Neal Wallace named 2024 OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Researcher of the Year

Dr. Neal Wallace, professor of Health Systems Management and Policy, has been named 2024 OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Researcher of the Year.

Every year, during PSU’s Research Week, the university’s Research Awards recognize faculty members who have shown outstanding work and dedication to their fields, have gone above and beyond in their research, scholarship, creative endeavors, and dedication to the success of PSU students. Recipients of the awards are selected by a committee of peers based on the significance and quality of their research and creative achievements.

Dr. Wallace is a health economist whose research focuses on quantitative evaluation of large-scale health and mental health policy and system interventions using state-of-the-art research designs. Most of his research focuses on state-level policy related to publicly funded physical health and mental health systems.

Dr. Wallace’s recent projects include evaluations of Oregon’s Patient-Centered Primary Care Home and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic programs. Prior research projects include evaluations of Oregon’s Coordinated Care Organizations, Oregon’s Behavioral Health Parity law, implementation costs of integrating primary and behavioral health care in Colorado, and Medicaid funding changes in California intended to reduce disparities in children’s receipt of mental health services.

Prior to his academic career, Dr. Wallace worked in the mental health departments of the states of Washington and New York, developing and implementing innovative public mental health interventions and systems of care.

Learn more about PSU’s Research Week and view the 2023 and 2022 past recipients of this award.