Dr. Birditt is a Research Assistant Professor in the Life Course Development Program. Her research focuses on how people react to interpersonal problems and whether those reactions vary across the lifespan. More recently, she has examined the circumstances under which positive and negative aspects of relationships are associated with physical and psychological well-being. She also recently received a K99  Pathways to Independence award from NIA to obtain training in biological systems and conduct research on the links between interpersonal problems and biological indicators of stress such as cortisol and DHEA.