Caroline Piotrowski, PhD MPH

Dr. Piotrowski's research focuses on the effects of exposure to intimate partner violence, injury and violence prevention, post-traumatic growth in children, and sibling relationships. She utilizes mixed methods approaches such as naturalistic observation, focus groups, photovoice, and digital storytelling to investigate factors that influence the health and well-being of children and youth.

She is currently the lead investigator on a CIHR-funded project investigating the efficacy of an intervention adapted specifically for Indigenous mothers and children who have experienced intimate partner violence. Dr. Piotrowski is also involved in projects examining resilience in Indigenous youth, the psychosocial adjustment of siblings in families with a chronic illness, and the long-term influences of childhood exposure to intimate partner violence on adult siblings.

Research interests

• Effects of exposure to intimate partner violence
• Injury and violence prevention
• Post-traumatic growth in children
• Sibling relationships
• Trauma and resilience in children and youth

Research affiliations

• Director, Violence and Injury Prevention Research Group (VIPrg), University of Manitoba
• Research Scientist, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM)
• Member, Scientific Committee, Society for Advancement of Violence and Injury Research (SAVIR)
• Member, Allied Health and Nursing Professional Committee, International Pediatric Transplant Association (IPTA)

Dr. Caroline Piotrowski is a professor in the College of Community and Global Health, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.

Her interdisciplinary research combines developmental psychology, health promotion, and implementation science. She has explored the influence of sibling relationships in adverse circumstances across the life course. Dr. Piotrowski also has teaching expertise in family health, family conflict, trauma- and violence-informed approaches to care, and trauma and resilience in children and youth.

Education

Master of Public Health in Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences (MPH), San Diego State University (2007)

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development and Family Studies (PhD), Pennsylvania State University (1993)

Master of Arts in Developmental Psychology (MA), University of Waterloo (1989)

Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Early Childhood Education and Care Specialization (BA), University of Waterloo (1987)

Awards

Violence Prevention Fellowship; University of California San Diego (2002-04)

University of Manitoba Merit Award for Excellence in Teaching (2010)

University of Manitoba Merit Award for Excellence in Service (2014)