What constitutes abnormal behavior? How do our family, friends, biological makeup, society, and culture impact the way we think and act? What treatments or interventions are most effective in preventing and/or ameliorating psychological problems? These are just a few of the issues Professor Holt explores with students in her courses and research.

Professor Holt received her B.A. in Psychology from Trinity College and her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Rutgers University. While at Trinity and Rutgers, she was involved in the design and evaluation of community-based prevention programming. At Rutgers, she obtained specialized training in addictions treatment and research. She continued her work in addictions and community research as a predoctoral fellow at the Yale University School of Medicine and as a postdoctoral resident with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Newington, CT.

As a graduate of Trinity, she strongly believes in the importance of a liberal arts education; she values the way in which this type of education fosters creative and critical thinking skills, encourages student-faculty collaboration, and provides students with opportunities for active learning both in the classroom and community. She views the surrounding Hartford area as an especially good setting in which students can explore their questions and curiosities, apply knowledge they have gained in the classroom, and make meaningful contributions to their community.

Holt research lab website