Dr. Aimee Smith

Research Interests: Dr. Smith is a pediatric psychologist (clinical child psychologist) and researcher of pediatric chronic illness management and impact. Specifically, her program of research focuses on three areas: 1) using community-based participatory research to emphasize patient and family voice of those who are marginalized and routinely underserved in medical and mental health settings, 2)medication adherence, and 3) healthcare transition for youth with chronic health conditions. Current major projects include 1) a grant funded by Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust to examine health disparities in youth with chronic illnesses, 2) a community-engaged project to identify and meet the psychosocial needs of patients with sickle cell disease and 3) a multi-year study of medication adherence using electronic monitors to examine the transition of responsibility for adherence in college students with chronic illness. Dr. Smith also collaborates with healthcare partners in other chronic illness populations and the Charlotte community. Her research lab at UNC Charlotte is called the Pediatric HEART Lab (Pediatric Healthcare Engagement, Adherence Research, and Transition Lab). She mentors graduate students through integrating them in lab research and serving on dissertation and thesis committees. She also includes undergraduate students of diverse majors in my lab where we collaborate on ongoing research projects, engage in professional development issues, and discuss their own projects (e.g., dissertations, senior thesis projects).