John (Jack) Barile
Associate Dean for Research and Director of the Social Science Research Institute
Professor of Psychology
Background
I have long been interested in health and quality of life but narrowed my focus on efforts to improve the lives of traditionally marginalized communities after years of work within traditional psychiatric facilities and community-based social services. My early work shaped my understanding of how contextual factors impact individual health outcomes. Over time, my research has expanded beyond individual-focused interventions to represent multilevel, systemic and policy-driven solutions.
After earning my PhD in Community Psychology, I completed a research fellowship at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where I continue to collaborate with many colleagues. Currently, I serve as the Associate Dean for Research and Director of the Social Science Research Institute. Additionally, I hold positions as a Professor in the Department of Psychology and Senior Advisor for the Health Policy Initiative. In these roles, I strive to foster research excellence, facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration, and support faculty and students in pursuing innovative and impactful scholarship.
Education
- PhD, Community Psychology, Georgia State University, 2010
- MS, Experimental Psychology, Old Dominion University, 2005
- BS, Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, 2001
Current Work
My research explores how ecological determinants influence quality of life and well-being. I investigate the effects of neighborhood stress, trauma, and poverty on health disparities, using advanced quantitative methodologies and participatory approaches to develop community-driven solutions. Current projects include collaborations with the State of Hawai‘i Governor’s Office, the Hawai‘i Department of Health, the Hawai‘i Department of Human Services, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). I work closely with these agencies to advance community health and educational initiatives. Additionally, I serve as a program evaluator for NIH and NSF-funded programs, ensuring that research findings inform evidence-based policies and interventions.
Supporting Research
As Associate Dean for Research, I am dedicated to fostering a dynamic research environment that empowers faculty to secure funding, collaborate across disciplines, and increase their scholarly impact. My efforts focus on supporting grant development, facilitating research partnerships, and enhancing access to institutional resources. I promote a culture of innovation and knowledge-sharing to elevate faculty research visibility while expanding strategic partnerships with agencies to ensure research informs policy and enhances student experiences and benefits the people of Hawai‘i. Through these initiatives, I aim to strengthen the College of Social Sciences and the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s research capacity and cultivate a forward-thinking academic community.