Jonathan Wright is a prevention science researcher whose work focuses on the intersection of data science, policy, and public health. He applies artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance the use of evidence-based research in policymaking, with a particular focus on translating complex data into actionable insights for policymakers, researchers and communities.

Dr. Wright serves as the principal investigator for the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS), a statewide effort that provides critical data on youth risk and protective factors to inform substance use prevention and youth development strategies. His current projects also explore how AI and natural language processing can illuminate trends in policymaker discourse and public sentiment, aiming to strengthen the connection between research evidence and policy outcomes.

With a Ph.D. in Linguistics from the University of Oregon and postdoctoral training in behavioral and neuroscience approaches to language processing at Penn State, Dr. Wright brings a multidisciplinary lens to research translation and evidence-based policy. He is actively involved in collaborative, grant-funded projects across the fields of public health, social science, and AI ethics, and contributes to national conversations on the role of emerging technologies in prevention research.