Chan Hellman

Chan M. Hellman is a professor at the University of Oklahoma and Director of The Hope Research Center and has published over 80 research studies. Chan has presented his work on hope with TEDx and has provided invited talks in Europe, United Kingdom, and the Middle East. Chan’s research is focused on hope as a psychological strength helping children and adults overcome trauma and adversity. Chan is the co-author of the award-winning book “Hope Rising: How the Science of Hope Can Change Your Life” published by Morgan James. Chan was one of five invited workshops for Jane Goodall’s Activating Hope Summit in 2021. Chan’s work was featured as a main stage presentation at the 2023 American Psychological Association convention. Chan has Co-Founded Hope Rising Oklahoma along with First Lady Sarah Stitt in their effort to make Oklahoma a hope-centered state. Chan’s work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and TIME Magazine. Chan Hellman and the Hope Research Center received the 2024 “Building Knowledge Through Research” award by the US Department of Justice – Office for Victims of Crime.

Chan Joined the University of Oklahoma in 2002 and is a Professor in the Anne & Henry Zarrow School of Social Work. Chan is also the Founding Director of The Hope Research Center and holds an Adjunct Professor appointment in the Department of Health Promotion Sciences for the OU College of Public Health.

The Hope Research Center is a student driven research and evaluation entity focused the framework of hope as a process that drives well-being. The Hope Research Center students partner with human service agencies to conduct outcome evaluations for children, adults, and/or families receiving services. The primary goal of the Hope Research Center is to make research-based practice an experiential learning opportunity for students.