Welcome
The Social and Behavioral Development Lab investigates genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the development of child externalizing disorders (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and conduct disorder). Research in our lab utilizes advanced molecular genetic approaches (e.g., genome-wide association scans, gene-pathway analysis) to advance understanding about the genetic architecture underlying complex developmental phenomena. We also focus on rigorous measurement of early environmental influences as they relate to child behavioral problems, not only for risk factors such as negative parenting and maltreatment, but also for enriched factors such as positive parenting and social support. The goal of this research is to understand how genes and environments independently and interactively influence variation in child behavioral development, and to ultimately bridge the fairly substantial gap between genetics/neuroscience and prevention/intervention.