AdvancingMental Healthfor Veterans
I'm Maria Lababneh, a PhD candidate at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, dedicated to transforming veteran mental health through innovative research, community partnerships, and evidence-based interventions.
Focus Areas
- Veteran Mental Health
- Stress & Depression Research
- Community-Based Interventions
- Implementation Science
About Me
Maria Lababneh
PhD Candidate
Location
Milwaukee, WI
Originally From
Irbid, Jordan
Institution
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
Program Start
August 2024
Originally from Irbid, Jordan, I relocated to Milwaukee in August 2024 to pursue my doctorate in Health Sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. My journey into veteran mental health research is driven by a deep commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by those who have served our communities and country.
My research integrates mixed-methods approaches, community-engaged partnerships, and implementation science to bridge the gap between research findings and real-world practice. I believe that meaningful change in mental health outcomes requires not just rigorous research, but also collaboration with the communities and organizations that serve veterans daily.
Through my work, I aim to identify evidence-based interventions that are not only effective but also scalable and sustainable within existing healthcare systems. My ultimate goal is to contribute to a future where every veteran has access to the mental health support they need and deserve.
Transforming Mental HealthThrough Innovation
My research program focuses on understanding, preventing, and treating mental health challenges in veteran populations through rigorous science and compassionate care.
Stress Trajectories & Depression
Investigating longitudinal patterns of stress and their relationship to depression outcomes in veteran populations. This research employs advanced statistical modeling to identify critical intervention windows and risk factors that predict mental health trajectories over time.
Prevention & Intervention Strategies
Designing and evaluating scalable, evidence-based interventions to reduce stress symptoms and prevent depression onset. Focus on interventions that can be implemented across diverse healthcare settings and community organizations serving veterans.
Community-Engaged Research
Building meaningful partnerships with veteran service organizations, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders to ensure research is relevant, culturally sensitive, and directly responsive to the needs of those we aim to serve.
Implementation Science
Translating research findings into real-world practice through systematic study of methods to promote the integration of evidence-based interventions into routine healthcare delivery and community support systems.
Current Research Goals
My work is guided by a commitment to actionable, impactful research that directly improves the lives of veterans and their families. Each goal represents a critical step toward systemic change in how we approach veteran mental health.
Identify modifiable risk and protective factors for veteran depression
Develop culturally responsive, trauma-informed intervention protocols
Partner with clinics and community organizations for sustainable implementation
Disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications and community workshops
Advocate for policy changes that support veteran mental health services
Projects & Publications
Research initiatives translating evidence into practice and improving mental health outcomes for veterans
Veteran Stress Trajectories Study
Ongoing ResearchA comprehensive longitudinal investigation examining stress patterns and their relationship to depression outcomes in post-deployment veterans. This multi-year study employs advanced statistical modeling techniques including latent growth curve analysis and structural equation modeling to identify critical intervention windows.
Key Highlights
Expected Impact
Findings will inform the development of predictive screening tools and personalized intervention strategies
Community-Supported Resilience Training
Pilot PhaseDevelopment and pilot testing of a community-based resilience training program designed to strengthen stress management skills and prevent depression onset in veterans transitioning to civilian life. The program integrates cognitive-behavioral strategies, peer support, and community resource navigation.
Key Highlights
Expected Impact
Preliminary results show 40% reduction in stress symptoms and improved community connectedness
Implementation Feasibility & Acceptability Study
Manuscript in PreparationMixed-methods evaluation of facilitators and barriers to implementing evidence-based mental health interventions within veteran healthcare settings. This study combines quantitative implementation outcome measures with qualitative stakeholder interviews to identify strategies for successful program adoption.
Key Highlights
Expected Impact
Results will guide implementation roadmap for scaling interventions across VA and community settings
Publications & Manuscripts
Stress Trajectories as Predictors of Depression in Post-Deployment Veterans
Lababneh, M., et al.
Target: Journal of Traumatic Stress
Feasibility and Acceptability of Community-Based Resilience Training for Veterans
Lababneh, M., et al.
Target: Implementation Science
Organizational Factors in Mental Health Implementation: A Veteran Healthcare Perspective
Lababneh, M., et al.
Target: Administration and Policy in Mental Health
Additional publications and presentations in development. Stay tuned for updates.
Get in Touch
I'm always excited to connect with fellow researchers, community partners, and anyone passionate about improving veteran mental health outcomes.
Send a Message
Contact Information
Institution
University of Wisconsin–MilwaukeeLocation
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Open to Collaboration
Research Collaborations
Interdisciplinary partnerships on veteran mental health, implementation science, or community-based research
Speaking Engagements
Presentations at academic conferences, community forums, or veteran service organization events
Community Partnerships
Collaboration with organizations serving veterans to co-design and implement evidence-based programs
Mentorship & Consultation
Supporting students and early-career researchers interested in veteran mental health or implementation science
Let's Make a Difference Together
Whether you're interested in research collaboration, speaking engagements, or community partnerships, I'd love to hear from you.
Email Me: marialababneh@gmail.com