
Erika M Manczak
Associate Professor
What I do
I am an Assistant Professor studying the interplay between biological and environmental processes in the development of depression in children and parents.Specialization(s)
Clinical psychology, immunology, child development; depression
Professional Biography
I joined the Department of Psychology in 2018 as an Assistant Professor and I am affiliated with the clinical child psychology Ph.D. program and the Stress, Early Experience, and Development (SEED) Research Center. I received my Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL and completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at Stanford University.
Degree(s)
- Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Northwestern University, 2017
- MS, Clinical Psychology, Northwestern University, 2013
- BA, College Scholar Program: "Psychonarrative Application", Cornell University, 2007
Licensure / Accreditations
- Licensed Psychologist
Research
My program of research examines the biological and psychological mechanisms through which experiences during childhood and adolescence confer risk for mental and physical health disorders. I am especially interested in how important social relationships affect immune processes that in turn increase risk for depression in adolescence; however, my work also examines risk across other developmental periods (e.g., adulthood, prenatal) and considers a variety of additional biological pathways (e.g., epigenetic modifications, somatic fitness).
Areas of Research
Featured Publications
Graduate Mentorship
Dr. Manczak will NOT be reviewing applications for fall 2025 admission.