Alaina Brenick

Alaina Brenick is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Connecticut. Her research focuses on intergroup relations, prejudice reduction, and social-ecological systems, with a primary emphasis on Healthy Cities and secondary themes in People and the City and Social-Ecological Systems. She explores topics such as mindfulness-based interventions, cross-ethnic friendships, and health disparities.

Her work spans developmental psychology, social psychology, and cultural studies, addressing issues like discrimination experiences among minority groups, intergenerational effects of multiculturalism, and bullying prevention. Brenick’s publications include studies on Israeli-Jewish children’s attitudes, Black women’s healthcare engagement, and immigrant adolescents’ social integration.

Brenick advocates for evidence-based strategies to foster tolerance and equity. Her research bridges theory and practice, offering insights for educational and community programs. She can be reached at alaina.brenick@uconn.edu.