In the News

A Harvard Gazette article explores findings from Katie McLaughlin, incoming executive director of the Ballmer Institute, on how poverty impacts children’s brain development and how policy interventions may reduce long‑term harm.

Research co‑authored by Katie McLaughlin, incoming executive director of the Ballmer Institute, demonstrates that state‑level cost of living and anti‑poverty programs meaningfully shape the relationship between family income, brain development, and youth mental health.

Ballmer Faculty Leadership Council member Nick Allen shares insight on how patterns of phone use—not just screen time—may affect mental health and day‑to‑day functioning.

After nearly a year of behind-the-scenes planning, changes to the new northeast Portland campus will start to be more visible this month.

School-based depression prevention programs may reduce the risk of depression diagnoses and depressive symptoms in K-12 students, according to new findings from University of Oregon researchers.

Research co‑authored by Leslie Leve, Ballmer Institute affiliate faculty member, reveals that children’s genetic traits can influence how parents respond to them—offering new insight into the dynamic relationship between genetics, parenting, and early mental health development.

Commissioned by the Ballmer Institute and produced by the HEDCO Institute, this comprehensive evidence review synthesizes decades of research to identify effective approaches for preventing depression across development.

A Barron’s feature examines how philanthropists—including the Ballmer Institute—are increasingly investing in mental health, reflecting a shift toward prevention, systems change, and long‑term solutions.

March 1st marks the one-year anniversary of the launch of The Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health at the University of Oregon. As we reflect on this past year, we are filled with gratitude to our incredible faculty, our talented staff, our strong school district partners, and you - our vast community.

John Karl Scholz will succeed UO’s last president, who left the university for a job at Northwestern.

Concordia News reports that Katie McLaughlin, PhD, has been named the inaugural executive director of the Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health (page 5).

Leaders from the Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health joined student mental health roundtable with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, and Portland Public Schools leaders to discuss systems‑level solutions and collaboration.

A KGW report examines the mental health challenges facing teens in Portland Public Schools, echoing the urgency highlighted in Ballmer Institute–convened discussions with education, state, and federal leaders.

OPB reports on a youth mental health roundtable with Oregon state and Portland Public Schools leadership that included Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health leaders and identified the Institute as one of several initiatives addressing youth mental health needs.

A KGW video highlights the appointment of Katie McLaughlin, PhD, as the Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health’s first executive director.