Hannah Swerbenski, Ph.D.
Bio
I am currently a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Mt Hope Family Center working under the TRANSFORM P50 Grant. Under the guidance of Dr. Jennie Noll, my postdoctoral research focuses on biological embedding of stress following exposure to childhood sexual abuse and policy-oriented approaches to reducing abuse and neglect. I recently completed my Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology at the University of Rochester, advised by Drs. Melissa Sturge-Apple and Sheree Toth. I have completed the Developmental Psychopathology Specialization and Advanced Certification in Quantitative Methods. In my downtime, I enjoy a good cup of coffee, reading, and hanging out with my two pet rabbits, Chicory and Toulouse.
Education
I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Tulane University in 2017, with majors in Psychology, Cognitive Studies, and Asian Studies, as well as a minor in Philosophy. I received my M.A. in Developmental Psychology in December 2023 and my Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology in August 2024, both from the University of Rochester.
Research Interests
Broadly construed, my research interests concern developmental psychopathology and the intergenerational transmission of adversity. In particular, I am interested in how early experiences of child abuse and neglect impact parenting in the next generation and disentangling physiological and psychological mediating mechanisms of this association. My current research program also focuses on mechanisms of biological embedding of stress following exposure to childhood sexual abuse, particularly using advanced longitudinal modeling methods.
I use a variety of quantitative methods in my research, including structural equation modeling and person-centered approaches. I strive to capture multilevel and multimethod data in my research and have developed expertise in narrative and observational coding methods. In line with strengths-based approaches, I seek to identify protective factors that may buffer or break associations between early adversity and negative developmental sequelae in my research. Finally, I aim to contribute to science communication, psychoeducation, and child maltreatment prevention through my work on Project PROMISE and the TRANSFORM Research Center.