Katharine Zeiders received her BS, MS & Ph.D. in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University and completed additional post-doctoral training at Northwestern University. In 2014, Dr. Zeiders accepted her first academic position at the University of Missouri but was fortunate enough to return to her home state of Arizona in 2016 to accept an Assistant Professor position at the University of Arizona. Since that time, Dr. Zeiders’ academic career has flourished – she has published over 53 peer-reviewed articles, served as an Editorial Board member for three top-tier developmental journals, and most recently, received funding for her research from the National Science Foundation. As an Assistant Professor, Dr. Zeiders has consistently taught two undergraduate classes and tackled important research topics with “real world” implications. Katharine has developed innovative approaches for studying the effects of stress process on Latino youth. Her research focus is on Latino families and youth’s wellbeing. Just this year, Dr. Zeiders was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure. Her work operates from a general stress process model and draws from the risk and resilience literature to (a) identify relevant challenges related to Latino families and youth’ wellbeing (b) explore biological processes mediating the link between challenges and well-being and (c) identify the ways in which individuals and family cultural orientations, beliefs and behaviors moderate stress processes. Although these accomplishments are noteworthy, what Katharine is most proud of is her Arizona roots and her ability to inspire and mentor students like herself as they pursue their academic goals. Dr Zeiders was born in Willcox, Arizona and spent her childhood working on the family farm. It was these experiences - working every day alongside her parents and six siblings to maintain the family business - which she believes laid the foundation for her to thrive in academic contexts. Plus, it was countless teachers at every academic turn that reminded Katharine of her abilities to succeed and propelled her to where she is now. She continues to be inspired and motivated by youth from various backgrounds who persist in academic settings and impact their communities.