Melanie Hetzel-Riggin, Ph.D.

Director of Research

Dr. Melanie D. Hetzel-Riggin received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Northern Illinois University. She is the Director, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, a professor of psychology at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, and a licensed clinical psychologist. Her current research focuses on the effectiveness of bystander intervention to reduce sexual violence and peer mistreatment, as well as the relationships among interpersonal trauma, coping style, and mental health outcomes. Her teaching interests include abnormal psychology, clinical psychology, trauma and resiliency, career counseling, crisis intervention, ethics, and research methods. Dr. Hetzel-Riggin established and currently conducts trainee evaluations, needs assessments and program evaluations for both Safe Journey and the PurpleOne Program.