Katharine H. Zeiders, Ph.D.

Dr. Zeiders is accepting undergraduate research assistants for the 2026-2027 academic year and graduate students for the 2027-2028 academic year. 

Dr. Zeiders' work operates from a general stress process model and draws from the risk and resilience literature to (a) identify relevant challenges  and opportunities related to families’ and youths’ well-being (b) explore biological processes mediating the link between challenges and well-being and (c) identify the ways in which individual and family factors moderate developmental and stress processes. Her research interests are explored in individuals’ naturalistic environments using daily and weekly diary methodology alongside more long-term developmental approaches.

Current Research Projects

Rural Origins, Opportunities, Transitions and Strengths (ROOTS) Study: Rural youth have the highest graduation rates across the US; they are more likely to graduate high school than urban and suburban youth. However, they are less likely to go to college, and while in college, have limited support and contexts that may not appreciate or utilize the unique skills they bring. Very little research has investigated how rural youth experience college and what is important to them. As colleges and universities become more diverse, understanding how youth from rural backgrounds, including youth from small towns, farming and ranching communities and who live on tribal reservations, is needed to help support their success. The ROOTS study will recruit 100 college students from rural backgrounds across one academic year in college and will examine various assets in the college context that should foster rural students’ development. 

Firefighters and Mindfulness Study (FFMind): Firefighters face considerable occupational stressors and are at risk for mental and physical health problems. The FFMind study is examining how app-based programs can improve mental well-being using a meditation and health education smartphone app. More information can be found here: https://nursing.arizona.edu/firefighter-mind-ffmind-project