Karen Bierman

Karen Bierman is an Evan Pugh University Professor in the Department of Psychology at Pennsylvania State University, specializing in developmental and clinical psychology. Her research designs and evaluates school- and community-based prevention programs to promote social-emotional learning and school readiness in children, directing major longitudinal studies including Fast Track and Head Start REDI.

Dr. Bierman earned her Ph.D. from the University of Denver in 1981. Her research interests focus on prevention science, social-emotional learning, early childhood intervention, and longitudinal methodologies. She has developed evidence-based programs like the Friendship Group for peer-rejected children and parent-focused guided play interventions for preschool STEM and social-emotional development.

Analysis of her 2017-2022 publications reveals consistent emphasis on longitudinal outcomes of early interventions, particularly sustained benefits of preschool home visiting and classroom programs into adolescence. Key themes include pathways linking early adversity to school engagement, implementation of evidence-based practices in community settings, and randomized controlled trials establishing efficacy for socioeconomically disadvantaged populations.

She holds the prestigious Evan Pugh University Professorship, one of Penn State's highest faculty honors.

Dr. Bierman has secured major funding from NIH, NSF, and IES for longitudinal follow-up of REDI participants and parent-focused interventions. Her leadership involves mentoring through large-scale projects though specific advisees aren't listed. She directs the Head Start REDI program and Clinical GoPals Pre-Kindergarten Club, developing scalable interventions for at-risk children in school and community contexts.