Rebecca Shlafer

Rebecca Shlafer is an Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota, affiliated with the School of Public Health and the Department of Pediatrics. Her research focuses on disrupting trauma cycles for families affected by incarceration through community-engaged solutions.

• University: University of Minnesota
• School: School of Public Health
• Department: Department of Pediatrics
• Academic Rank: Associate Professor
• Email: shlaf002@umn.edu

Her work addresses maternal and child health disparities in correctional settings, including:

• Evaluating prison-based doula programs
• Advocating for anti-shackling legislation
• Developing the 2021 Healthy Start Act
• Leading the NIH-funded E4P multi-site study on perinatal programs

Key research themes include:

• Reducing systemic trauma through two-generation strategies
• Promoting bonding between incarcerated mothers and newborns
• Documenting policy impacts on youth with incarcerated parents