HMHI Research Spotlight: Anne V. Kirby, PhD
This month we are highlighting Anne Kirby, PhD. Dr. Kirby is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) and an Assistant Professor of Occupational & Recreational Therapies in the University of Utah College of Health. Her research focuses on mental health in the autistic and transgender communities, with a particular focus on suicide risk and prevention. Her work with the transgender community has helped inform care at HMHI and increased our relationship and involvement with University of Utah Health's Transgender Health Program.
We asked Dr. Kirby a few questions about her research, her work and what she enjoys doing when she is not working!
What is your area/areas of specialty?
I am an occupational therapist by training. My current research focuses on mental health in the autistic and transgender communities. I like to integrate qualitative methods (which integrate individual community member perspectives) and quantitative methods (which show larger patterns and relationships).
"My favorite thing is to meet with and learn directly from community members. I get so much out of hearing from their perspectives of what research needs to focus on."
Anne Kirby, PhD
What do you love most about the work that you do?
My favorite thing is to meet with and learn directly from community members. I get so much out of hearing from their perspectives of what research needs to focus on. And I love collaborating with people who have lived experience related to research. These aspects of the process keep me energized about research and its potential to make real changes in the community.
What is the latest update(s) on your research?
We recently completed a series of focus groups with transgender community members to examine their perspectives about suicide risks and protective factors. This has been an informative study and demonstrates how many different facets of life impact mental health. For example, participants talked about the impact of things like their interpersonal relationships, healthcare encounters, policies, and pre-existing conditions contributing to their risk of suicide. That qualitative work will be complemented by a large-scale study we are currently conducting looking at the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and actions among transgender people.
How does the research you do help patients?
We are working to try to understand things that are damaging to and helpful for mental health in unique populations. We hope that this knowledge can be translated into improved services and support for high-risk groups.
What research are you hoping to work on next?
I am in the preliminary stages of a community-based participatory research project focused on autistic mental health and suicide prevention. I am currently working with a team of eight autistic adult community partners to collaboratively gather data about suicide risks. After, we will develop an educational program to improve awareness of suicide risks and enhance prevention efforts. This project is funded
What are you passionate about outside of work?
I love to travel, spend time outdoors, and cook and eat delicious food.