Detroit Youth Across Development (DYAD) Lab

***Unfortunately, we are not currently recruiting additional research assistants due to restrictions on in-person data collection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please check back in mid 2021 for updates***

The primary project in the Detroit Youth Across Development (DYAD) Lab is a follow-up study to earlier life neurodevelopment projects led by Dr. Moriah Thomason. The follow-up project aims to evaluate prenatal factors, including brain biomarkers, maternal prenatal stress, and exposure to environmental toxicants, as predictors of child development. We seek to understand how prenatal factors and postnatal environmental (e.g., family home environment) and biological factors in the children’s early years impact their brain and behavioral development. Our approach is to use behavioral assessments, biological sampling (cortisol, blood), as well as home visits and electroencephalography (EEG) to model healthy and atypical neurobehavioral development during early childhood. We are also currently planning a follow up visit during middle childhood that will include fMRI.
For more information: https://s.wayne.edu/DYAD/

Research assistants in the DYAD Lab are typically undergraduates majoring in Psychology or other related disciplines (Public Health, Neuroscience, Pre Med). Students often complete Directed Study (PSY 4990) or Honors Directed Study (PSY 4991) credits while assisting with projects in the DYAD Lab. Students may also request to pursue an undergraduate Honors Thesis (HON 4998 or PSY 4998), but typically only after multiple semesters in the lab. Students should discuss HON 4998 or PSY 4998 with Dr. Trentacosta well in advance of their expected graduation date.

***Unfortunately, we are not currently recruiting additional research assistants due to restrictions on in-person data collection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please check back in mid 2021 for updates***

Our lab prefers a one-year commitment of at least 8 to 9 hours per week. Our lab prefers those who have some weeknight and weekend availability. Most undergraduates assist with data collection from children and families during lab or home visits, and others focus on coding parent-child interactions from video recordings.

January 20, 2021