Dr. Jennifer Silva Brown is assistant professor of psychology at Drury University. She earned her Ph.D. from Louisiana State University in 2009. Dr. Silva Brown established and currently acts as director of the Joplin Impact Project at Drury University, a research initiative that investigates the psychosocial and physical health consequences of disaster exposure, and identifies characteristics that lessen vulnerability and promote adaptation to post-disaster life. In conjunction with her undergraduate research team, Dr. Silva Brown publishes research intended to assist in the development of evidence-based interventions that are designed to reduce suffering and foster effective preparation and post-disaster management.
Prior to coming to Drury University, Dr. Silva Brown worked for the Louisiana Healthy Aging Study and the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, where she conducted research identifying the determinants of successful aging, as well as the impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on adult survivors. She has published research in Memory & Cognition, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior, The Journal of Applied Biobehavioral Research, The Journal of Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition, Lifespan Perspectives on Natural Disasters: Coping with Katrina, Rita, and other Storms, and the forthcomingTraumatic Stress and Long-Term Recovery: Coping with Disasters and Other Negative Life Events.
