SRPR Laboratory Grant Funding
The Suicide Risk and Prevention Research (SRPR) Laboratory conducts externally funded translational suicide prevention research focused on improving how suicide risk is identified, understood, and addressed across healthcare and community settings.
Our funded projects integrate clinical science, ecological momentary assessment, psychometrics, implementation science, and community-engaged research to develop clinically actionable and scalable approaches to suicide prevention. Current work is supported through federal agencies, national foundations, and statewide implementation partnerships.
National Institute on Aging (NIA R15)
Reducing Suicide Risk Among Aging Informal Caregivers of Persons with AD/ADRD: Adapting, Implementing, and Evaluating Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training Interventions
Role: Multiple Principal Investigator
Years: 2023–2026
This NIH-funded project examines suicide risk among aging informal caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD). The project focuses on adapting and implementing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills interventions to reduce suicide risk, emotional distress, and caregiver burden among a high-risk and often underserved population.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
Piloting Stress Control as a Universal, Community-Based Suicide Prevention Strategy in the U.S.
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
Years: 2024–2026
This project evaluates the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of Stress Control, a low-intensity, community-based intervention designed to improve stress management, resilience, and emotional coping. The study examines the potential utility of scalable upstream approaches to suicide prevention within U.S. community settings.
Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium
Family Intervention for Suicide Prevention in Primary Care Within a Zero Suicide Framework
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
Years: 2022–2027
This statewide implementation initiative focuses on improving suicide prevention efforts within pediatric primary care settings. The project includes provider training, implementation support, and intervention development aimed at improving suicide risk identification, family involvement, and evidence-based suicide prevention practices within healthcare systems.
Texas Psychological Foundation
Approaching the Tipping Point: Real-Time Signals of the Transition from Suicidal Desire to Intent
Role: Faculty Principal Investigator
Years: 2026
This project uses ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and nonlinear dynamic modeling to examine how individuals transition from suicidal desire to suicidal intent in daily life. The study focuses on momentary fluctuations in the wish to live, the wish to die, suicidal ambivalence, and proximity to lethal means, while also evaluating potential early warning signals of suicide risk destabilization using critical slowing down (CSD) approaches. The project aims to improve real-time suicide risk detection and inform future adaptive intervention strategies.
New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center
Examining Firearm Storage Practices, Masculine Gender Norms, and Suicide Risk Among U.S. Law Enforcement Officers
Role: Faculty Principal Investigator
Year: 2023
This project examined associations between firearm storage practices, attitudes toward firearms, masculine gender norms, threat sensitivity, and suicide ideation among uniformed law enforcement officers. The study contributes to ongoing efforts aimed at understanding firearm-related suicide risk and promoting safe storage practices within high-risk populations.
Pearson Clinical Assessment / University of Minnesota Press
Understanding Underreporting of Suicide Risk: The MMPI-3 Validity Scales and Scores
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
Years: 2022–2023
This collaborative project examined the utility of MMPI-3 validity scales and related assessment indices in identifying potential underreporting of suicide risk and mental health symptoms. The project contributes to ongoing work focused on improving the assessment and interpretation of suicide-related risk indicators.
American Psychological Association
Improving Community Supervision Outcomes with Psychologically Informed Best Practices
Role: Co-Investigator
Year: 2020
This community-focused project examined psychologically informed approaches to improving outcomes within community supervision and criminal justice settings. Work from this initiative included suicide prevention training and implementation efforts for justice-involved populations and professionals working within correctional systems.