My research focuses on longstanding questions regarding the significance of early experiences with parents and other caregivers for individuals’ socioemotional, cognitive, and neurobiological development. Through my research, I hope to better understand how various early caregiving experiences influence traditional markers of behavioral adaptation (e.g., self-regulation strategies, executive functions, and language skills) as well as attachment-related mental representations and stress neurobiology. Currently, I am investigating these issues among families with adopted children. The two-fold goal of this work is to deepen our understanding of how development is shaped by the interplay of environmental experiences and children’s genetically-based characteristics while simultaneously providing information about how parent-child relationship experiences can promote the healthy development of children.

Opportunities for Students

Graduate Students

I will not be recruiting a graduate student this cycle.

Undergraduate Students

Our undergraduate research assistants are a very important element to our research. Currently, there are several opportunities for undergraduate students to assist with current research projects in the lab. If you are interested in joining our team, please go to Early Experiences Lab Website. On the 'Students' tab, you will find a newsletter outlining the lab’s current activities, information on being a research assistant, and an application to apply as a Research Assistant.