Karen L. Bierman

Karen L. Bierman is an Evan Pugh University Professor at The Pennsylvania State University, affiliated with the Department of Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies. Her research focuses on designing and evaluating school- and community-based prevention programs to promote social-emotional learning and school readiness, particularly through longitudinal studies like Fast Track and Head Start REDI. She has developed interventions such as the Friendship Group for peer-rejected children and currently investigates preschool STEM and social-emotional skill development via parent-focused guided play.

• Fellow, American Psychological Association (2019)
• Fellow, Society for Prevention Research (2019)
• Service to SPR Award (2017)
• Evan Pugh University Professor (2016)
• Fellow, Association of Psychological Science (2016)
• Senior Scientist and Mentor Award (2015)
• Prevention Science Award (2013)

Her work spans developmental psychology, child development, and intervention studies, with a focus on linking school-based and family-focused prevention strategies. She has authored over 230 peer-reviewed publications and five books, contributing significantly to prevention science.