The FEND Lab focuses on the development of affective disorders in adolescents, such as anxiety, depression, and suicidality. We are interested in the intersection of neurobiological risk factors and social experiences, especially experiences with peers and social media as well as parents, and how these influence day-to-day emotional experience measured using ecological momentary assessment.
FEND Lab Diversity and Inclusion Statement:
The Families, Emotions, Neuroscience, and Development (FEND) Lab is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusion and creating equitable academic and research opportunities within the Department of Psychology and research community. We welcome and affirm diversity with respect to race, culture, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, and socioeconomic status, among others. The FEND Lab works to cultivate an inclusive and equitable environment for all individuals, which we believe is essential for long-term academic success and development. Furthermore, we work to create collaborative partnerships and opportunities for community engagement with organizations in the greater Pittsburgh area. Recognizing the lack of representation in psychology, the systemic racism embedded in academia, and the history of marginalized communities in research, our lab seeks to be a part of a broader effort at the University of Pittsburgh to advance initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion for students, faculty, and staff.
In recognition of these core values, the FEND lab is pursuing the following main goals:
1. Training scholars from diverse backgrounds.
Recruiting and providing ongoing support, training, and mentorship to underrepresented students at the undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, graduate, and post-doctoral levels
2. Integrating the values of diversity and inclusion into all aspects of the research process.
Promoting cultural competence in psychological science through elevating the voices and research of traditionally underrepresented scholars and groups and recruiting diverse samples
3. Engaging in community outreach with an emphasis on underserved youth in the community.
Developing community-driven activities, disseminating research findings, and building relationships with organizations in the local community