Caitlin Elsaesser

Dr. Caitlin Elsaesser is an Associate Professor at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work, where she applies critical race and feminist theories to youth health promotion. A licensed clinical social worker and former Chicago high school teacher, she specializes in community-based participatory research to address adolescent resilience, violence prevention, and technology's role in interpersonal conflict.

• Education: MSW and PhD from University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration
• Current Project: CDC-funded K01 award to design health supports for youth navigating social media conflicts linked to offline violence
• Research Focus: Cyberbanging, victimization, mindfulness-based interventions, and culturally specific health initiatives

Her work bridges contemplative practice with social justice, informed by her role as a mindfulness practitioner since 2014 and mother of two young children. She collaborates with Hartford violence prevention agencies and youth co-researchers to develop actionable frameworks for community empowerment.

Scientific Recognition:

• CDC K01 grant recipient (2020s) for youth violence prevention research