Professional Bio

Miglena Ivanova, M.S., is a fifth-year doctoral student in Developmental Psychology, working with Dr. Rina Eiden and Dr. Jenae Neiderhiser. Miglena was also a Prevention and Methodology Training (PAMT) pre-doctoral fellow, working with Dr. Ashley Linden-Carmichael. Her research interests center on the understanding of differential pathways via which early risk and protective factors predict childhood codeveloping internalizing and externalizing behavior problem trajectories and subsequent unique patterns of adolescent substance use and psychological disorders. Miglena is interested in integrating advanced quantitative methodologies, including longitudinal growth modeling and machine learning, to explore her research interests. Her long-term goal is to translate her research into developing individualized evidence-based prevention techniques and early interventions. When not working on her research, Miglena dedicates her time to mentoring students, advocating for more representation of and equity for neurodiverse individuals in academia, and exploring new ideas and novel analytical methods.