Dr. Prussien’s work focuses on utilizing biopsychosocial research methods to improve health equity for children, adolescents, and young adults with sickle cell disease (SCD). She investigates how neighborhood inequities influence health disparities in SCD through their impact on patient physiological stress response and behaviors. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, Dr. Prussien also examines how systems of power and inequity influence biobehavioral factors among adolescents and young adults with SCD during the transition to adult care. She aims to utilize findings from this research program to guide policy and community-based efforts to intervene upon social factors with the greatest impact on the health and wellbeing of people with SCD.

BA, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (Psychology, summa cum laude), 2015

MS, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (Clinical Psychological Science), 2017

PhD, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (Clinical Psychological Science), 2021

Fellowship, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (Pediatric Psychology), 2024

Assistant Professor of Psychiatry

Clinical Psychologist

Society of Pediatric Psychology, 2015-

American Society of Hematology, 2021-

Most Cited 2018 Paper Award for "Cognitive function, coping, and depressive symptoms in children with sickle cell disease" Journal of Pediatric Psychology

Most Cited 2019 Paper Award, "Cognitive function in sickle cell disease across domains, cerebral infarct status and the lifespan: A meta-analysis" Journal of Pediatric Psychology

Most Cited 2020 Paper Award, "Correlates of cognitive function in sickle cell disease: A meta-analysis" Journal of Pediatric Psychology

2022 Abstract Achievement Award, "Barriers to transition from pediatric to adult care in adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease: A mixed-method study on the impact of systems of inequity." American Society of Hematology

2023 Article of the Year Award (Willis Award), "Sociodemographic factors and health competence in relation to transition readiness in adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood cancer" Journal of Pediatric Psychology

2024 Clinical Research Training Institute Scholar, American Society of Hematology

2024 Abstract Achievement Award, "Acceptability and feasibility of salivary stress research with adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease" American Society of Hematology

Transition Readiness, Outcomes, And Discrimination in Sickle Cell Disease
Society of Pediatric Psychology Postdoctoral Research Grant
1/2023-12/2024
PI: Kemar Prussien, PhD