Olga Kornienko, Ph.D.

Dr. Olga Kornienko is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology (Applied Developmental Program). She earned her Ph.D. in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University. Her research examines developmental, cultural, psychological, and biological antecedents and consequences of peer social networks. She is particularly interested in how social network structure and dynamics promote and constrain adolescent and young adult outcomes across multiple domains, including psychological adjustment, ethnic-racial identity development, intergroup peer relationships, and biological processes, which underpin stress, social status, and immunity. Dr. Kornienko's current research focuses on understanding the role of peer ethnic-racial socialization as well as the benefits and challenges of intergroup connections (i.e., across race and ethnicity) in the networks of diverse youth. She also investigates the role of cultural assets and social network resources for adolescent development and health as they transition into and navigate college. She has 35 peer reviewed publications, six book chapters, 69 scientific conference presentations as well as numerous invited talks. Her work has been funded by the Spencer Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. She serves on the editorial boards of Developmental Psychology and Journal of Youth and Adolescence.