About Holly Hatton-Bowers:
I grew up in amazing Lake Tahoe, California, having opportunities to hike in the summer and snowboard in the winter. I received my Ph.D. from the University of California Davis. My research focuses on the early development of stress and coping and the effects of children’s experiences at home and in child care to their development. I focus on strategies that support infant and toddlers’ development of healthy coping and self-regulation and ways to reduce developmental disparities among infants and toddlers raised in poverty and exposed to toxic stress, and on vulnerable populations of children, including those involved in the child welfare system. I also conduct applied research on the effectiveness of policies and programs that strive to promote responsive, stimulating, nurturing and respectful child care environments and to increase access to quality care for children from vulnerable populations. As an extension infant and toddler specialist, I am active in translating and disseminating current research findings in the areas of caregiving and health in early childhood.
What is your position at UNL?
Assistant professor in the Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies and an infant and toddler extension specialist.
What drew you to UNL?
So many things drew me to UNL! I was impressed with the proactive, strategic and innovative ways that UNL is addressing the complex challenges facing some of our most vulnerable children and families. I also fell in love with the warmth and kindness of Nebraska’s community. Though I have only been here for a month, it is a wonderful place to work and raise a family.
What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
Thinking creatively and collaboratively to help local and global communities to address important issues. There are opportunities to constantly learn and be challenged to grow, which makes working in an educational setting fun and invigorating.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement is being a parent. My daughter is my greatest joy.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
My grandma influenced my decision to join band and play the French horn. She would play music from the movie Out of Africa and say it was arguably the one instrument that brought the entire band together. I no longer play but often think how my contributions impact the larger group or cause.
What is your life like outside of work?
Outside of work, most of my time is spent with my spirited and caring 2-year-old daughter. I love travelling when I have the opportunity, enjoy jogging, am a podcast junkie and enjoy trying new foods.