Natalie A. Blackburn

Natalie Blackburn is an implementation research scientist with extensive knowledge of using behavioral science theory, health economics, and implementation research skills to evaluate health interventions and policies. She has experience in applied implementation science, incorporating implementation science methods, including knowledge of implementation theory and frameworks, as well as stigma and health equity into evaluations of prevention policies and programs, including those specifically in the areas of HIV and substance use.

Currently, Dr. Blackburn is the lead implementation scientist on a CDC-funded research study, Adverse Community Experiences and Resilience (ACE|R) for Preventing Violence and ACEs. This study examines the ACE|R framework for community-level violence prevention through economic, social, and place-based strategies to heal trauma in communities. She also serves as lead implementation scientist on the national cross-site evaluation of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Strategic Prevention Framework for Prescription Drugs.

Before joining RTI in 2022, Dr. Blackburn led work in opioid use prevention policy implementation and evaluation at the UNC Injury Prevention Research Center.