Phoenix J. Cooper

Phoenix J. Cooper is an Assistant Professor at Widener University, affiliated with the Clinical Psychology (PsyD) program. They hold a PsyD in Clinical Psychology specializing in Childhood Trauma (2022) from West Chester University, alongside advanced degrees in Forensic Medicine and Clinical Psychology. Their research focuses on childhood trauma, neurobiology of stress, and developmental disorders. They have clinical training at prestigious institutions including CHOP, University of Pennsylvania, and NYU. Cooper emphasizes inclusive teaching, prioritizing student safety and growth. Beyond academia, they manage a part-time bakery and holistic healthcare vlog.

Education:

• PsyD, Clinical Psychology (Childhood Trauma), West Chester University, 2022 (magnum cum laude)
• MS, Forensic Medicine, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2017
• MS, Clinical Psychology, West Chester University, 2020 (cum laude)
• BA, Psychology, West Chester University, 2015 (summa cum laude)

Research Interests: Childhood trauma, neurobiology of toxic stress, behavioral biomarkers, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and intergenerational trauma. They explore stress hormones like cortisol and oxytocin, emphasizing compassionate relational therapy.

Publications: Recent work includes studies on supporting marginalized doctoral applicants and adolescent stress buffering. Earlier research addresses youth sexual risk reduction and family physiological responses to stress.

Awards:

• 2020 Graduate Dean Scholarship Award
• 2018 College of the Sciences and Mathematics Research Award
• Graduate Research Award

Teaching & Grants: Focuses on developmental teaching methods and student well-being, though no specific grants or advisees are listed. Active in professional societies including the APA and Society for Research on Adolescence.

Labs/Teams: None explicitly mentioned, though clinical collaborations with CHOP and UPenn suggest active research networks.