Cognition, Affect, and Neurodevelopment in Youth Lab

The CANDY lab is a team of researchers and clinicians focused on understanding how the neurobiological systems underlying our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors change over the course of adolescent development. Our research focuses specifically on how experiences of adversity and perceptions of stress play a role in shaping adolescent brain development, how these processes contribute to the risk of depression and other related conditions (i.e., anxiety, suicidality), and whether and how they may inform clinical decision-making and guide treatment selection. 

Our primary research tools include non-invasive multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based techniques that probe brain metabolism and delineate structural brain patterns associated with stress and depression in adolescents. We also collect blood samples to examine markers of immune functioning and oxidative stress. More recently, we are working with passive sensing data from smartphone sensors and wearables to integrate with brain imaging patterns in order to better understand the neural bases of adolescent health and behaviors outside of the laboratory. Finally, we participate in global consortia and data sharing and conduct meta- and mega-analyses to identify the most robust neuroanatomical and neurofunctional signatures of early life adversity and depression.