Sofia Stepanyan

I am an applied scientist with core competencies in statistical modeling, inference, data analysis, data visualization, quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. I am passionate about applying my expertise to promote data-driven decision making backed by sound science, extracting key insights that improve operational efficiency and customer experience, designing and implementing quantitative and qualitative studies, as well as publishing, presenting, and disseminating research findings.

Holding a doctoral degree in developmental psychology, I currently collaborate with other researchers and practitioners to design, implement, and evaluate early childhood programs and policies that improve the quality of life for children, families, and communities across the United States.

selected publications

NLM.NIH

Do I Look Gawky? The Association between Pubertal Asynchrony and Peer Victimization

National Library of Medicine, 2021

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Pubertal synchrony is defined as the degree of coherence to which puberty-related body changes (e.g., breast development, growth spurt, voice change, underarm hair growth) are coordinated. During the pubertal transition, youth’s body parts grow asynchronously, making each youth’s physical appearance unique. Physical appearance is a known correlate of youth’s psychosocial functioning during adolescence, but we know little about how pubertal asynchrony plays a role in their peer relationships. Using data from an adoption study (the Early Growth and Development Study; n = 413; 237 boys, 176 girls), this study examined the effect of pubertal asynchrony on peer victimization. Results revealed sex-specific effects of pubertal asynchrony; pubertal asynchrony was associated with a higher risk of peer victimization for girls but a lower risk for boys. Findings highlight the intersection of physical development and social context in understanding youth’s experiences of puberty.
Litigator’s Handbook of Forensic Medicine, Psychiatry, and Psychology

2023

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The Litigator’s Handbook of Forensic Medicine, Psychiatry, and Psychology was written for expert litigators and litigators’ experts. Editor-in-chief Dr. Demosthenes Lorandos has brought together a world-class team of more than 40 experts and litigators to help judges, lawyers, and experts deal with expert evidence in forensic medicine, psychiatry, and psychology. The handbook provides attorneys and experts with the tools necessary to handle scientific evidence in the courts, with step-by-step guidance on how to use and challenge experts and ensure favorable rulings under Daubert, Kumho Tire, Frye, and other legal standards on expert testimony.
@book{sofia2023book, title = {Litigator's Handbook of Forensic Medicine, Psychiatry, and Psychology}, author = {}, year = {2023}, publisher = {Thomson West}, pages = {Chapter 22, Forensic Assessments in Delinquency Cases}, url = {https://store.legal.thomsonreuters.com/law-products/Forms---Topical/Litigators-Handbook-of-Forensic-Medicine-Psychiatry-and-Psychology-2023-ed/p/106919469}, }