Researching Child Development
The Culture, Family, and Child Development Lab at Clarkson University investigate how family environments, cultural contexts, and early life experiences shape children’s self-regulation, mental health, and overall development. Led by Dr. Ying Zhang, our lab uses advanced developmental methods and data science to produce rigorous research, share scientific discoveries, and train undergraduate students in high-quality psychological research.
About Us
The Culture, Family, and Child Development Lab at Clarkson University, led by Dr. Ying Zhang, is committed to advancing knowledge in developmental psychology. Our research investigates how cultural influences and family dynamics impact child development, mental health, and self-regulation. Through rigorous methodologies and innovative data science, we conduct high-quality research while engaging undergraduate students in meaningful projects that drive academic advancement and foster collaboration within the psychological community.
Meet Our Team
Caitlyn Carinci-Clark
Researcher
I conduct research on the Postpartum Wellbeing and Child Development Cross-Cultural Study, examining how intimate partner violence influences postpartum depression.
Genevieve Mucitelli
Researcher
I lead research on postpartum mental health and have authored a manuscript based on this study. I contribute to manuscript development across additional lab projects, including the Early Head Start research.
Jacob Inyang
Researcher
I conduct research on the postpartum well-being and child development cross-cultural study as part of my undergraduate thesis and collaborate on manuscript development for the Early Head Start project. I previously contributed to data collection for the Diversity Seeking study.
Makayla Kepner
Researcher
I manage the Cell Phone Study, including participant communication and credit assignment, and conduct literature reviews for Early Head Start projects. I contribute to manuscript development, assist with qualitative and quantitative study design, and create conference posters and presentations.
Michele Bou Khalil
Researcher
I manage participant communication and credit assignment for the Effects of Diversity Courses study and conduct literature reviews to support data collection and study development. I assist with participant recruitment across university departments and contribute to research dissemination through website development.
Raelyn King
Lab Manager
I serve as Lab Manager and Teaching Assistant in the CFCD Lab, supporting research coordination, website development, and project organization. I contribute to ongoing research initiatives while assisting with manuscript preparation and lab operations.
Naana Hutchful
Lab Assistant
I manage key components of the Early Head Start grant, including progress reporting and dissemination of research findings to funding agencies and the broader research community. I contribute to projects focused on children’s emotion regulation and parenting outcomes.
Dr. Ying Zhang
Founder & Lab Director
I founded the CFCD Lab in 2021 and lead research examining how family dynamics, cultural contexts, and socioeconomic factors shape children’s self regulation and long-term development. I mentor undergraduate researchers in conducting rigorous, data-driven studies and disseminating findings through scholarly publications and national conference presentations.
Get in Touch
Become a lab member!
Contact Information
We welcome undergraduate students interested in research to contact us about opporunities to join the lab.
