Harry Adynski, PhD, RN, PMH-BC
Assistant Professor | UCSF School of Nursing
Harry Adynski, PhD, RN, is an Assistant Professor in the UCSF School of Nursing whose research focuses on understanding the social and biological drivers of mental health and well-being among children, adolescents, and their families. Drawing on his background in nursing and psychology, his interdisciplinary research examines how early life social adversity, chronic stress, and other social determinants of health influence child development and mental health. His scholarship aims to generate evidence that informs strategies to improve mental health outcomes and promote health equity.
Through their work with the Children, Health, Intervention, Learning, and Development (CHILD) Research Group, Dr. Adynski and Karina Huus, PhD, RN, Professor at Jönköping University in Sweden, are advancing global nursing research by integrating expertise in nursing, public health, psychology, and epidemiology to address health inequities through population-based research and evidence-based interventions.
From research to the global stage, they presented their research at the 2025 International Council of Nurses (ICN) Congress in Helsinki, extend the impact of their research among clinicians, researchers, and policymakers worldwide. Their recent study, published in the Journal of Pediatric Nursing, "Investigating Mental Health and Attendance Disparities Among Sexual and Gender Minority Youth in Sweden," analyzed data from more than 5,000 adolescents in Jönköping County, Sweden. Guided by the Minority Stress Model and Keyes' framework of well-being, the study examined differences in emotional, psychological, and social well-being, school climate, bullying and violence exposure, psychological distress, and school attendance. The findings demonstrated that sexual and gender minority youth experience significantly lower well-being, greater exposure to bullying and violence, increased psychological distress, and higher rates of missed school than their peers. The study also identified psychological well-being and teacher support as important protective factors, while school stress and exposure to sexual violence were key risk factors, providing actionable evidence to inform pediatric and school nursing practice and the development of targeted, school-based interventions.
Dr. Adynski and Dr. Huus are also recipients of the 2026–2027 UCSF Center for Global Nursing Research Seed Award. The CGN Seed Award will support the next phase of this partnership as Dr. Adynski and Dr. Huus investigate substance use risk profiles among Swedish adolescents and their relationships with mental health, school environments, and other social determinants of health. The funding will also support continued international dissemination and collaboration, including participation in the CHILD Research Group’s 20th Anniversary Celebration at Jönköping University, further strengthening the partnership between UCSF and colleagues in Sweden,
In addition to his research, Dr. Adynski is committed to educating and mentoring the next generation of nurse scientists through teaching, mentorship, and collaborative scholarship. His dedication to research, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration continues to strengthen nursing science and improve the health and well-being of children and adolescents.
We are honored to recognize Dr. Adynski for his contributions to global nursing research, leadership in advancing child and adolescent mental health, and commitment to fostering meaningful international partnerships that strengthen nursing science and improve health outcomes worldwide.