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Dr. Lauren E. Gulbas is an Associate Professor at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at The University of Texas at Austin. As a medical anthropologist and social work researcher, Dr. Gulbas is recognized for her pioneering contributions to the fields of suicide risk and prevention, particularly among marginalized populations. Her research uniquely integrates qualitative methodologies with a strong commitment to addressing mental health disparities, focusing on resilience-based interventions and the structural dynamics that contribute to community risks.
Dr. Gulbas’ work has been supported by major funding agencies, including the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, underscoring the significance and impact of her research. In recognition of her contributions to the field, she was named the Robert Lee Sutherland Fellow in Mental Health and Social Policy.
Through her research, she seeks to advance mental health equity by fostering collaborations that span academia, clinical practice, and community engagement. Dr. Gulbas is also the founder and Director of the Advanced Qualitative Research Lab, where she mentors undergraduate students and supports interdisciplinary research aimed at improving mental health outcomes and promoting resilience.
Professional Interests
Culture and Mental Health, Suicidal Behavior, Immigration, Family Systems, Race and Gender Studies, Latin America
Research
- A mixed-methods, multi-informant study of childhood suicide ideation to improve risk assessment (2028)
- Preventing Suicide among Sexual and Gender Diverse Young Adults in Primary Care in Texas (2027)
- Shifting Resiliency in the College Classroom (2024)
- Why adolescent Latinas attempt suicide more than other females (2020)
- Screening Latino adolescents for behavioral health issues in primary care settings (2016)
- Immigration-related stress and suicidal behavior among Latino adolescents (2015)