Dr. Olga Kornienko is an Assistant Professor of Applied Developmental Psychology and Faculty Affiliate Member in Human Development and Family Studies at George Mason University. Her research examines how real-life social networks promote and constrain psychological adaptation, development, and health across the lifespan and particularly during adolescence. 

She explores several research questions:  

  • How do social networks (e.g., friendship, conflict) influence psychological adaptation, health, and biological processes?
  • How do networks play protective and detrimental roles for psychological adaptation and health?

Her research focuses on understanding how social networks shape:

  • Biological processes related to stress, social status, and immunity
  • Psychological adjustment
  • Physical health and health-risk behavior
  • Gender and ethnic-racial identity development