|
Understanding development across timescales
Brain and behavior change from moment to moment and across the lifespan. We study these changes in neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals, including autistic people and those with rare genetic neurodevelopmental conditions. By examining patterns of brain activity, physiology, and behavior, we aim to identify meaningful differences in how people process information, learn, and develop. Combining brain, body, and behavior No single measure can fully explain how people think, feel, and interact. We combine tools such as EEG, eye tracking, physiological recordings, and behavioral assessments to examine how different systems work together. By identifying patterns across these measures, we seek to better understand individual differences in development, communication, and social connection. |
|
|
Expanding the impact and reach of neuroscience
Not all research happens in a laboratory! We bring neuroscience into homes, schools, and community settings to better understand how people learn, develop, and interact in everyday life. Families and communities are essential partners in this work, helping us reach people with a wide range of experiences, backgrounds, and abilities, from rural communities close to home to families around the world. Through community partnerships and innovative approaches, such as portable EEG and off-site testing, we make research participation more accessible while expanding our understanding of the many ways brains develop and support social connection. |
|
|
In the Mind Matters study, we studied how teens interact with their family and how that shaped how teens think and feel. We asked teens and their caregivers to reflect, collaborate, and talk about everyday life experiences. We captured both heart rate and brain responses during these meaningful conversations.
|
|
The Teen Brain Decision study was led by (now) Dr. Rebecca Revilla. She studied how teens make decisions in their everyday life, including how they view other people in tough situations and how they choose to spend "down time".
Dr. Revilla is currently a postdoc at the Medical University of South Carolina and will be sharing several published papers soon. |
Adolescence is a period of emotional complexity, filled with social interactions that shape a young person's identity and relationships. For autistic adolescents, one of the core challenges during this time involves interpreting emotional cues, especially facial expressions. This difficulty in reading emotions doesn't just impact social understanding—it can also intensify feelings of anxiety and isolation...
Read More
