Dr. Mary Velasquez

Biography

Mary Velasquez is a Centennial Professor and Director of the Health Behavior Research Training Institute at the University of Texas at Austin, where she specializes in behavioral sciences and their application to public health. She holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology and a Ph.D. in behavioral sciences from the University of Texas Health Science Center-School of Public Health. With over 20 years of experience, her research has been significantly supported by the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, focusing on the development and implementation of interventions using the Transtheoretical Model and Motivational Interviewing. Her work spans areas such as integrated primary care, brief interventions, prenatal health, and HIV prevention, as well as behavioral health regarding alcohol and substance abuse. Additionally, she emphasizes educating graduate students and health professionals on the use of brief motivational interventions in medical settings, enhancing treatment adherence and behavior change. Recognized internationally, she is a founding member of the Steering Committee of the International Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers and has authored numerous books, journal articles, and book chapters on these topics.

Research Interests