Programs

Dr. Allison Buskirk-Cohen’s research has focused on how interpersonal relationships influence academic success and well-being. Her doctoral work addressed the role of peer relationships and mental health as students transitioned from elementary to middle school. Once Dr. Buskirk-Cohen began teaching at DelVal, her interests shifted to exploring factors underlying student success in higher education. Her early work examined the role of a learner-centered approach in the college classroom, while her current work considers how professor-student relationships influence student success. She is particularly interested in understanding how the developmental stage of emerging adulthood affects college students’ adjustment. Most often, Dr. Buskirk-Cohen’s research relies on self-reports which allow individuals to capture their own experiences through survey questionnaires. Overwhelmingly, her research has demonstrated how powerful the need to connect with others is, particularly within education.