Corbin J. Standley

Data-Driven Non-Profit Leader Researcher and Suicidologist Community Psychology Ph.D. Candidate

About me

Welcome!

I'mCorbin J. Standley

Director, Impact Communication and Continuous Improvement, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Ph.D. Candidate, Ecological-Community Psychology, Michigan State University

Corbin J. Standley is a community psychologist and researcher who has worked with community-based organizations across the country to turn data and research into action to create change. His work focuses on public health and community-level approaches to suicide prevention through capacity building, equitable systems change, and policy change.

Standley’s research agenda broadly examines how social and systemic contexts impact suicidality and the role of social-ecological factors in prevention. More specifically, his work examines how oppression and marginalization, intersectionality, and social support shape youth suicide risk and prevention. His dedication to community-engaged scholarship earned him the American Association of Suicidology’s Citizen Scientist Student Award in 2020 and a nomination for Forbes 30 Under 30 in the Science category in 2021. Standley has also used this research to inform his policy work at the state and federal levels in providing testimony, helping to draft legislation, and working with legislators to prevent suicide. These efforts earned him the Sandy Martin Grassroots Field Advocate of the Year Award from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) in 2019.

Standley is the Director of Impact Communication and Continuous Improvement at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. In this role, he leads the evaluation of special initiatives and partnership projects, supports the continuous improvement of AFSP programs and initiatives, works to align evaluations with suicide prevention and best practice frameworks, leads the internal and external communication of AFSP reach and impact evaluation findings through high-quality written products for internal and external groups as well as professional and academic dissemination, and lends his DEI and translational science expertise to inform community, systems, and policy change.

Standley is also an experienced leader having served on numerous boards and coalitions. His leadership focuses on collaboration, capacity building, strategic planning, and strengthening diversity, equity, and inclusion. He is a member of the Tri-County LifeSavers Suicide Prevention Coalition and has also served as a Board Member, Board Secretary, and Board Chair for the Utah and Michigan Chapters of AFSP. In 2020, he was appointed by Governor Whitmer to serve on the Michigan Suicide Prevention Commission. His leadership in suicidology and in the community earned him the Disciplinary Leadership Award from the Council of Graduate Students at Michigan State University in 2021.

Standley has presented research and served as a keynote speaker, featured speaker, panelist, and moderator both nationally and internationally. These events have covered topics such as community mental health, equity, public policy, suicide prevention, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and coping with grief. Standley holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Weber State University (2015) and a Master of Arts degree in Ecological-Community Psychology from Michigan State University (2019). He is currently a Ph.D. Candidate in Ecological-Community Psychology at Michigan State University, where he is also a University Distinguished Fellow and Leadership Endowment Fellow.

LinkedIn View CV

Experience

Research

Community Psychology | Suicidology

Corbin's scholarship aims to turn data and research into action to create change. His work focuses on public health and community-level approaches to suicide prevention through capacity building, equitable systems change, and policy change. Broadly, his research agenda examines how social and systemic contexts impact suicidality among youth and the role of social-ecological factors in prevention.

Prevention

#BeTheVoice | #StopSuicide

Corbin has dedicated much of his time to suicide prevention efforts across Utah and Michigan, as well as at the national level. He is actively engaged in education and training efforts to teach the warning signs for suicide as well as ways to safely and effectively intervene. Corbin is also trained in suicide crisis intervention and has experience in suicide loss peer support as a support group facilitator.

Advocacy

Policy Change | Community Change

Corbin is a passionate and dedicated advocate for suicide prevention and mental health legislation. He is politically active and has advocated for policy change at the local, state, and national levels by attending rallies and engaging with legislators. He is also experienced in policy research and analysis, as well as legislative testimony.

Leadership

Strategic Planning | Collaboration

Corbin is an experienced leader having served on numerous boards and coalitions. His leadership focuses on collaboration, capacity building, strategic planning, and strengthening diversity, equity, and inclusion. He currently serves on the Michigan Suicide Prevention Commission and multiple community-based coalitions.

8

PUBLICATIONS

29

TECHNICAL REPORTS

55

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

43

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

Curriculum Vitae


Projects

CURRENT PROJECTS

Mental Health and Behavioral Services Evaluation

Evaluator and Data Consultant
Eaton RESA

Funded by a grant from the CDC through the Division of Adolescent and School Health, this grant provides for the supervision of mental health services for districts served by the Eaton Regional Education Service Agency (Eaton RESA) and aims to implement broader capacity and system-level changes to benefit the mental health and wellness of students, families, and staff in the region. In partnership with Eaton RESA, Corbin's role in this work is to establish evaluative indicators and reporting requirements and conduct a multi- and mixed-methods evaluation to assess these indicators. The evalutation prioritizes community-engaged data collection, analysis, and interpreation, and dessimination of findings.

Suicide Prevention Commission

Commission Member
Data Subcommittee Member
Policy Subcommittee Member

The purpose of the Michigan Suicide Prevention Commission is to work with state departments and agencies and nonprofit organizations on researching the causes and possible underlying factors of suicide in the state. Appointed to serve as a Commissioner by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Corbin also serves on the Data Subcommittee and helps to collect, analyze, and report data related to suicide rates, risk factors, and protective factors in the state of Michigan. He also serves on the Policy Subcommittee helping to research and develop policy recommendations to prevent suicides in Michigan. The Commission then provides research updates and policy and prevention recommendations in an annual report to State Legislature.

Re-engineering Equity

Graduate Research Assistant
Michigan State University

The goal of this project is to investigate and describe the process of approaching equity from a systems science perspective. A portion of this project is in partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to develop and pilot an Equity Impact Assessment tool to examine the ways in which under-served populations may be impacted by proposed interventions and decisions. In so doing, the aim to redress concerns surrounding the inclusion of diverse and authentic voices at the table and increase the effectiveness of community interventions.

LifeSavers Coalition Data Initiative

Research Consultant
LifeSavers Coalition

The goal of this project is to dive deeper into the MiPHY data and other data sources in order to better understand the salience of youth suicide in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties and determine the relevant risk factors, indicators, and protective factors. The LifeSavers Coalition is a group of concerned citizens and professionals from diverse backgrounds dedicated to developing innovative and effective strategies for youth suicide prevention in the tri-county area. Corbin's role in this academic-community partnership is to work with the coalition and its representatives, analyze relevant data, and report on the resultant findings. Below is a series of reports regarding the incidence, risk factors, and protective factors for youth suicide in mid-Michigan.


PREVIOUS PROJECTS

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Toolkit

Board Chairman
AFSP Michigan

The goal of this project is to develop a continuous action learning process aimed at increasing the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Michigan Chapter. The project includes a comprehensive DEI framework based on best practices in community psychology, organizational and systems science, and diversity science. The project involves reflection, critical questions, and suggested activities for Chapter leadership and is designed to ensure the Chapter better represents and supports the communities it aims to serve.

Partnerships for Success Grant

Data and Research Consultant, 2020-2021
Eaton RESA

Funded by a grant from SAMHSA through the Mid-State Health Network, the Partnerships for Success program aims to to prevent the onset and reduce the progression of substance use and its related problems while strengthening prevention capacity and infrastructure at the community and state level. In partnership with Eaton RESA, Corbin's role in this work is to support the implementation of the PFS program; aggregate, analyze, and disseminate data on substance use and related outcomes; collect and analyze qualitative data related to these outcomes; and empower community partners to use these data to support youth and develop and implement evidence-based programming.

BC Equitable Early Childhood System

Co-Principal Investigator, 2019
Michigan State University

Funded by a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, this initiative is designed to promote an equitable early childhood system in Battle Creek to ensure the needs of children and families are equitably met. It aims to expand the capacity and quality of the system through engagement of local stakeholders in shared learning, cooperative planning, and group action toward systems change. The project is supported by a research-based, action-oriented system building infrastructure designed to advance equity and ensure access to quality early childhood experiences for the most vulnerable families in Battle Creek.

BC Pulse Survey

Data Coordinator, 2018-2019
Michigan State University

The Pulse Survey is a collaborative data-collection effort designed to help stakeholders understand the conditions affecting the families of vulnerable children ages 0-8 in Battle Creek, Michigan. The intent is to explore and improve the delivery of health, education, and financial services and supports to those families. The survey was developed by a team representing organizations that provide health, education, and financial services and supports in the Battle Creek community. The project is intentionally designed to understand where and how disparities emerge in order to combat inequities within the community.

State Innovation Model

Graduate Research Assistant, 2017-2019
Michigan State University

Funded by a grant from the CMMS, the state of Michigan is testing and implementing an innovative model for delivering and paying for health care throughout the state. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) leads the initiative and has organized its work under three main umbrellas: Population Health, Care Delivery, and Technology. The MSU research team is investigating effective strategies and interventions for accomplishing these goals. Corbin's role in this project is as a member of the Community Health Innovation Regions (CHIRs) evaluation team working on survey design, data visualization, qualitative study design, literature review, and stakeholder engagement.

CCS "Bridging the Gap" Evaluation

Student Community Research Coordinator, 2015
Weber State University CCEL

Designed, administered, and collected data for a survey to evaluate both the effectiveness and perceptions of the "Bridging the Gap" mobile pantry program. Analyzed and reported findings for the study. The program was designed to deliver healthy foods to elementary school children in Title I schools in Ogden, Utah.

Minority College Student Retention Initiative

Student Research Assistant, 2014
Weber State University CCEL

Conducted a comprehensive literature search and wrote a comprehensive literature review on the contributing and protective factors for minority college student attrition. The report also included recommendations for interventions aimed at increasing underrepresented student retention and graduation rates at Weber State University.

Community Partner Survey Analysis

Student Community Research Coordinator, 2014
Weber State University CCEL

Organized and analyzed survey data and developed a comprehensive findings report for the Community Partner Survey for the Center for Community Engaged Learning. This 80-item survey assessed the effectiveness and perceptions of CCEL's tiered community partnership program, as well as overall impressions of the CCEL from community partners throughout the state of Utah.

Ogden United Promise Neighborhood Initiative

Student Research Coordinator, 2013-2015
Weber State University

Collected, entered, analyzed, and managed data related to the OUPN initiative. Conducted literature reviews and program evaluations for projects related to the initiative. Conducted door-to-door surveys for the Community Needs Assessment. Managed the projects website and social media platforms. Designed research reports and findings for stakeholders and community members.


Publications

PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS

Reid, M. R., Standley, C. J., & Buchanan, N. T. (2023). Suicidality and serious mental illness among diverse and disenfranchised populations: A spotlight on hidden suffering. In H. S. Friedman & C. H. Markey (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Mental Health, 3rd Edition. Amsterdam: Elsevier. DOI

Robertson, R. A., Standley, C. J., Gunn III, J. F., & Opara, I. (2022). Structural indicators of suicide: An exploration of state-level risk factors among Black and White people in the United States, 2015-2019. Journal of Public Mental Health, 21(1), 23-34. DOI

Standley, C. J. & Foster-Fishman, P. (2021). Intersectionality, Social Support, and Youth Suicidality: A Socioecological Approach to Prevention. Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior, 51(2), 203-211. DOI

Standley, C. J. (2021). Using Community Psychology Values to Foster State-Level Change. The Community Psychologist, 54(1), 32-34. PDF Link

Standley, C. J. (2020). Expanding our paradigms: Intersectional and socioecological approaches to suicide prevention. Death Studies, 46(1), 224-232. DOI

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

"Congress Must Act Now to Prevent Suicide"

Op-Ed

Lansing State Journal | July 16, 2021

"Putting the Unity in Community"

Blog Post

AFSP Real Stories Blog| March 25, 2021

"The Truth About Suicide in Solitary Confinement"

Op-Ed

Lansing State Journal | October 28, 2020

"Policy Change to Prevent Suicide"

Blog Post

netECR Blog | September 10, 2020

"COVID-19 and Suicide: Prioritizing Our Well-Being"

Blog Post

MSU Science Communications Blog | March 30, 2020

"Holistic Public Policy Can Save Young Lives"

Op-Ed

Lansing State Journal | March 6, 2020

"Out of the Darkness: Prevention and Advocacy as Healing"

Book Chapter

Still With Us: Voices of Sibling Suicide Loss Survivors | 2019

Awards

COGS Disciplinary Leadership Award

Michigan State University

Fall 2021 - Spring 2022

Citizen Scientist Student Award

American Association of Suicidology

April, 2020

National Sandy Martin Grassroots Field Advocate of the Year

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

June, 2019

Graduate School University Distinguished Fellowship

Michigan State University

Fall 2017 - Spring 2022

Utah Campus Compact Presidential Award - Community Engaged Alumnus

Weber State University

March, 2017

Honors Program Nye Outstanding Senior Award

Weber State University

April, 2015

Dean's Merit Award Winner

Weber State University

2014-2015 Academic Year

Department of Psychology Scholarship

Weber State University

2013, 2014, 2015

J.W. Marriott Scholarship

Weber State University

2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

Mower, Barry, & Kathy Scholarship

Weber State University

2012-2013 Academic Year


Press & Media

More than 50 research studies worldwide have found that certain types of news coverage can increase the likelihood of suicide in vulnerable individuals. The magnitude of the increase is related to the amount, duration, and prominence of coverage. Risk of additional suicides increases when the story explicitly describes the suicide method, uses dramatic/ graphic headlines or images, and repeated/extensive coverage sensationalizes or glamorizes a death. Covering suicide carefully, even briefly, can change public misperceptions and correct myths, which can encourage those who are vulnerable or at risk to seek help. For more information about reporting on suicide, visit afsp.org/journalists or reportingonsuicide.org.

MEDIA COVERAGE

"Featured Researcher Corbin J. Standley"

Interview with Lauren Schostak

Interview about suicide prevention research.
MHRC | October 4, 2021; East Lansing, MI

"I'm Listening"

Interview with Jackie Paige

Live radio interview about suicide prevention.
WWJ950 | September 23, 2021; Lansing, MI

"Corbin Standley, Chairman for AFSP Michigan"

Interview with Michael Shiels

Live radio interview about suicide prevention.
Big Show | September 16, 2021; Lansing, MI

"Out of the Darkness"

Interview with Katie England

Interview about suicide prevention work
Wildcat Magazine | February, 2021; Lansing, MI

"Suicide Prevention Month"

Interview with Kalie Marantette

Interview about National Suicide Prevention Month
WLNS | September 20, 2020; Lansing, MI

"September is Suicide Prevention Month"

Interview with Amy Andrews

Interview about National Suicide Prevention Month
FOX 2 Detroit | September 2, 2020; Detroit, MI

"Using Empties to Prevent Suicide"

Interview with Kellan Buddy

Interview about local suicide prevention fundraiser
WILX News 10 | April 30, 2020; Lansing, MI

"Break Down the Walls No. 2"

Podcast on Punk Rock Pariah

Interview about suicide, social justice, and COVID-19
Punk Rock Pariah | April 15, 2020

"New Commission to Tackle Suicide Rate"

Profile with Kyle Davidson

Article about Suicide Prevention Commission
Spartan Newsroom | April 10, 2020; East Lansing, MI

"Anti-Bullying, Suicide Bills Languish"

Interview with Rachel Greco

Article about suicide prevention legislation
Lansing State Journal | February 2, 2020; Lansing, MI

"Rural Schools Hit Hard by Teen Suicides"

Interview with Katrianna Ray

Article about teen suicides in Michigan
Capital News Service | January 31, 2020; Lansing, MI

"Youth Suicide Prevention"

Podcast on Sci-Files

Podcast interview about master’s thesis research and suicide prevention.
Impact89 | November 17, 2019; Lansing, MI

"Suicide Rising Among Seniors in Lansing"

Interview with Kara Berg

Article about rising suicide rates among seniors and young adults.
LSJ | September 27, 2019; Lansing, MI

"Corbin Standley, AFSP Michigan Chair"

Interview with Michael Shiels

Live radio interview about suicide prevention walks in Michigan.
Big Show | September 10, 2019; Lansing, MI

"Mental Health Parity Impacts Empolyees"

Interview with Carol Thompson

Article about mental health parity and state employees in Michigan.
LSJ | August 6, 2019; Lansing, MI

"Push for Prevention Commission Continues"

Interview with Mikenzie Frost

On-site interview about SB228 establishing a state suicide prevention commission.
WWMT | June 20, 2019; Lansing, MI

"WSU Grant to Support Suicide Prevention"

Interview with Mike Anderson

On-site interview about suicide prevention grant.
KSL 5 | December 20, 2018; Centerville, UT

"Thousands Walk for Suicide Prevention"

Interview with HOMTV

On-site interview about AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk.
HOMTV | October 1, 2018; Lansing, MI

"Suicide Prevention in Michigan"

Interview with Michael Shiels

Live radio interview about suicide prevention efforts in Michigan.
Big Show | September 18, 2018; Lansing, MI

"A Conversation That Could Save a Life"

Interview with Deja Green

In-studio interview about National Suicide Prevention Week.
HOMTV | September 11, 2018; Lansing, MI

"Death by Suicide: One Man's Story"

Interview with Cryss Walker

On-site interview about suicide loss and prevention.
WILX News 10 | May 11, 2018; Lansing, MI

"Shedding Light on Suicide Prevention and Awareness"

Panel with Mike Scott

Live in-studio panel about suicide prevention in mid-Michigan.
HOMTV Open Line | May 3, 2018; Okemos, MI

"LGBTQ Suicide and Prevention Focus of Local Conference"

Interview with Glen Mills

On-site interview about LGBTQ+ suicide prevention conference in Utah.
ABC 4 News | April 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT

"WSU Hosts Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk"

Interview with Glen Mills

Live in-studio interview about suicide prevention in Utah.
ABC 4 News | April 14, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT

"Students Research: What's Really on Your Mind?"

Article by Rachel Badali

Article about research on social media usage and personality types.
Wildcat Magazine | Spring, 2016; Ogden, UT


"Hope and Healing at OOTD Campus Walk"

Story by Sarah Welliver

Photos and interview about WSU suicide prevention walk.
The Standard-Examiner | March 19, 2016; Ogden, UT

"Narcisissts don't like to be Unfriended"

Article by Becky Wright

Article about research on social media usage and personality types.
The Standard-Examiner | October 30, 2015; Ogden, UT

"Wildcats Present Research on Capitol Hill"

Article by Raychel Johnson

Article and interview about Day at the Capitol research conference.
The Signpost | March 3, 2014; Salt Lake C, UT


Consulting

Corbin is available for public speaking engagements and consulting services related to research, data analysis, and writing. Contact me for further details regarding consulting fees for such services.

Public Speaking

Corbin has a broad range of experience in public speaking. He has presented research and served as a keynote speaker, featured speaker, panelist, and moderator both nationally and internationally. These events have covered topics such as community mental health, equity, public policy, suicide prevention, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and coping with grief. Having been trained in multiple suicide prevention curricula and programs, Corbin uses his personal experiences and education to provide creative insights and inspiring stories surrounding mental health and the prevention of suicide.

Research & Data Analysis

Corbin is a community-engaged researcher with experience in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research. He is experienced in data analysis and visualization, survey development, and conducting focus groups and interviews. He is also experienced in turning research and data into accessible and brief technical reports and presentations to effectively translate findings. Corbin has also conducted numerous data sense-making sessions and informal discussions aimed at developing actionable steps based on research findings including strategic planning, policy change, and capacity building.

Writing & Editing

Corbin has a range of experience in professional and technical writing. He has written technical reports related to suicide incidence and risk factors, training manuals, and policy analysis and recommendations. Corbin also has grant writing experience and has written numerous editorials and web blogs. He is also experienced in editing for both print and web.

Training Certifications

Corbin has been trained and certified in multiple suicide prevention and mental health curricula:

- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
- QPR (Question. Persuade. Refer.)
- safeTALK
- Talk Saves Lives (Can Teach)
- Mental Health First Aid
- Youth Mental Health First Aid


Resources

I'm Struggling (or Someone I Know is Struggling)

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. This resource is not only for those struggling personally, but also for those needing advice about how to talk to someone else who may be struggling.


In talking with someone who may be struggling, take the person seriously, stay with them, and help them remove lethal means. If need be, escort them to mental health services or an emergency room.


I've Lost Someone


Other Resources


Corbin J. Standley, M.A.
Lansing, Michigan