Alexander William O'Donnell

Alex is an applied researcher whose work sits at the nexus of developmental, community, and social psychology. Through his research, he aims to explore mechanisms that can help overcome structural and social disadvantages to build happy and cohesive communities. This research concentrates on identifying how public spaces and positive relationships with peers and family can mitigate the risks associated with residing in a disadvantaged community or experiencing discrimination. Specifically, he has focused on how community activities (including sports, the arts, and other extracurricular activities) can promote teenagers’ mental health and lower substance use in low socioeconomic status communities. His interests also include identifying how positive social relationships can lessen social divisions within communities by reducing discrimination and prejudice towards specific ethnic and religious groups. He is currently employed as a researcher on the Well-being in Adolescence project.