CSPAR Affiliate Faculty
Christopher DeCou, PhD |
Dr. DeCou’s research at the UW centered on the study and prevention of suicide among under-served and under-studied populations, and the association between experiences of trauma and suicidality. He has cultivated novel approaches to suicide screening, treatment, and prevention in high-risk prehospital, emergency department, and medical inpatient populations. Prior to completing his graduate training in Clinical Psychology at Idaho State University, Chris was employed as a full-time police officer, and was also certified as a firefighter/EMT. His experiences as a first responder continue to inform his research and clinical activities, and motivate his interest in addressing the intersection of violence victimization, psychopathology, and access to resources as predictors of suicidal behavior.
Dr. Law’s research interests focus primarily on identifying processes and systems that contribute to suicidal behavior. Specifically, she is interested in using behavioral and biological approaches to understand how a person becomes motivated and capable to act on suicidal thoughts. She is also passionate towards innovation and interdisciplinary collaborations to enhance the suicide research field. Several of her current projects are collaborations with colleagues in neuroscience and microbiology. Dr. Law’s primary academic appointment is at Seattle Pacific University where she is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology.