Kristin Bernard’s work integrates ideas and methods across the fields of developmental psychology, neurobiology, clinical and preventative science. She is an expert in the study of early childhood adversity and maltreatment; and its emotional, behavioral, social and physical impact on child development. Bernard’s research investigates how early life stress influences children's neurobiological and behavioral development and how enhanced efforts to optimal parenting/caregiving and preventative interventions may buffer at-risk children from problematic outcomes.