“The importance of research to develop novel approaches to tackle and treat child and youth mental health issues has never been more critical. Dr. Racine’s extensive research experience and proven effectiveness in translating those findings into clinical care will be a huge asset to our work at CHEO moving forward,” said Dr. Jason Berman, CEO and Scientific Director of the CHEO Research Institute and Vice-President of Research at CHEO.
A Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor in the School of Psychology at the University of Ottawa, Dr. Racine’s three-year mandate started on November 1st, 2022. During her tenure as Chair, Dr. Racine will pursue a program of child and youth mental health research at the CHEO Research Institute that strenghtens practice in this area and promotes collaboration across CHEO, a pediatric health-care and research centre in Ottawa.
“The Faculty of Social Sciences and CHEO welcome Dr. Racine into this important role and look forward to the impact her work will have on research and practices in child and youth mental health at the local, national and international levels,” said Mark B. Salter, Vice-Dean, Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa.
A recognized leader in child adversity and mental health, Dr. Racine received her PhD in Clinical-Developmental Psychology at York University and has earned several national awards, including the 2021 New Researcher Award from the Canadian Psychological Association and a Governor General’s Academic Gold Medal. She has published more than 70 peer-reviewed papers in top journals in the field of pediatrics and mental health. Her high impact work has been included in key policy documents on children’s mental health by the Royal Society of Canada and has informed federal legislation.
“I am delighted and grateful for the opportunity to conduct collaborative research work at the cutting-edge of science and practice to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children and youth,” said Dr. Racine.