Emily Odermatt image

Learn more about Emily Odermatt, the new Graduate Research Assistant for the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy.

Emily joins the Training Academy as a graduate student from the School Psychology program. She is motivated to advocate for the well-being of adolescents and the professionals who support them across multiple domains. She brings her experience in research and youth work, which have prepared her to employ evidence-based practices in assessment and evaluation centered around equity and justice.

  1. What will you be doing for MNCWTA? As a graduate research assistant on the evaluation and credentialing team, I will be working to support the continued evaluation efforts within the MNCWTA by collecting, analyzing, and presenting data-based information.
  2. Tell us about your education and/or work experience prior to joining the MNCWTA. After studying Psychology and Gender, Women, and Sexuality studies at Gustavus Adolphus College, I spent three years working as a research assistant for a longitudinal research study on adolescent brain development at the University of Minnesota. In addition to this role in research, I have spent time working as the youth programs manager for the non-profit organization, Her Next Play, where I develop and implement leadership development curriculum for adolescent girls in sports. Currently, I am a graduate student in the School Psychology program and am inspired to be an advocate for youth to support their needs across multiple domains.
  3. What do you enjoy most about your work? I love being able to learn from others' perspectives and have a positive impact on youth in the community!
  4. What do you like to do outside of work? When the weather is nice, you can find me playing pick up soccer with friends or running around any of the Minneapolis lakes. In addition to being active, I also enjoy reading, cooking new recipes, and hanging out with my cat, Bean!