Dr. Stephen Ferrigno's lab focuses on understanding how children and monkeys develop their ability to estimate numbers using the Approximate Number System. This system is crucial for early math skills, and the lab combines behavioral studies, genetic analysis, and computational modeling to explore factors influencing its development. The research aims to improve educational practices and early diagnosis of math-related learning disabilities by revealing how genetics, experience, and neural maturation play roles in this developmental process.

Dr. Craig W. Berridge's research lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on understanding how the prefrontal cortex (PFC) impacts goal-directed behavior. The lab explores how corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neurons in the PFC affect cognitive processes like memory and attention, particularly in relation to behavioral disorders. By studying the neural mechanisms involved, the lab aims to develop better treatments for cognitive dysfunctions linked to the PFC.

Dr. Seth D. Pollak's lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on how childhood adversity impacts emotional and behavioral development in children. Through combining neuroimaging and behavioral studies, the lab investigates the neural mechanisms that underlie emotional processing and decision-making in at-risk youth. Their work aims to identify ways to intervene and improve mental health outcomes for children exposed to early life stress.

Dr. Christopher S Green's research lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on understanding how cognitive training might produce benefits through placebo effects. This work involves conducting large-scale studies to investigate whether people's expectations can influence their performance on cognitive tasks. By exploring how different age groups and individual traits affect placebo responsiveness, the lab aims to develop more effective cognitive training methods that could improve mental health outcomes, particularly for older adults at risk for dementia.

Dr. Margarita Kaushanskaya's lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on understanding how bilingualism affects language development in young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The research aims to find ways to support bilingual children with ASD, especially those from Hispanic and Latine backgrounds, by studying their language skills and how these are influenced by their unique bilingual environments. By integrating experimental tasks with real-life observations, the lab aims to provide valuable insights into effective language support for dual-language development.

Dr. Simon B Goldberg's research focuses on improving mental health through mobile health technologies, specifically by optimizing a meditation app designed for people experiencing depression and anxiety. His lab explores how to enhance user engagement and effectiveness of digital interventions by incorporating support from instructors and digital reminders. The goal is to make these tools more accessible and impactful for individuals needing mental health support.

Dr. John J. Curtin's research lab focuses on developing advanced digital therapeutics to support individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). By incorporating machine learning and personal sensing technology, the lab aims to enhance engagement with digital interventions, ultimately improving clinical outcomes for patients. The research strives to optimize how personalized feedback is delivered through smartphone applications to foster sustained use and better treatment effectiveness.

Dr. Katie L. Walsh's lab focuses on addressing the mental health challenges faced by sexual assault survivors, particularly aiming to prevent PTSD and opioid misuse. They are creating and testing innovative interventions, such as video and text messaging programs delivered in emergency departments, which target these issues during critical moments of care. By evaluating the effectiveness of these interventions, the lab works to improve health outcomes for individuals impacted by violence.