LRDC researchers study the social and developmental contexts of learning, from early childhood through young adulthood, examining how families, communities, and schools shape learning and socio-emotional development. Attention is given to how income, education, race, and ethnicity influence children’s opportunities and outcomes. Through this work, we aim to contribute to a more just and equitable society in which everyone has the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills needed to participate fully and thrive.
A central component of LRDC’s research mission is providing meaningful training opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students. Below, we highlight key research themes and the laboratories advancing work in these areas:
High quality learning opportunities from toddlerhood through young adulthood
- Parents Promoting Early Learning (PPEL) Lab, Heather Bachman and Elizabeth Votruba-Drzal (co-PIs)
Longitudinal and cross-sectional investigation of how family finances relate to adolescent behaviors
- Study of Teen Experiences that Promote Success (STEPS) Lab, Portia Miller (PI), Emily Jones and Elizabeth Votruba-Drzal (co-PIs)
Strengths-based approaches to developing and evaluating family interventions promoting children's learning in English and in Spanish
- Food for Thought, Diana Leyva (PI)
Race, class, contextual and intersectional Influences on child and adolescent health
- Understanding Development in Diverse Contexts (UDDC), Daphne Henry (PI)
Racial and gender identity development, and supports for learning
- The Race and Youth Development Research (RaYDR) Group, Jay Huguley (PI)
Researchers Associated with this Area
Heather Bachman
Daphne Henry
Jay Huguley
Emily Jones
Diana Leyva
Portia Miller
Elizabeth Votruba-Drzal