Austin Thao

Austin supports various research and evaluation projects in Wilder Research. His primary research interests include: suicide and suicide prevention, behavioral health systems, intergenerational issues within immigrant and refugee families, and loneliness.

Austin holds a Master of Social Work in clinical mental health, and a Master of Public Health in community health promotion from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. Prior to Wilder Research, Austin spent time working with Wilder’s Community Mental Health and Wellness division conducting comprehensive evaluations with adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses for their targeted case management program. He’s also worked in research labs studying topics such as: Asian and Asian American mental health, migration, loneliness, and older adult mental health.

Outside of work, Austin loves to try new local restaurants, spend time with family, karaoke, and travelling.