Dr. Lisa Gatzke Kopp

Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Lisa Gatzke Kopp. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

Lisa Gatzke-Kopp is a Professor and the Head of the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Penn State University. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Neuroscience from the University of Southern California in 2003. Her research focuses on child development, examining the neurobiological systems underlying behavior problems and developing preventive interventions. She leads studies such as the Family Life Project, which investigates cognitive and emotional development in children from diverse families in semi-rural areas. This long-term study, initiated in 2003, continues to track 1,200 families as their children transition into adulthood. Gatzke-Kopp also explores decision-making in children, investigating how genetic and environmental factors influence their ability to make decisions involving costs and rewards. She collaborates with numerous research institutions and has published extensively in professional journals about the interplay between psychophysiology and behavioral outcomes in children. Additionally, she is committed to diversity and representation in research, focusing on underrepresented populations and broadening the understanding of psychophysiological mechanisms across different demographic groups.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2018-01-01 — Present

Penn State University • University Park, PA

Teaching and conducting research in the field of Human Development and Family Studies.

Graduate Program Director

2016-01-01 — Present

Penn State University • University Park, PA

Overseeing the graduate program in Human Development and Family Studies.

Associate Editor

2013-01-01 — Present

Psychophysiology • University Park, PA

Editing and reviewing research submissions for the journal Psychophysiology.

Requirements for Pennsylvania State University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:23
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7
GRE General
Prerequisites
Master's degree in related field for PhD Baccalaureate degree from accredited institution
Application Checklist
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Writing Sample
  • Official Transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

GRE scores are highly recommended but not strictly required for Applied Linguistics.