The Child and Family Program at the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress works to understand how traumatic experiences affect children and families, especially in military-connected communities. We focus on key issues like home safety, bereavement, and preventing mistreatment of children. Our goal is to understand what puts families at risk and to create tools that support their health and readiness. To learn more about our work, visit CSTS Online.
Stephen J. Cozza, MD — Principal Investigator
Dr. Cozza is a Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the Uniformed Services University (USU). He serves as Interim Director of CSTS and leads the CSTS Child and Family Program. He is a nationally recognized expert on trauma, stress, bereavement, terrorism, military-related death, and prolonged grief. Dr. Cozza has led key studies, including the National Military Family Bereavement Study and the Stepping Forward in Grief intervention trial.
Alexander J. Rice, PhD — Co-Investigator
Dr. Rice is a Research Psychologist at CSTS and an Assistant Research Professor at USU. His research explores how people adapt after trauma and loss, especially in military families. He also develops and tests tools that support studies on mental health and family safety.
Christin M. Ogle, PhD — Co-Investigator
Dr. Ogle is a Research Assistant Professor at USU. She studies the psychological effects of trauma on children, teens, and military families. Her research looks at issues such as child maltreatment, bereavement after sudden and violent deaths, and family safety.
Joscelyn E. Fisher, PhD — Co-Investigator
Dr. Fisher is a Research Associate Professor at USU. Her research focuses on the mental and physical health impacts of bereavement, especially after military-related deaths. She studies cognitive functioning, coping strategies, and grief in people who have experienced traumatic loss.
Jing Zhou, MS — Senior Biostatistician
Jing Zhou provides key statistical support to the Child and Family Program at CSTS. She has extensive experience working with data from large military research studies, including the National Military Family Bereavement Study and clinical trials of grief interventions.