Tess K. Drazdowski, Ph.D.

Research Scientist at Chestnut Health Systems

Lancaster Metropolitan Area

About

Licensed Psychologist with a dual PhD in Clinical and Developmental Psychology and extensive experience providing assessment, intervention, and consultation for youth and families across medical, community, school, and criminal legal system-involved settings. Research Scientist and NIH-funded Principal Investigator focused on translating developmental and clinical science into ethical, real-world interventions implemented by interdisciplinary teams. Strong background in identifying psychological risks, mitigating unintended harms, and supporting lived experience and ethical oversight into complex systems for underserved and priority populations.

Experience

  • Associate Director at JEAP Research Center at Chestnut Health Systems' Lighthouse Institute
    Mar 2026 - Present · 5 mos

    The JEAP Research Center advances research on substance use disorder treatment and recovery services for emerging adults and justice-involved populations. Our work focuses on identifying what works, for whom, and under what conditions to improve individual, community, and service delivery outcomes.

  • Research Scientist III at Chestnut Health Systems
    Jul 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 1 mo

  • Oregon Social Learning Center (5 yrs 4 mos)
    • Research Scientist
      Apr 2020 - Jul 2023 · 3 yrs 4 mos

    • Early Career Scientist
      Apr 2018 - Apr 2020 · 2 yrs 1 mo

  • NIDA T32 Postdoctoral Fellow at UCLA
    Sep 2016 - Apr 2018 · 1 yr 8 mos

  • Pediatric Psychology Predoctoral Resident/Intern at University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine
    Aug 2015 - Aug 2016 · 1 yr 1 mo