Pittsburgh, PA — Kelly Beck, an assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, has been awarded the prestigious $100,000 Research Brilliance Award by YourMomCares. This nonprofit, founded by celebrity mothers, is dedicated to combating the stigma surrounding children’s mental health.
The award was granted following “ShrinkTank,” a Shark Tank-style competition organized by YourMomCares in partnership with the UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation. The event sought to spotlight innovative early-career researchers addressing mental health challenges among children.
Beck earned the award for her Schools Unified in Neurodiversity (SUN) Project, which collaborates with local school districts to create safer and more inclusive environments for neurodivergent students.
“We have incredible support from the educational community in Pittsburgh,” Beck said. “Our team includes leaders from Upper St. Clair School District, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh Public Schools, ACLD Tillotson School, Penn Trafford School District, Autism Urban Connections, Inc., and local autistic advocates.”
A Successful Pilot Program
The SUN Project debuted last year in the Upper St. Clair School District, where its success demonstrated the potential of inclusive educational strategies.
“Our partnership with Upper St. Clair was very successful, which has now led to our expanded funding by YourMomCares,” Beck noted.
This initiative aligns closely with Beck’s broader research on how social adversity contributes to an increased suicide risk in individuals with autism, further highlighting her dedication to community-centered mental health solutions.
The SUN Project’s expansion is set to transform schools across Pittsburgh into inclusive spaces that support the needs of neurodivergent students, driven by the collaborative efforts of educators, advocates, and researchers.
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