Suniya S. Luthar

[3][4][5] Her studies of adolescents in high achieving schools (HASs), usually in relatively affluent communities, have revealed elevated problems in several areas, particularly substance use and emotional distress.

[12] [13] Luthar's programmatic work on HAS youth has now brought national recognition, in major policy reports, that this group is among those at heightened risk for adjustment difficulties.

In a 2019 report by the National Academies of Science, Education, and Medicine, youth in HASs were again listed among those especially vulnerable along with children in deep poverty, those in the foster care system, and those with incarcerated parents.

Luthar's Authentic Connections Groups intervention has been recognized, in the National Academies' 2019 report, as a promising approach to foster resilience among at-risk children and families.

Luthar's work has been widely cited in the national and international press, including outlets such as the New York Times, CNN, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, NPR, and the Atlantic.

In 2005, Luthar was elected by faculty colleagues to be chair of the Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University, taking over for Professor Madonna Constantine, who was to go on sabbatical.

In April 2009, the Asian Caucus of the Society for Research in Child Development honored Luthar with an award citing her “mentorship, courage, and integrity”.