Project Mentor

Dr. Damion Grasso
Psychiatry

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	The student will be involved in a pilot study funded by the Connecticut Institute of Clinical and Translational Science (CICATS) designed to examine emotional and biological stress reactivity in young children (4-6 years of age) with a history of domestic violence (DV) exposure. Mother-child dyads will be recruited from areawide DV shelters. Data collected with include diagnostic and observational assessments, computer tasks designed to measure attention bias to threat, and physiological measurements (i.e., heart rate reactivity/variability, skin conductance) to threat-related images. A primary aim will be to examine relationships between indicators of stress reactivity and emerging symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder in these young children.
Project Direction	Domestic violence (DV) is a serious public health problem in Connecticut and across the nation. Children exposed to DV are at elevated risk for a host of physical and psychological health problems that can manifest early in childhood and having cascading effects across the lifespan. We know little about the developmentally specific mechanisms by which DV exposure leads to these adverse outcomes. Gaining mechanistic insight into these risk processes and identifying protective factors will help to inform the optimal timing and targets of effective preventive interventions for this vulnerable population.
Student Qualifications	The student should have completed some coursework introducing her or him to psychology. Optional but suggested coursework may focus on developmental processes, abnormal/clinical psychology, experimental methodology, and biological psychology. Some research experience is preferred but not required.
Time Commitment	3-6 hours/week
Schedule Options	12-4pm would be optimal given that we expect to see participants in the afternoon.
Project Continuation	Summer 2017 and/or Fall 2017
Possible Thesis Project	Yes

Application

Submit an online application for this research opportunity using the form below. The application deadline is Friday, January 6, 2017.

This application requires a cover letter and a resume or CV. You must also arrange to have letters of recommendation sent to Dr. Grasso by January 6th (see details below).