

Lauren Alvis
Helping organizations promote health equity through data-driven solutions.
Email:
Location:
Houston, TX
Home Town:
San Antonio, TX
Ethnic Identity:
Mixed, Latina and White
Pronouns:
she/her/hers
About
I am a developmental psychologist and applied researcher who helps organizations use data to answer meaningful questions, strengthen services, and improve real world outcomes. My work combines advanced statistical methods with a deep understanding of human development to:
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design data systems & measurement strategies
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conduct research and program evaluation
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translate findings into practical insights that inform decision-making and action.
Current Role
As Senior Director of Research at the Trauma & Grief Center, I lead and support research projects that aim to increase access to culturally responsive care for youth impacted by trauma or loss. I work closely with practitioners, organizational leaders, and community stakeholders to identify information needs, evaluate programs and services, and translate data into strategies that strengthen decision-making and improve support for children and families. I also develop data systems, dashboards, and streamlined reporting tools that help organizations monitor outcomes and continuously improve their work.
Research Interests
My research examines how experiences such as trauma, grief, and discrimination interact with the social contexts in which young people grow and develop. I am particularly interested in identifying the strengths, relationships, and resources that promote wellbeing and healing; understanding the factors that contribute to mental health disparities; and generating evidence that helps communities and service systems better support youth and families.
Personal Life
When I'm not crunching numbies and wrangling datasets, I enjoy embracing the hot, humid Houston weather by exploring the city on my Harley.
Timeline
May 2020 - December 2020
May 2019 - May 2020
May 2019
May 2016
May 2014
Postdoctoral Quantitative Research Associate
Institute for Research on Youth Thriving and Evaluation, Montclair State University, NJ
Advisors: Drs. Jennifer Urban and Miriam Linver
The Trauma and Grief Center, Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children’s Hospital , TX
Advisor: Dr. Julie Kaplow
Ph.D. Lifespan Developmental Psychology, with specialization in Advanced Quantitative Statistics
West Virginia University, WV
Dissertation: Distinguishing beliefs about social inequality: Associations among dimensions of critical consciousness
M.S. Lifespan Developmental Psychology
West Virginia University, WV
Thesis: Helping others vs. fixing the system: Distinguishing facets of adolescents’ civic reasoning
B.A. Psychology
The University of Alabama, AL
Minor: Human Development
January 2024 - Present
December 2021 - December 2023
December 2020 - December 2021
Senior Director of Research
The Trauma and Grief Center at Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute
Houston, TX
Director of Research
The Trauma and Grief Center at Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute
Houston, TX
Research Psychologist
The Trauma and Grief Center at Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute
Houston, TX
