Kyaien O. Conner Ph.D.

Kyaien O. Conner, Ph.D., LSW, MPH, is a licensed clinical social worker and Associate Professor of Mental Health Law and Policy at the University of South Florida in the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences. She is a licensed clinical social worker by profession and is currently the Vice President of the National Alliance on Mental Illness for the State of Florida. Dr. Conner received her BS in Psychology and BA in Africana Studies from the University of Pittsburgh. She has a Master's degree in Social Work and a Master's in Public Health with a specialization in Minority Health and Health Disparities. She has a Ph.D. in Social Work and post-doctoral training in clinical geriatric psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Dr. Conner’s research investigates the factors that influence disparities in health service utilization and treatment outcomes for racial and ethnic minorities. She further examines culturally meaningful approaches to improving behavioral health for vulnerable populations. Dr. Conner is a certified trainer for Mental Health First Aid, and provides cultural competence, cultural humility, and anti-racism training across the United States. Dr. Conner has received over 2 million dollars in funding for her research on behavioral health disparities, has 40 publications that speak to the impact of her work, and she has presented at over 45 scientific conferences in the United States and Internationally.

Dr. Conner is also a professional West African Dancer and believes in the power of arts to heal health issues. She is the lead choreographer for Kuumba West African Dancers and Drummers of Tampa and leads weekly community dance and drum classes for the community to aid in healing from stress and anxiety.