Dr. Judy Garber's lab focuses on developing and testing interventions to reduce anxiety and depression in at-risk youth, particularly adolescents with high levels of negative affectivity. They utilize mindfulness training through an app-based program as a preventive measure to regulate emotions and improve mental health outcomes. The lab conducts studies tracking mood changes in participants to assess the effectiveness of these interventions over time.

Dr. James R. Booth's lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on understanding how language develops in young children, especially those who start talking later than their peers. The research aims to uncover the neurocognitive processes involved in language development and how these processes relate to social and academic success. By using advanced brain imaging techniques, the lab seeks to identify biomarkers that can help predict which children might face challenges in language acquisition and provide insights into early interventions.

Dr. Sophia Vinci-Booher's research lab focuses on understanding how children learn during their early schooling years. By studying brain changes and learning processes in first graders, her team aims to develop a better understanding of reading and math skills that are crucial for lifelong success. They use advanced neuroimaging techniques and educational resources like Sesame Street to assess how learning impacts brain development, ultimately working towards improving educational interventions for at-risk children.

Dr. Sohee Park's lab focuses on understanding the relationship between self-perception and social interactions in individuals with schizophrenia. Using innovative methods like virtual reality, the lab investigates how disruptions in the sense of self contribute to social impairments. The goal is to uncover the mechanisms behind these issues to develop better treatment strategies for improving social functioning in those affected by schizophrenia and related disorders.

Dr. Kathryn Leigh Humphreys' lab focuses on understanding early child development and the impact of the caregiving environment on mental health. The team explores how experiences during infancy and pregnancy influence brain structure and function, particularly concerning emotional regulation and psychopathology. Through innovative research methods including neuroimaging and wearable technology, they aim to gather insights that can inform early intervention strategies.

Dr. Laurie E. Cutting's research lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on understanding the cognitive and neural mechanisms behind children's academic success, particularly in reading and math. The lab examines how executive functions (cognitive skills) influence academic performance and how interventions can effectively improve learning outcomes. By using advanced neuroimaging techniques, the lab seeks to reveal the brain processes that underlie reading comprehension and math skills, ultimately paving the way for more tailored educational strategies.

Dr. Autumn J. Kujawa's lab focuses on understanding the psychological and biological factors that influence suicidal behavior in adolescents and postpartum depression in new mothers. By investigating how neural reward systems interact with social stressors, the lab aims to identify predictors for these challenges and develop intervention strategies. Overall, this research seeks to improve mental health outcomes for at-risk youth and mothers.

Dr. Marcia A. Barnes' lab investigates innovative methods for helping children with math learning disabilities (MLDs). They focus on understanding the relationship between cognitive skills, particularly working memory, and math abilities. The lab conducts clinical trials to test new interventions that combine cognitive training with traditional math instruction, aiming to improve educational outcomes for children struggling with math.

Dr. Thilo Womelsdorf's lab at Vanderbilt University studies how certain drugs can improve cognitive abilities and motivation. They specifically focus on a new type of drug designed to work with receptors in the brain that influence behavior and thought processes, particularly concerning conditions like schizophrenia. The research involves both behavioral tests on primates and measurements of brain chemistry to understand how these drugs can help enhance mental functions without unpleasant side effects.