Ruta Clair, PsyD | PCOM Clinical Psychology Faculty
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RUTA CLAIR, PSYD
Associate Professor

Dr. Clair is a licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist. She has extensive clinical experience in neuropsychology and as a school psychologist. She earned a master’s degree in developmental psychology from Bryn Mawr College and her doctorate degree in school psychology from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a predoctoral internship in neuropsychology at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation. Her postdoctoral fellowship at RSM Psychology and Sports Concussion Center focused on neuropsychology across the lifespan, concussion recovery, and mental health for children and adults. Her previous academic position was the chair of the Department of Psychology and Social Work at Cabrini University. She has also worked at both public and private schools.

Dr. Clair’s clinical and research interests fall under the umbrella of health-related quality of life, development, and social factors. Her work addresses topics such as pediatric quality of life during concussion recovery, understanding of concussion risks and symptoms, impact of social isolation on stress and health, impact of mindset on learning, and coping in the face of stressors and trauma. She is dedicated to providing assessment and clinical care that considers biopsychosocial factors. She believes that in order to understand an individual’s functioning it is essential to consider their history, development, health, and environmental factors. Her teaching integrates these factors while also emphasizing a growth mindset.

Education

  • Bachelor's degree in psychology from Emory University
  • Master of Arts degree in human development from Bryn Mawr College
  • Doctor of Psychology in School Psychology from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Research

Dr. Clair’s research interests fall broadly within health-related quality of life. She is interested in the interplay between health, development, mindset, and social factors. Her work addresses topics such as pediatric quality of life during concussion recovery, understanding of concussion risks and symptoms, impact of social isolation on stress and health, impact of mindset on learning, and coping in the face of stressors and trauma.

Dr. Clair enjoys mentoring and encouraging the growth of students in research, as well as collaborating with researchers on a wide variety of topics.

Publications

Clair, R., Gordon, G., Kroon, M., & Reilly, C. (2021). The effects of social isolation on life satisfaction and quality of life during COVID-19, Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 8:28 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-02100710-3

Clair, R., Goodman, A., McCloskey, G., & Levin Allen, S. (2019). Pediatric Life After Concussion Evaluation Scale (PLACES): Utility of a survey of quality of life during recovery from concussion. International Journal of Psychological and Brain Sciences, 4(6), 56-64.

Clair, R., Levin Allen, S., Goodman, A., & McCloskey, G (2019). Gender differences in quality of life during recovery concussion. Applied Neuropsychology: Child, DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2018.155610

Select Presentations

Holland, C and Clair, R (2023). Improving student mindset in college courses. Poster Session Presented at Society for Teaching of Psychology conference, Portland, OR.

Holland, C and Clair, R (2023). An Intervention to Improve Student Mindset in College Courses. Poster Session Presented at Lily International Strategies to Advance Student Learning conference, Ashville, NC.

Clair and Mathur – Clair (2023) Applying the CURE Model to multidisciplinary neuroscience courses. Presentation at ConnectUR conference, June 2023.

Clair, R., Reed, A., Kelly, L. & Prisker, J. (2019, July). Regaining Memory After a Second Hit and Other Misconceptions About Concussion in College Athletes and Non-Athletes. Poster Session presented at American Academy of Neurology Sports Concussion Conference, Indianapolis, IN. Clair, R. (2019, March).

Memberships

  • Philadelphia Neuropsychology Society (Board member 2020-2024)
  • American Psychological Association
  • Pennsylvania Psychological Association
  • Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania
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