Saelens Lab

Brian E Saelens, PhD

Brian E. Saelens, PhD, is a professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington and principal investigator at Seattle Children's Research Institute. Dr. Saelens came to Seattle in 2006, having started his faculty career at Cincinnati Children's Hospital in 2000. Dr. Saelens is trained as a clinical/health psychologist, with a bachelor's degree in psychology from Cornell University and a master's degree and PhD from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Dr. Saelens' research interests include pediatric obesity treatment and prevention. His work examines strategies to improve the efficacy and reach of family-based weight management interventions for youth with already elevated weight status. He also explores how environmental factors and policies influence physical activity and eating behaviors in children and adults. He collaborates with community partners and local public health practitioners to help implement policy, systems, and environment change around healthy eating and active living. His work has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, CDC, USDA, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. As of 2024, he has authored over 290 peer-reviewed scientific publications.