Henry Willis Awarded for Early Career Contributions to Diversity Science

The Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (SCCAP) has selected Department of Psychology (PSYC) Assistant Professor Henry Willis to be the recipient of its 2026 Early Career Contributions to Diversity Science Award.

Willis is being recognized for leading empirical research that has a significant scientific and/or public impact on advancing understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The selection committee of the SCCAP—Division 53 of the American Psychological Association—specifically commended Willis for his outstanding contributions to reducing mental health disparities among Black youth and other youth of color.

“I’m extremely grateful to have received this year’s early career award,” said Willis. “In a time when diversity science is being attacked and defunded, it’s affirming to know that there are still spaces and colleagues who not only support this work, but who also believe it is an important part of psychological science. I would also like to thank the many research participants, community partners, research assistants, colleagues, and mentors who have been instrumental in helping me conduct this research. Without their trust and commitment to diversity science, none of this work would have been possible.”

Before joining the University of Maryland faculty in 2023, Willis received his Ph.D. from the Clinical Psychology program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, then completed postdoctoral research at Columbia University’s School of Social Work and University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice. Concurrently, he also conducted postdoctoral clinical training at New York City’s Madison Park Psychological Services, where he worked with both adults and children.

Willis’ research efforts at UMD have continued to focus on youths, particularly Black youths. Most recently, Willis launched a free mental health app designed to meet the unique needs of Black youths, created in close collaboration with 30 13-17 year-old students.

He also launched a “Black Youth Happiness Movement” internship program through which local high school students got paid to meet weekly on the University of Maryland campus to learn about The Happiness Practice’s Five Principles of Happiness, and ultimately create a wellbeing and belonging platform—and accompanying social media campaign—to share what they’ve learned with their peers.

“Henry's an amazing scholar who exemplifies the ethos of the modern academic, and who embraces the mission of the modern public land grant university—one who's dedicated to having a meaningful real-world impact. His work is truly inspiring,” said PSYC Department Chair Michael Dougherty, noting that Willis was just awarded the department’s 2026 award for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice. “We're proud of Henry's many accomplishments, and especially proud that he's representing the University of Maryland.”

As a recipient of SCCAP’s 2026 Early Career Contributions to Diversity Science Award, Willis will receive a plaque, as well as a $5,000 monetary award. He will also be featured in a future issue of the SCCAP’s InBalance newsletter.

Published on Thu, Jun 4, 2026 - 2:14PM