Rosanbalm Receives 2024 APA Mid-Career Award for Outstanding Contributions to Benefit Children, Youth, and Families

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The American Psychological Association (APA) has honored Katie Rosanbalm, Associate Research Professor at the Sanford School of Public Policy and Core Faculty Affiliate at the Center for Child and Family Policy, with the 2024 APA Mid-Career Award for Outstanding Contributions to Benefit Children, Youth, and Families.

This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to science, policy, and practice, directly benefiting the psychological functioning and well-being of children, youth, and families. Rosanbalm's work has had a transformative impact, particularly in areas such as early childhood education, child maltreatment prevention, and promoting resilience in vulnerable populations.

Reflecting on this recognition, Rosanbalm expressed gratitude. "I have amazing partners and colleagues across North Carolina working every day to strengthen supportive and resilience-building environments for children. It is exciting to see this work recognized and celebrated – particularly given the challenges that COVID wrought on childcare and public education. I am honored to represent this work and grateful to my peers for nominating me for this award!"

Rosanbalm is trained as a child clinical and quantitative psychologist with a focus on program implementation and evaluation. Her research spans critical areas, including early childhood systems, self-regulation development, child welfare, and trauma-sensitive schools. She has led longitudinal evaluations of child welfare reform, early childhood Systems of Care, and various prevention and intervention programs in mental health and education. Her work on self-regulation and toxic stress among children from birth to young adulthood was specifically cited as a reason for this award.

Beyond her research contributions, Rosanbalm was recently featured in a New York Times story about the nationwide surge in school absences, highlighting the growing education challenges post-COVID. This feature also served as the basis for a New York Times "The Daily" podcast episode and was cited in several other commentaries on school absences, further emphasizing her influence in the field.

Jennifer Lansford, S. Malcolm Gillis Distinguished Research Professor of Public Policy and Director of the Center for Child and Family Policy, praised Rosanbalm's dedication and impact. "With her outstanding contributions in science, policy, and practice that benefit the psychological functioning and well-being of children, youth, and families, Katie exemplifies the characteristics this award is meant to recognize."

The APA celebrated Rosanbalm's achievements at the APA Convention in Seattle, WA, on August 8.