What We Study
The Cognitive Affective NeuroDevelopment in Youth (CANDY) Lab is primarily focused on how early life experiences (e.g., adversity and trauma exposure) influence neurodevelopmental trajectories and adolescent mental health.
Our lab is interested in capturing these processes during adolescence, as this is a unique developmental window in which two interrelated phenomena occur: 1) pubertal hormones instigate profound changes to neural structure and function and 2) individuals are at elevated risk for the emergence of psychopathology. We are especially interested in disentangling how specific dimensions of childhood adversity (type, timing, severity, chronicity) influence biological processes affected by stress (e.g., puberty, neurodevelopment).
To accomplish this, we measure multiple levels of biology through hormonal assessments and cutting-edge neuroimaging modalities to measure neurodevelopment, including structural and functional MRI as well as magnetoencephalography (MEG). Through this more comprehensive approach to quantifying variability in neurodevelopment, we hope to advance the field's understanding of how specific dimensions of one's biology and environment during development impact risk for psychopathology and adaptation to life. In so doing, this work has the potential to identify novel targets for intervention that could shift neurodevelopmental trajectories toward more healthy functioning following childhood adversity.
