Kate Watson, PsyD is a postdoctoral researcher at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs and an Associate Clinical Social Worker specializing in trauma-informed systems, organizational climate, and child and adolescent well-being. Her research focuses on how schools, child welfare organizations, and community systems can create healing-centered environments that support resilience, safety, and equity. 

Dr. Watson has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications on trauma-informed schools, school climate, foster youth experiences, and organizational change. Her dissertation research on trauma-informed schools received two national awards from the American Educational Research Association. In addition to her academic research, she has clinical experience providing trauma-informed psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and families in community mental health settings. 

At UCLA, Dr. Watson has taught and supported courses in qualitative research methods, trauma-informed public policy, and organizations and systems across in-person and online learning environments. Now at Southern California University of Health Sciences, she teaches Dissertation Development for Doctor of Psychology students.