Dr. Horn's postdoctoral work examines the impact of distinct prenatal stressors on physical and mental health conditions in children. She is particularly interested in investigating the degree to which types of prenatal stress (e.g., psychological, biological, environmental) influence child health outcomes throughout development.
Research topic
Research Description
My postdoctoral work examines the impact of distinct prenatal stressors on physical and mental health conditions in children. I'm particularly interested in investigating the degree to which types of prenatal stress (e.g., psychological, biological, environmental) influence child health outcomes throughout development. My research especially focuses on immune-mediated outcomes in children (e.g., asthma). In continuing my graduate work, I aim to integrate metabolic and immune markers of stress into my research projects.
Why did you decide to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship at UBC? Did you consider other opportunities?
I was drawn to UBC as a world-class research centre in which I found like-minded colleagues invested in supporting projects that aim to improve health outcomes for children and families. The fellowship was such a perfect match that I did not seriously pursue other opportunities.
What advice do you have for new postdoctoral fellows?
My advice is to pursue fellowship funding support, like the CIHR Postdoctoral Fellowship, which can provide substantial flexibility and help build your CV.
What do you like to do for fun?
I really enjoy cooking, reading, and exploring the outdoors with my husband and our cocker spaniel.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of your postdoctoral fellowship?
I have enjoyed starting new projects and setting up teams of collaboration. It is so wonderful to connect with such a talented, intelligent, and kind network through the Healthy Families Lab.
What are the biggest challenges you have faced, or anticipate facing, in your career?
The Clinical Psychology path is filled with many challenges, including having to balance our research, clinical, and teaching obligations. Finding a rhythm between all of these distinct, but interrelated roles, is always a challenge, but one that also brings a lot of diversity and joy to my career.
What in your life or career has prepared you for this position?
I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Michigan and worked for three years after graduation as a post-bac, gaining important skills but also defining my research interests. My PhD was completed at the University of Oregon followed by my residency at the Children's Hospital of Michigan in Pediatric Psychology.
What does receiving this award mean for your career?
This award has been so meaningful in funding my postdoctoral fellowship, enabling me to extend my graduate research into exciting new domains and collaborate with a wonderful group of new colleagues. Receiving such an award has given me confidence in pursuing my place within academia and research and challenged me to foment my research interests.
What do you think the next step in your career will be?
My plan for next steps in my career is to pursue research-oriented positions, whether that be a tenure-track faculty position or in a different setting. I hope to integrate my clinical work into my career, where I conduct psychoeducational assessments for children and adolescents.