Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior

Chris Crawford graduated with highest distinction, earning a B.A. from Indiana University South Bend. He then worked as a clinical research specialist in pediatric cardiovascular genetics at Riley Hospital for Children, gaining experience in bench-to-bedside translational research. In 2020, he began his graduate training in clinical psychology (health psychology specialization) at Indiana University Indianapolis in Jesse Stewart’s Cardiometabolic Behavioral Medicine Lab. At IU Indianapolis, Chris received specialized training in conducting randomized controlled trials using mHealth interventions to examine inflammatory and behavioral pathways of cardiometabolic disease. His dissertation investigates biological and cognitive mechanisms linking insomnia and depression in patients with elevated cardiovascular risk and has received funding from Psi Chi and the Society for Health Psychology. Chris developed a strong program of LGBTQ+ advocacy and service, including co-chairing the LGBTQ+ Health special interest group within the Society for Biopsychosocial Science and Medicine and leading Indiana University’s Graduate OUT in STEM chapter. He has been recognized with the John H. Edwards Fellowship, the IU Harvey Milk Award, multiple Fielding Advocacy and Leadership Awards, and a 2026 IU Indianapolis Elite 50 Award. During his clinical psychology pre-doctoral internship at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, under the mentorship of Dr. John McGeary, he studied sleep regularity, mood, and psychiatric genetics. He is excited to continue at Brown within the Adolescent/Young Adult Biobehavioral HIV T32 as a postdoctoral fellow under the mentorship of Dr. Trisha Arnold. He is grateful for the mentors, peers, friends, and family who have supported him throughout his training.