Carolyn R. Bates, Ph.D.

Professional Background

Dr. Carolyn Bates is a pediatric psychologist and assistant professor in the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Sciences within the Department of Pediatrics. Within the University of Kansas Cancer Center, she is the Research Program Liaison for the Obesity, Metabolic Health and Cancer Program and the Research Program Director for the Survivorship Transitions Clinic. Her research aims to improve health outcomes among children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer or cancer history. Clinically, she provides outpatient psychotherapy through the Department of Pediatrics and integrated behavioral health care through the Survivorship Transitions Clinic.

• BA, Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
• MA, Clinical Psychology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
• PhD, Clinical Psychology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
• Internship, Pediatric Psychology, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
• Post Doctoral Fellowship, Pediatric Psychology, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO

• Society of Behavioral Medicine, Child and Family Health SIG Advisory Board, Member, 2022 - 2026
• Society of Pediatric Psychology, Member, 2017 - Present
• American Psychological Association, Member, 2015 - Present
• Society of Behavioral Medicine, Member, 2015 - Present

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Research

Overview

Dr. Bates' program of research focuses on improving pediatric cancer outcomes through health behavior interventions. She has experience conducting qualitative and mixed-method research examining the impact of stress on adjustment to cancer diagnosis, and how positive health behaviors may buffer the impact of stress on health and wellbeing. Dr. Bates' current work centers on adapting and pilot testing a family-based health promotion intervention to meet the specific needs of families of youth with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She is also involved in a growing program of research centered on improving transition to adult healthcare for adolescents and young adults with cancer or cancer history.

• A Healthy Weight Intervention for Family Stress during the Early Phases of ALL Treatment: NOURISH-ALL, National Cancer Institute, PI

• Bates CR, Van Asselt* A, Gilbert* RM, Okuno* H, Dean KM, August KJ, Befort CA, Stern M, Davis AM. 2025. Adaptation of family-based health promotion to pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment: NOURISH-ALL.. Annals of behavioral medicine, 59 (1)