I’m Victoria, a clinician-researcher and PhD Candidate at Columbia University with expertise in child and adolescent mental health, epigenetics, and early childhood stress.

My research examines what causes depressive and anxiety symptoms to unfold, how stress “gets under the skin” inducing biological changes that contribute to mental health vulnerability, and how treatment for mental disorders can be improved.

Current Work

I am currently in the fourth year of my doctorate at Columbia University School of Social Work and a trainee at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons as a National Institutes of Health Precision Medicine Fellow in a multidisciplinary MD/PhD fellowship program in medicine, genetics, and clinical science.

My research combines multiple methods to assess and predict mental health risks: 1) I study biological markers and use machine learning and advanced statistical techniques to identify psychological risks and resilience factors before mental disorders manifest; 2) I look at how deeply rooted social and environmental factors like exposure to violence and poverty impact mental health; and 3) I focus on improving the early detection and treatment of depression, anxiety, and suicidal behaviors through accessible mobile health tools like smartphone sensors.

The ultimate goal of this work is to advance the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health issues, improve clinical care, and promote health equity.

My research and scholarship has been recognized with national and international awards including the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) and the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD).

My work is affiliated with the Columbia Population Research Center, the Social Intervention Group at Columbia University School of Social Work, and the Irving Institute of Clinical and Translational Research at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York–Presbyterian Hospital.

Background & Other Affiliations

My research is informed by nearly a decade of professional experience in the public, global health, and humanitarian sectors, including roles with UNICEF and the International Rescue Committee (IRC). Before pursuing a doctorate, my work spanned 40 countries, including conflict-affected states, focusing on trauma-informed care and sustainable solutions in education, healthcare, economic development, and refugee resettlement and integration.

I hold two master's degrees from Columbia University (2015 and 2024), and a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2012). I am a behavioral and mental health clinician licensed to practice in the state of New York.

For questions, get in touch at victoriaonguyenphd@gmail.com.