Hannah Swerbenski, M.A.
Bio
I am currently a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Rochester, studying under Drs. Melissa Sturge-Apple and Sheree Toth. I have completed the Developmental Psychopathology Specialization and Certification in Quantitative Methods, and anticipate completing my PhD in August 2024. 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.
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.
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.