Kate’s program of research focuses on the social dynamics of elementary and middle school students, the impact of students’ classroom social dynamics on their social, behavioral, and academic functioning, and ways in which teachers can leverage these naturally occurring dynamics to improve classroom functioning and student outcomes. The goals of her research are to understand the dynamic and reciprocal influences of individual-level characteristics, peer relations, and the classroom context in shaping students’ behavioral and academic adjustment, and ways in which this knowledge can help inform teaching practices and school-based intervention efforts. As a School Psychologist, Kate’s ultimate goal for her research is to inform practice and bring about meaningful change in schools.