander intervention strategies across university, military, and community settings.

Her educational background includes a B.S. from the State University of New York, an M.P.H. in Public Health from Emory University, and a Ph.D. in Sociology from Emory University.

Dr. Potter's research centers on developing and evaluating theory-based bystander interventions like the uSafeUS® mobile app, Know Your Power® campaign, and bystander video games. Her work spans high schools, colleges, the US Military, and workplaces, emphasizing cultural change through community engagement to reduce sexual violence, relationship violence, stalking, and harassment. She pioneered adaptations for military contexts and prevalence studies, with findings influencing national policy discussions.

Her publication record (2011-2019) reveals consistent focus on translating bystander frameworks across settings: military adaptations, digital tools (video games/mobile apps), community college victimization studies, and veteran harassment perceptions. Key trends include multi-campus evaluations, intersectional approaches (LGBTQ+ communities), and innovative delivery methods like social marketing campaigns.

Dr. Potter directs over 20 active grants from the NH Department of Justice, NSF, US DOD, and DHHS, including State VOCA uSAFE FY2026, uSafeUS NH ARPA, and military-focused initiatives. She led the White House Task Force study on sexual misconduct policy delivery and consults for organizations like One Love Foundation and Dartmouth College.

She leads the Prevention Innovations Research Center (PIRC), an interdisciplinary hub collaborating with military installations, community colleges, and national organizations to develop evidence-based prevention strategies and drive systemic change.