My name is Madeline Klotz (she/her/hers) and I am currently a doctoral student in Human Development and Family Studies, with a concentration in Child Development. I work with Dr. Ryan P. Bowles. My program of research focuses on identifying and promoting predictors of empathy and prosocial behavior throughout development. Additionally, I am interested in the statistical methods used to understand how and why these constructs change from early childhood through adolescence. Within these areas, I am interested in further understanding how both individual factors (i.e., emotion regulation) and aspects of relationships (or relational quality) might buffer experiences of adversity, and the intergenerational effects thereof. Further, I am interested in how we might foster the development of empathy through supporting individual development and positive relationship building, leveraging connection to promote well-being and sustainable peace. 

Prior to joining the ELLI and CHILD labs at MSU, I was the Research Coordinator at the Edward Zigler Center in Child Development and Social Policy at the Yale Child Study Center. I graduated summa cum laude from State University of New York, College at Geneseo with a dual B.A. in Psychology and Sociology. 

Updated Spring 2024