Welcome to FlashPoint, a new Â鶹¹û¶³ podcast focused on faculty and their groundbreaking research.
When life takes a sudden, devastating turn, why do some people rebound while others struggle? That’s the question driving the research of Professor Karin Coifman, Ph.D., chair of Kent State’s Department of Psychological Sciences. In the inaugural episode of FlashPoint, she shared insights from her National Institutes of Health-funded studies on trauma, resilience and recovery, including work with survivors of accidents, violence and first responders.
Her findings show that while exposure to traumatic events is widespread, most people are remarkably resilient — drawing strength from social support, healthy habits and time. For those who do struggle, she emphasized that seeking professional help can make a critical difference. From mentoring students in her research lab to exploring how AI could improve mental health screening, Coifman is preparing the next generation to better understand trauma and help people heal.