Kate B. Nooner

Dr. Kate Brody Nooner is a Full Professor and the Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Policy, Research, and Innovation in the College of Science and Engineering (CSE) at UNCW. With over two decades of experience in higher education, Dr. Nooner is a distinguished scholar and leader in academic administration spearheading strategic initiatives focused on equity, accessibility, and research advancement. She is part of the leadership team of a college with a $40 million budget, supporting over 250 faculty and staff and more than 3,500 students.

Dr. Nooner also served as chair and associate chair of the Department of Psychology. Dr. Nooner has been instrumental in leading the development and execution of strategic plans and policies to promote faculty and staff success. Her leadership has been pivotal in the establishment of interdisciplinary programs and critical partnerships, enhancing UNCW's scholarship profile.

Her dedication to fostering belonging in academic environments has earned her recognition across the university and beyond.

Education

Board Certified in Clinical Psychology, American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP)
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, UCSD/SDSU Joint Doctoral Program
Residency in Clinical Child Psychology, Columbia University Medical Center
M.S. in Clinical Psychology, San Diego State University
B.A. in Psychology, Wellesley College

Specialization in Teaching

Dr. Nooner is a committed educator who fosters an engaging and supportive learning environment for undergraduate and graduate students. She teaches a range of psychology courses, including undergraduate statistics and graduate clinical interviewing skills, focusing on experiential learning.

Dr. Nooner also plays a critical role in the clinical supervision of doctoral students within UNCW’s APA-accredited Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program. Her supervision emphasizes evidence-based therapeutic interventions, preparing students to meet the highest standards of clinical practice.

Dr. Nooner’s mentorship extends to chairing numerous undergraduate honor's theses, master's theses, and doctoral dissertations, where she guides students through the research process. Her impact on student development is reflected in the success of her mentees throughout their careers.

Research Interests

Dr. Nooner’s research is driven by a focus on neurodevelopment, substance use, and the impact of childhood trauma on mental health. She has authored or co-authored over 60 peer-reviewed publications and has presented her work at more than 50 national and international conferences.

Dr. Nooner is the principal investigator on numerous NIH- and NSF-funded grants, representing millions in external research funding. As the leader of UNCW’s Trauma and Resilience Laboratory, she involves undergraduate, master's, and Ph.D. students in her research through directed individual studies, honors theses, and doctoral dissertations, providing them with hands-on experience in research. Her projects include examining biomarkers for underage binge drinking in adolescents and contributing to the National Consortium on Alcohol and Neurodevelopment in Adolescence (NCANDA).

Dr. Nooner is honored to lead an NSF-ADVANCE Catalyst grant at UNCW titled UNC-by-the-S.E.A. (STEM Equity Access), an initiative aimed at promoting success for women faculty in STEM.

Professional Service

Dr. Kate Brody Nooner is deeply committed to professional service within the university and broader academic community.

At UNCW, she has held several leadership roles, including Vice President of the Faculty Senate, where she worked to promote shared governance and equity in faculty representation. She currently serves as a member of the North Carolina Psychology Licensing Board, where she contributes to the regulation of the psychology profession in the state.

Dr. Nooner is also the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Health Service Psychology, where she has led efforts to enhance the journal’s impact and inclusivity. In addition, she has served as a reviewer and panelist for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and contributed her expertise as a site visitor for the American Psychological Association (APA) accreditation of clinical psychology doctoral programs.

Dr. Nooner’s service to the profession underscores her dedication to advancing the field of psychology and supporting the next generation of scholars and clinicians.

Community Engagement

Dr. Nooner is the founding director of the General Psychotherapy and Assessment Clinic, UNCW’s first community clinic for its Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program. This mental health clinic serves as a vital resource for the community, providing affordable assessment and treatment services while offering doctoral students evidence-based clinical experience. Through her leadership, the clinic has secured significant donor funding, allowing it to expand its services and reach.

Dr. Nooner has also developed strong partnerships with New Hanover County Health and Human Services, collaborating on initiatives that address the mental health needs of adolescents. Dr. Nooner’s community engagement reflects her commitment to bridging academic training with real-world impact, improving access to psychological care, reducing health disparities, and decreasing mental health stigma.

Honors & Awards

James F. Merritt Million Dollar Research Award
Higher Education Resource Services (HERS) Institute Fellow
NIH-NIMH – UC Davis/SDSU ERP Bootcamp Fellow
UNC-CH Frank Porter Graham Institute Fellow