My research team focuses on social difficulties in childhood and adolescence. We study the experience of stress in family and peer contexts, outcomes of exposure to significant social stress, and protective factors in the context of social stress. Recent projects have examined emotional experiences of children with autism spectrum disorder in communication situations, psychophysiological and coping responses to peer stress in preadolescence, and parental efforts to support adolescents with peer problems. We conduct research that can inform interventions to enhance youths’ social and mental health.

I welcome students who are eager to study child and adolescent social difficulties. My mentorship approach is inspired by John Cacioppo's advice to scientists (2008, Association for Psychological Science Presidential Column). I aim to foster students’ commitment to research by offering opportunities and responsibilities compatible with their interests and goals. In the course of our research, I encourage modesty by teaching students to appreciate the incremental nature of scientific progress and to reflect on their work in the broader context of other theories and evidence. Similarly, I encourage receptiveness to the feedback and perspectives of others by inviting diversity in students and ideas. I also encourage carefulness in research by teaching students to plan and conduct research meticulously and to read and think before they write. I try to model these practices through my research and mentorship efforts. My goals are to create an inclusive and accepting climate, to be accessible to students, and to prepare students to contribute to research and interventions that support children and adolescents with social difficulties.