BreAnne Danzi

BreAnne Danzi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of South Dakota, where she directs the Child & Adolescent Stress & Trauma (CAST) Lab. Her work focuses on trauma-exposed children and families, with emphasis on improving PTSD assessment and understanding biopsychosocial risk/resilience factors, particularly in disaster contexts.

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, University of Miami (2019)
• M.S. in Clinical Psychology, University of Miami (2015)
• B.A. in Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2012)

Dr. Danzi's research centers on developmental aspects of trauma response, with expertise in natural disasters, terrorism, and interpersonal stressors. She critically examines diagnostic criteria for childhood PTSD across ICD-11 and DSM-5 frameworks, investigates genetic vulnerabilities (e.g., ADCYAP1R1), and explores social support mechanisms. Her recent work emphasizes rural youth mental health, maternal-infant bonding after pelvic trauma, and pandemic-related stressors, always prioritizing developmentally sensitive approaches for young children.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals three dominant trends: (1) Hurricane impacts on vulnerable populations (e.g., children with complex health needs), (2) Refinement of PTSD assessment tools for preschoolers, and (3) Integration of genetic and social factors in trauma trajectories. Her work consistently bridges clinical practice with community-based disaster response, featuring strong methodological diversity from genetic studies to large-scale disaster surveys.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Blair and Linda Tremere Faculty Service Award (University of South Dakota, 2024)
• Diane J. Willis Early Career Award (Division 37: Society for Children and Family Policy; American Psychological Foundation, 2024)

Dr. Danzi actively mentors students through the CAST Lab while securing significant grants including NIH-funded research on maternal pelvic trauma (2023-2024), genetic PTSD risk factors (2017-2019), and rural mental health access (2024-present). Her clinical work informs community disaster preparedness initiatives across South Dakota.

The CAST Lab operates as a multidisciplinary hub studying maternal health, first responders' children, post-surgical trauma, hurricane recovery, digital social support, and school shooting impacts, with strong partnerships across medical, emergency response, and educational systems.