Jamie Aten

Jamie Aten, Ph.D., is a prominent disaster psychologist and the Executive Director of the Humanitarian Disaster Institute (HDI) at Wheaton College, where he also holds the Blanchard Chair of Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership. He founded HDI, which is recognized as the first faith-based academic research center in the United States focusing on disaster response and resilience.

Background and Education

Dr. Aten earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Indiana State University in 2005. His personal experiences as a survivor of Hurricane Katrina and late-stage colon cancer have profoundly influenced his work, allowing him to integrate scientific insights with spiritual perspectives on disaster recovery and resilience.123

Research and Publications

With over 100 peer-reviewed articles and several books, Dr. Aten's research has garnered more than $6 million in funding. His notable publications include A Walking Disaster: What Surviving Katrina and Cancer Taught Me About Faith and Resilience, which reflects on his personal journey through adversity.12 He has also contributed to various media outlets, including The Washington Post and Christianity Today, discussing topics related to faith, disaster response, and psychological resilience.23

Speaking Engagements and Contributions

Dr. Aten is a sought-after speaker at conferences globally, addressing themes such as disaster ministry, faith in crises, and psychological care during disasters. His contributions extend to organizations like FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security, where he provides insights on integrating faith-based approaches into disaster preparedness.23

Awards and Recognition

He has received several accolades for his work, including the Community Preparedness Champion Award from FEMA at the White House for his efforts with faith communities.3 His expertise continues to shape the field of disaster psychology, making significant impacts in both academic and practical settings.

For more information about his work and insights, you can visit his LinkedIn profile or his personal website.