NYU Wagner

Colleen Gillespie, Ph.D., is an Assistant Research Professor and Research Scientist at the Center for Health and Public Service Research. Dr. Gillespie is currently the principal investigator on a study of the experiences of individuals with severe mental illness within the New York City criminal justice system. The goals of this research are to suggest ways in which the needs of individuals with severe mental illness can be met within the criminal justice system and to help illuminate the points in the decision-making process where criminal justice involvement for these individuals can be minimized.

She is also working with Professor Michael Yedidia on a performance-based evaluation of a three school program to improve medical students' communication skills that is funded by the Josiah R. Macy Foundation. In addition, Dr. Gillespie is working with the interdisciplinary Consortium on Substance Abuse Service project aimed at developing innovative methods for educating frontline substance abuse treatment counselors and staff. She teaches the Research Methods course(p11.2901) at Wagner as well. Dr. Gillespie received her Ph.D. in community psychology from New York University's Graduate School of Arts and Science and her B.A. in psychology and history from Rice University. Her prior research has focused on HIV prevention among inner-city women, particularly the role of the social context in supporting women's prevention efforts. Dr. Gillespie has also conducted program evaluation, technical assistance, and program development activities for several community-based agencies in the areas of HIV prevention, AIDS support, community mental health, and cancer prevention.