With a background in participatory action research and developmental psychology, Dr. Kornbluh is bringing a fresh perspective into our department this fall. For those unfamiliar with participatory action research, it is an approach to research where the researchers and participants work together to understand a problem and work towards solutions. Dr. Kornbluh employs youth-led participatory action research to explore “how children and youth can be their own agents of change in reimaging and transforming institutions that have systematically disadvantaged our most vulnerable communities.”

Dr. Kornbluh is looking forward to continuing this research by partnering with children and adolescents on projects that can support meaningful change in their lives and community. She’s also excited to teach graduate and undergraduate students about community-based and qualitative research methods like those she’s using in her research.

Moving from South Carolina, Dr. Kornbluh looks forward to exploring the diverse Oregon landscape, camping on the coast and hiking with her husband, one year old son, and energetic golden retriever