Meet Brian Chu, Ph.D.

About ABCT

Brian Chu, Ph.D.

Professor, Rutgers University

Candidate for ABCT Representative-at-Large 2025–28

Watch Dr. Chu answer questions from ABCT’s SIGs.

Timestamp for each question

00:17 What is your main vision for ABCT?

04:40 In light of recent challenges affecting DEI priorities, how do you see yourself supporting diverse students and scholars within ABCT (e.g., professional development, presentation and dissemination of their work, grants and other support)?

09:48 What do you see as training gaps for training the future of CBT practitioners and how would you address those gaps in your role?

Autobiography

As Professor and Chancellor Scholar at Rutgers University, I have a diverse professional experience that makes me uniquely qualified to meet the varied needs of this Representative-at-Large role. For 20 years, I have mentored students through Clinical Science PhD and Clinical PsyD programs and at the Master’s level. I have conducted independent research and garnered diverse funding from federal, state, and foundation sources. My work with families and youth with anxiety and depression connects me to the experience of everyday life. I continue to actively provide direct clinical services, and I train doctoral students in evidence-based assessment and treatment. I have served administrative and leadership roles at my university and for professional organizations.

My work has reflected traditional controlled research as well as community participatory efforts. Since my first year in graduate school, I have been continuously active at ABCT throughout its governance, serving multiple roles within the Child and Adolescent Anxiety SIG (e.g., Leader, Newsletter Editor), as member on the Finance, Fellows, and Publications committees, and as Associate Editor and Editor in Chief of our practice-focused journal, Cognitive & Behavioral Practice. I have attended and presented at all but one conference since my first year in graduate school at Temple University, through internship at VA Palo Alto, and postdoc at UCLA. It would be a great honor to represent the membership as Representative-at-Large.

Position Statement

These are challenging times. Research funding, independent inquiry, and the voices and rights of the under-represented and vulnerable are all in jeopardy. This is a critical inflection point for society and our field. Psychology, especially contextually-based behavioral sciences and practices, has a crucial role to play. Engagement through independent science, policy advocacy, direct service, and education/training is key. Behavioral professions are built for this moment.

ABCT already advances this kind of action through its academic mission, community engagement, partnerships with national and international allies, and support for students and professionals. The Representative-at-Large and Liaison to Academic and Professional programs serves as liaison to a diverse array of committees, from Academic Training and Educational Standards, to Research Facilitation, International Associates, Awards and Recognition, and Dissemination and Implementation. The connective thread amongst these committees is reach, access, support, and promotion. As Rep-at-Large, I would:

1. Support our members, especially students and the under-resourced, to amplify their work.

2. Spotlight members and organizations making impactful changes.

3. Extend community engagement to support and learn from local organizations.

4. Identify creative forms of independent research to weather funding fluctuations.

5. Support efforts to modernize our training and education standards to meet the demands of these unique times.

I aim to connect our committees to identify synergies and strengthen our impact. I will lead efforts to ensure diversity in our committees and membership, reflecting our modern world. I will work to help our members feel connected and keep our organization relevant and impactful.