UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Stephanie Lanza was named director of the Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center (PRC) and the C. Eugene Bennett Director’s Chair in Prevention Research at Penn State on Aug. 15.
A well-known scientist in the field of prevention research, Lanza is a professor in the Department of Biobehavioral Health and served as scientific director of the Methodology Center since 2004.
“Stephanie is an accomplished researcher known for her ability to bring interdisciplinary researchers together to address complex problems,” said Ann C. Crouter, Raymond E. and Erin Stuart Shultz Dean of the College of Health and Human Development. “As a prevention methodologist, she has received continuous funding from the National Institutes of Health for more than 12 years.”
Lanza’s work focuses on the advancement of behavioral health and prevention science through the use of innovative quantitative methods that enable researchers to identify hidden subgroups in their data and to analyze intensive longitudinal data.
“Serving in this role will be an honor for me,” said Lanza. “I know the role will bring with it incredible opportunities to promote high-impact research and programs, and ultimately health and well-being.”
Currently, Lanza sits on the board of directors for the Society for Prevention Research, and recently completed a five-year term as associate editor of Prevention Science. She received the Society for Prevention Research Early Career Award in 2008, and the Society for Prevention Research Friend of ECPN Mentoring Award in 2014.
“I am very excited that Stephanie Lanza has become the new director of the PRC,” said Mark T. Greenberg, founding director of the Prevention Research Center, Edna Peterson Bennett Endowed Chair in Prevention Research, and professor of human development and psychology. “Stephanie brings a wonderful mix of scholarship and leadership that will nurture the next generation of prevention science and young scientists.”
Former director and C. Eugene Bennett Director’s Chair in Prevention Research Diana Fishbein said, “Stephanie is a highly regarded and accomplished scientist with the leadership ability to maintain and cultivate the stature of the PRC as a premier prevention science center. She possesses all the skills that this position requires, both as an organizational wizard and a solid, forward-thinking innovator.”
Greg Fosco, associate professor of human development and family studies, will serve as the associate director of the dynamic research center that provides an intellectual home to researchers and staff involved in important prevention initiatives that are vital to the health of children, youth, families and communities.
“I look forward to directing the next chapter of prevention research in the PRC, and building on the foundation provided by the former PRC directors,” said Lanza.
Lanza, who has written more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and presented more than 50 invited talks and workshops, received her doctorate in human development and family studies at Penn State.