Freshman class

Safe passage

Stephanie Cosner Berzin, assistant professor of social work

Ph.D., University of California

Specialization: Child and adolescent development

Representative publication: “The Effect of Parental Work History and Public Assistance Use on the Transition to Adulthood,” Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare

As a social worker, I have always been interested in improving the lives of children and giving all children an equal chance at success in adulthood. Unfortunately, individual, social, and economic barriers may make it more difficult for certain segments of the population to achieve success.

In my research and clinical work, I have been primarily concerned with how vulnerable youth navigate the challenges of the transition into adulthood. During this period, youth simultaneously face developmental changes and changes in the social programs and supports around them. My primary research focuses on this transition for youth in the child welfare system, youth in poverty, youth in the mental health system, and youth from other vulnerable groups. My other research interests include innovations in child welfare, adolescent mental health, and the theoretical background for the field of social work.