Welcome Dr Sonya Brady to PHDR!

We're delighted to welcome Dr Sonya Brady to our research team! 

Dr. Brady received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and Biological/Health Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. She completed her clinical psychology internship at the University of Illinois at Chicago Institute for Juvenile Research, and a 2-year postdoctoral research fellowship in Health Psychology at the University of California, San Francisco. Prior to joining the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health (DFMCH), Dr. Brady conducted research and taught courses within the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. In the DFMCH, Dr. Brady divides her time between conducting research and providing behavioral health care at M Health Fairview Smiley’s Clinic.

Dr. Brady has developed transdisciplinary and community-engaged programs of research. Dr. Brady’s transdisciplinary research has primarily focused on the prevention of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). She is Multiple Principle Investigator (MPI) for CARDIA-PLUS: A Life Course Investigation of Biopsychosocial Pathways to Bladder Health and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, which is funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). She is also a Co-Investigator for the NIDDK-funded Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) Research Consortium. Dr. Brady’s community-engaged program of research has focused on the well-being of adolescents and diverse communities, including a focus on how assets of individuals and their families, peers, schools, and communities can promote health protective behaviors. This includes research on mental health and emotional well-being, sexual health, prevention of violence and substance abuse, identification of social and structural determinants of health, and promotion of health equity. Dr. Brady’s research has utilized community partnerships and coalitions to reach diverse communities. Sources of funding include the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), United States Department of Education, and Annie E. Casey Foundation.

Dr. Brady has taught courses in community health promotion, adolescent health, and the application of conceptual frameworks and theory to the development of prevention interventions and research. In addition, Dr. Brady mentors early career scientists, both individually and as part of workshops, in the conceptual aspects of planning a program of research.