Early Experiences Research Lab

Our Mission

Our lab seeks to better understand how young children's experiences with parents and other caregivers during the first few years of life have a long-term impact on their development. Our research involves diverse groups of families, including children whose parents experience mental health challenges and children who were adopted. We examine children’s behavioral outcomes—such as their language abilities, executive functions, and emotion regulation strategies—as well their physiological responses to stressful situations. Through our research, we aim to advance our basic understanding of human development and generate information that can be applied to positively impact the lives of children and families.