Katie M. Edwards, Ph.D.

Professor, Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools

Katie M. Edwards’ interdisciplinary research focuses broadly on better understanding the causes and consequences of interpersonal violence, primarily intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual assault (SA) among adolescents and emerging adults. Her current research focuses on risk and protective factors for IPV and SA perpetration and victimization, and factors that facilitate or hinder bystander action in situations of IPV and SA; disclosure, leaving and recovery processes among survivors of IPV and SA; and individuals' reactions to participating in IPV and SA research.

Edwards uses this research data to develop, implement, and evaluate IPV and SA prevention, intervention and policy efforts. She is especially interested in understanding and preventing IPV and SA among historically marginalized populations, such as sexual minority youth and Native American youth. Edwards’ work has been funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institute of Health, the Department of Justice and the National Science Foundation. She deeply values community partnerships grounded in participatory action principles, strong researcher and practitioner collaborations, and student engagement in all phases of the research.

Edwards holds a doctorate in clinical psychology and a graduate certificate in women and gender studies from Ohio University.