Yelena Wu, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Utah and a Research Investigator at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. She received a BA in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MA and PhD in Clinical Child Psychology from the University of Kansas. She is also a licensed pediatric and clinical child psychologist.

Dr. Wu’s research and clinical practice center on promoting better health outcomes for children, adolescents, and young adults who have a history of cancer or who are at risk for developing cancer. A specific area of research interest is the prevention of skin cancer by improving adherence to preventive behavior recommendations among children and adolescents at increased risk for developing skin cancer.

Dr. Wu is currently the Principal Investigator on a 5-year project funded by National Cancer Institute (CA244674) to test a school-based program designed to increase adolescents’ use of sun protection and decrease participation in intentional tanning. Dr. David Buller, director of Research at Klein Buendel, collaborates as a Co-Investigator on the project.

In addition to her research, Dr. Wu provides consultations and therapeutic services to medical teams, patients, and caregivers to facilitate communication and aid in the management of cancer through the Family Cancer Assessment Clinic at the Huntsman Cancer Institute.