Jennifer Hahn-Holbrook

Dr. Jennifer Hahn-Holbrook is an Assistant Professor of Health Psychology at the University of California, Merced, and Director of the LATCH Lab. She holds a Ph.D. from Queen’s University Belfast (2010) and completed postdoctoral training at UCLA. Her research focuses on how biological, technological, and cultural factors shape maternal-child health, particularly examining breastfeeding’s physiological and psychological impacts, racial disparities in lactation practices, and leveraging technology to improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

Education & Career:

• Ph.D., Institute of Cognition and Culture, Queen’s University Belfast (2010)
• NIMH Postdoctoral Fellowship, UCLA (2010–2013)
• Assistant Professor, Chapman University (2013–2017)
• Joined UC Merced Faculty in 2017

Research Interests: Her work integrates evolutionary, biological, and quantitative psychology to explore topics like human milk’s hormonal influences on infant development, modern societal changes in parenting practices, and using big data to connect at-risk mothers with healthcare services. Current projects include studying cortisol and omega-3 fatty acids in breast milk, racial/ethnic breastfeeding disparities, and algorithmic solutions for maternal health inequities.

Grants & Partnerships: Recipient of a Kay Family Foundation grant to develop web-based algorithms for maternal healthcare navigation. Collaborates with the Children and Families Commission of Orange County and Chapman University on tech-driven interventions.

Labs & Teams: Directs the LATCH Lab, which employs interdisciplinary approaches with postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduates. The lab emphasizes community partnerships and industry collaboration to address real-world health challenges.