Welcome
The Social and Behavioral Development Lab investigates genetic and environmental factors that contribute to individual differences in the development of psychopathology, including depression, ADHD, and other externalizing disorders. Research in our lab combines advanced molecular genetic approaches (e.g., genome-wide association studies, polygenic risk scores, gene-pathways analyses) with rigorous measurements of environmental influences to uncover mechanisms of developmental outcomes. The goal of this research is to better understand how individual differences in child behavioral development and the development of psychiatric outcomes arise as a function of our DNA and our environments, and to ultimately create more effective and personalized mental health care. Studies in our lab have been funded by NICHD, the UW Center for Human Genomics and Precision Medicine, and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation.
Recent News
Seed Grants Awarded
Dr. Li has been awarded two Seed Grants for 2020, one examining smoking cessation and another examining ADHD/autism.
September 25, 2020Hilldale Fellowship Awarded
Undergraduate research assistant Grace Albright was awarded the Hilldale Fellowship. She and Dr. Li plan to examine maternal depression and its impact on children’s depression. Find their full abstract here.
May 25, 2020Sheyenne and Zach Featured
Undergraduate research assistants Sheyenne Tung and Zach Gestrich were featured on UW Psychology’s website for the research they’re conducting with Dr Li.
May 19, 2020- More Posts
Dr. Li will not be considering clinical psychology Ph.D. students for Fall 2021.