Lisa Gatzke-Kopp, professor of human development and family studies, has been named the head of the Department of Human Development and Family Studies.
Gatzke-Kopp, who began her role as head of the department July 1, joined Penn State in 2007 as an assistant professor of human development and family studies. She has since served in a number of capacities within the department and at the University, including professor-in-charge of the human development and family studies graduate program, director of the department’s undergraduate honors program, and director of the dual title degree in social behavioral neuroscience.
Her research focuses on the development of emotional and behavioral problems in childhood. She is interested in the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie emotional regulation, impulsivity and decision-making, as well as examining how environmental and experiential factors impact neurobiological development.
"Human development and family studies has been my academic home since the start of my career, and I am honored to be following in the footsteps of the amazing leaders that have guided the department over the years," Gatzke-Kopp said.
Gatzke-Kopp is currently senior editor of Psychophysiology and president of the Society for Psychophysiological Research. In 2022, she was named a fellow of the Society for Psychophysiological Research.
She is a faculty affiliate of the Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center and cofunded faculty member of the Social Science Research Institute.
"Lisa clearly has the background, experience and mindset to shape the future direction of the department in a manner that respects its traditions, recognizes emerging trends in the field, and capitalizes on the resources of the college and University," said Craig J. Newschaffer, Raymond E. and Erin Stuart Schultz Dean of the college. "I am very excited to have her join the college’s leadership team."
Gatzke-Kopp received a bachelor of science degree in biopsychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a doctoral degree in psychology from the University of Southern California.