Associate Dean for Research

Department: Public Health

Dr. Emre Umucu serves as Associate Dean for Research at the College of Health Sciences and Professor of Public Health Sciences, as well as a Program Analyst and Researcher with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. A scholar at the intersection of data science, rehabilitation psychology, disability, public health, and technology innovation, Dr. Umucu is internationally recognized for advancing health, well-being, trauma recovery, aging, community participation, and employment outcomes for civilians, Veterans, and Service Members with and without chronic conditions through rigorous, data-driven research.

Building on a robust record of federally funded and award-winning work, Dr. Umucu integrates artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital health technologies with rehabilitation and health sciences, positive psychology, self-determination, and trauma-informed frameworks. His interdisciplinary research seeks to enhance health, rehabilitation, employment, and education outcomes, promote positive aging, foster psychological resilience, and optimize recovery following trauma, disability, or chronic illness.

Dr. Umucu’s research is distinguished by its translational impact, bridging clinical science, behavioral health, and data analytics to inform real-world care models for Veterans, Service Members, and civilians navigating complex health challenges. He serves on the Advisory Committee for the Trauma Research and Combat Casualty Care Collaborative (TRC4), a joint initiative of the University of Texas System and the U.S. Department of Defense. A Fellow of the American Psychological Association, Dr. Umucu has been honored as an APA Distinguished Researcher and recognized multiple times by the U.S. Senator and the House of Representatives for his contributions. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to innovation, collaboration, and mentorship in advancing equitable, technology-enabled, human-centered health science.

Other Affiliations: CHS REACHED

Keywords of Expertise: Health and Well-Being, Rehabilitation and Recovery, Trauma and Resilience, Veterans and Service Members, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.