Ms. Kelsey Simpson | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award
Ms. Kelsey Simpson, UCSD, United States
π Dr. Kelsey Simpson is a health behavior researcher with a Ph.D. from USC, specializing in HIV-positive populations. With a distinguished academic background, including an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from CSUN and a B.A. in Psychology from UCSC, Dr. Simpson has received prestigious awards and fellowships. Currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at UC San Diego, she has contributed significantly to grant-funded projects focusing on substance use and health outcomes. Her expertise encompasses qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, intervention design, and scholarly dissemination, reflecting her commitment to advancing public health.
Publication Profile:
Education:
π Dr. Kelsey Simpson’s academic journey is marked by a dedication to understanding and improving health behaviors, particularly within HIV-positive populations. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Health Behavior Research from the University of Southern California’s Department of Preventive Medicine, delving into the complexities of public health at one of the nation’s leading medical schools. Prior to this, she achieved a Master of Arts with Distinction in Clinical Psychology from California State University, Northridge, where her thesis focused on the interplay between apathy, depression, neurocognitive performance, and psychosocial functioning among individuals living with HIV. Her academic foundation began with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and cognition. Dr. Simpson’s academic achievements reflect her passion for addressing health disparities and advancing knowledge in the field of psychology and public health. As she continues her professional journey, she remains committed to making meaningful contributions to research and improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Honors & Awards :
π Dr. Kelsey Simpson has been recognized for her contributions to the field through prestigious honors, awards, and fellowships. As a testament to her promising career trajectory, she was awarded the College of Problems on Drug Dependence Travel Award for Early Career Investigators in both 2020 and 2021. This acknowledgment highlights her exceptional potential and commitment to advancing knowledge in drug dependence research. Additionally, Dr. Simpson received the Keck School of Medicine of USC’s Department of Preventive Medicine Student Travel Grant in the summer of 2019, further demonstrating her dedication to academic and professional growth. Beyond travel grants, she has also been honored for her expertise with the American Psychological Association’s Advanced Training Institute (ATI) on Structural Equation Modelling in Longitudinal Research. This recognition underscores her proficiency in utilizing advanced statistical methodologies to address complex research questions in longitudinal studies. Dr. Simpson’s receipt of these awards and participation in workshops exemplifies her standing as a promising researcher and her ongoing pursuit of excellence in the field of health behavior research.
Professional Experience:
π©βπ¬ Dr. Kelsey Simpson’s professional journey is a testament to her multifaceted expertise and commitment to improving public health outcomes. As a Postdoctoral Researcher and T32 Fellow at the University of California, San Diego, she collaborates with esteemed investigators such as Pete Davidson, PhD, and Steffanie Strathdee, PhD, focusing on infectious diseases and global public health. Prior to this, as a Graduate Research Assistant at USC’s Health, Emotion, and Addiction Laboratory, she contributed to NIH and ACS-funded projects, delving into tobacco use among adolescents and the dynamics of smoking relapse in romantic couples. Dr. Simpson’s earlier roles at USC’s Department of Preventive Medicine involved community-based research on substance use and interventions to prevent injection initiation, showcasing her dedication to addressing health disparities. Her experience extends to qualitative research methodologies, database management, and scholarly dissemination. Additionally, her roles as a Research Study Coordinator and Graduate Student Assessor reflect her commitment to clinical research and providing comprehensive assessments for individuals with neuropsychiatric conditions. Dr. Simpson’s diverse skill set and passion for public health make her a valuable asset in advancing research and promoting well-being.
Teaching Experience:
π Dr. Kelsey Simpson’s dedication to academia extends beyond research, encompassing valuable teaching experiences that enrich her professional portfolio. As a Teaching Assistant at the Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, USC, she contributed to courses such as PM 587: Program Design and Evaluation, PM 536: Program Evaluation and Research, and PM 564: Public Health Leadership and Management. Through her role, Dr. Simpson facilitated student learning, guided discussions, and provided support in understanding complex concepts in public health program development, evaluation, and leadership. Her commitment to fostering an engaging learning environment is evident in her instructional approach and dedication to student success.Moreover, her earlier role as an Instructional Student Assistant at California State University Northridge’s Psychology Department showcased her proficiency in statistical methods instruction. In PSY 320: Statistical Methods in Psychological Research, Dr. Simpson led group discussions, proctored exams, and offered guidance to students. She demonstrated her organizational skills by managing grading responsibilities, maintaining accurate records, and utilizing online course management systems efficiently. Dr. Simpson’s commitment to student mentorship, coupled with her expertise in statistical analysis, reflects her passion for facilitating academic growth and excellence. π
Research Focus:
π¬ Dr. Kelsey Simpson’s research focuses on understanding and addressing the intersection of substance use, infectious diseases, and public health among vulnerable populations, particularly people who inject drugs (PWID). Her work explores various facets of substance use, including illicit fentanyl use, e-cigarette dependence, and cannabis use behaviors, shedding light on associated health risks and preventive measures. Through qualitative and quantitative methodologies, she investigates factors influencing substance use initiation, withdrawal symptoms, and intervention strategies. Dr. Simpson’s research contributes to informing evidence-based interventions and policies aimed at improving the well-being and health outcomes of marginalized communities impacted by substance use. π±
Publication Top Notes:
π Associations between perceived illicit fentanyl use and infectious disease risks among people who inject drugsΒ – Cited by 78 (2019) π
πA review of the use and appeal of flavored electronic cigarettesΒ – Cited by 77 (2019) π
π Opioid withdrawal symptoms, frequency, and pain characteristics as correlates of health risk among people who inject drugsΒ – Cited by 45 (2020) π
π Seeking refuge in the present moment: A qualitatively refined model of dispositional mindfulness, minority stress, and psychosocial health among Latino/a sexual minorities andΒ β¦Β – Cited by 26 (2019) π
π Characterizing symptoms of e-cigarette dependence: a qualitative study of young adults– Cited by 24 (2021) π
π HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis prevention awareness, willingness, and perceived barriers among people who inject drugs in Los Angeles and San Francisco, CA, 2016β2018Β – Cited by 24 (2020) π
π Accessing vaping products when underage: a qualitative study of young adults in Southern CaliforniaΒ – Cited by 22 (2021) π
πFactors associated with methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms among people who inject drugs– Cited by 18 (2021) π
π Factors associated with frequency of recent initiation of others into injection drug use among people who inject drugs in Los Angeles and San Francisco, CA, USA, 2016β17Β – Cited by 17 (2019) π
π The Cambridge handbook of substance and behavioral addictionsΒ – Cited by 16 (2020) π