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The Evidence-to-Impact PodcastAuthor: The Social Science Research Institute
The Evidence-to-Impact Podcast brings together academic researchers, government partners and others outside of academia to talk about research insights and real-world policy solutions in Pennsylvania and beyond. This podcast series is supported by the Pennsylvania State University's Social Science Research Institute, the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, the Administrative Data Accelerator, the Office of Vice President of Research, and the College of Health and Human Development. Language: en-us Genres: Government, Science, Social Sciences Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Episode 31: One Goal, Many Fields: How Prevention Science Connects Us
Thursday, 25 June, 2026
In this episode, host Michael Donovan sits down with Patrick O'Neill, a doctoral candidate in Penn State's Human Development and Family Studies program, and Dr. Hayoung Donnelly, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, to explore the interdisciplinary world of prevention science. Together, they discuss how prevention science brings together researchers, policymakers, clinicians, and communities around a shared goal: improving health and well-being through proactive, evidence-based solutions. Patrick shares his work on bridging the gap between research and policymaking, particularly in the areas of child maltreatment and substance use prevention, while Hayoung discusses her efforts to develop AI-powered tools that support suicide prevention and improve the quality of mental health care. The conversation highlights the power of collaboration across disciplines, the importance of community engagement, and the evolving role of technology in prevention research. Patrick and Hayoung reflect on their unique academic journeys, the challenges of working across traditional academic silos, and the opportunities that emerge when researchers remain open to new perspectives and approaches. They also offer advice for the next generation of prevention scientists, emphasizing curiosity, flexibility, mentorship, and a commitment to creating meaningful real-world impact.
