Dr. Maureen Allwood, professor in the Department of Psychology, received the 2024 Award for Outstanding Service from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) in recognition of her extraordinary contributions. The award recognizes an ISTSS member who has made a significant and sustained contribution that has enhanced the society and helped it achieve its goals. 

Allwood, who passed away in March 2024, studied the developmental effects of trauma and violence, focusing on disproportionate impacts on different sociodemographic groups, and co-directed the Department of Psychology mentorship program for students from historically underrepresented communities and first-generation students. She also received the 2023 Scholarly Excellence Award from the Office for the Advancement of Research (OAR) and her study, “Youth Exposure to Gun, Knife and Physical Assaults,” was featured in OAR’s Impact Magazine. Additionally, she received a 2024 Mentoring and Teaching Award from the Graduate Center.

Allwood’s contributions to ISTSS included serving on the board, as secretary of the Executive Committee, chair for the Special Interest Groups, member of the Awards and Diversity Committees and deputy for the Annual Meeting submissions on Diversity and Global Issues. She was also a member of the Journal of Traumatic Stress (JTS) board and served as a contributing editor for Stress Points. 

Allwood co-authored “Global Perspectives on the Trauma of Hate-Based Violence,” published in JTS, and was an editor for a JTS Special Issue on disproportionate trauma, stress and adversities as a pathway to health disparities among disenfranchised populations. During her tenure in ISTSS leadership, Allwood helped spearhead new awards and initiatives to honor efforts that increased diversity and inclusion in the organization.

ISTSS will honor Allwood at its 2024 ISTSS Annual Meeting.