Professor Rhonda Williams, PhD, ABPP-RP, has been named a Fellow of Division 22 of the American Psychological Association (APA). Fellowship status is awarded to those who have made unusual and outstanding contributions to the field of psychology and whose work has had a national impact. This honor reflects Dr. Williams' achievements in research, clinical care, and mentorship.
As a clinician-scientist, Dr. Williams has authored over 90 scholarly works, which have been cited more than 2,160 times in more than 30 countries. She has played a key role in more than 30 research grants and served as co-principal investigator on major projects, including two consecutive NIH R01 grants focused on psychosocial treatments for chronic pain. As well, she has served as mentor or co-mentor on three NIH diversity supplements to her projects—thus not only training the next generation of clinical scientists, but also helping to broaden scientific perspectives.
In addition to her research, Dr. Williams is known for her commitment to mentorship. In 2019, she received the highly competitive Division 22 Mentoring Award. She has trained nearly 100 students, many of whom now hold leadership roles in the VA and throughout the field of rehabilitation psychology.
Throughout her scholarship, clinical work, and mentorship, Dr. Williams’ work is focused on improving lives. Whether it’s her research on ways improve chronic pain in her patients, or her caring mentorship to generations of emerging leaders in the field, Dr. Williams has made a demonstrable difference in the world.
Congratulations, Rhonda!