Olga Kornienko

Dr. Olga Kornienko is an Associate Professor of Applied Developmental Psychology at George Mason University. Her research examines how peer social networks influence psychological adjustment, intergroup processes, health, and ethnoracial minority youth development. She employs longitudinal designs, social network analysis, and multi-method assessments including salivary biomarkers.

Education includes:

• Ph.D. in Family and Human Development, Arizona State University (2010)
• M.S. in Family and Human Development, Arizona State University (2007)
• B.S. in Psychology, Bellevue University (2002)
• B.S. equivalent in Psychology, Moscow State University (2002)

Research interests focus on adolescent peer networks, ethnic-racial identity development, biological stress responses, and intergroup relationships. Her work integrates developmental psychology, sociology, and network science to understand social dynamics in school settings.

Publications consistently address peer socialization mechanisms, ethnic-racial identity formation, and physiological correlates of social relationships. Recent articles emphasize intergroup connections, discrimination impacts, and biomarker-social network interactions.

Grants and fellowships include:

• National Endowment for the Arts Co-Investigator (2021-2023)
• Spencer Foundation Co-Investigator (2021-2023)
• NIH Loan Repayment Award (2016-2018)
• NICHD Co-Investigator (2014-2017)

Leads the Peer Networks & Development Lab and mentors graduate students. Current projects investigate college transition experiences and cultural asset development in diverse youth populations.