Laura Ann McCloskey

Dr. Laura McCloskey is a distinguished professor at the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, whose scholarly contributions span over three decades in the fields of psychology, gender-based violence, child maltreatment, and women's reproductive health. Holding a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Michigan and a postdoctoral specialization in Child Clinical Psychology from the University of Rochester, Dr. McCloskey has established herself as an internationally recognized researcher and educator. Her research is rooted in understanding the psychological, social, and structural determinants of violence—particularly focusing on violence against women and children. She has led multiple federally funded studies that have significantly advanced our understanding of the long-term mental health consequences of child abuse and witnessing violence. One of her most impactful projects is a thirty-year mixed-methods longitudinal study examining the intergenerational effects of domestic violence, particularly its influence on women and children's psychological development and well-being. Her findings have informed public health interventions and policies aimed at interrupting the cycle of violence within families. Dr. McCloskey has also conducted pivotal work on HIV/AIDS risk factors among women in South Africa, supported by the William F. Fulbright Foundation. Through a case-control study of 885 young women aged 15 to 29, she explored the intersection of violence, sexual health, and HIV transmission, revealing the unique vulnerabilities faced by women in sub-Saharan Africa due to socio-cultural and structural factors. Her global outlook on public health extends to original case studies on the prevention of violence against women across multiple countries, enriching the discourse on cross-cultural approaches to violence prevention and policy reform. From 2011 to 2020, Dr. McCloskey served as the founding director of the Center for Research on Health Disparities at Indiana University. During this time, she played a central role in fostering interdisciplinary research collaborations that address the root causes of health inequalities—particularly those rooted in gender, race, and socioeconomic status. Her work emphasizes the eco-social framework, integrating psychological, societal, and policy-level influences on health and behavior. In addition to her academic research, Dr. McCloskey has held faculty positions at Harvard University, the University of Arizona, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Illinois, where she mentored the next generation of public health and psychology scholars. Her teaching and mentorship are characterized by a strong commitment to equity, interdisciplinary thinking, and real-world application of academic knowledge. Dr. McCloskey’s dedication to the study and prevention of gender-based violence has had a transformative impact on public health research and practice. Her efforts to illuminate the links between trauma, mental health, reproductive health, and social inequities have earned her a prominent place in national and international scholarly communities. She continues to lead and inspire through her research, teaching, and advocacy for survivors of violence and marginalized communities globally.