My program of research is largely informed by models of resilience and risk, and my research blends traditional methodology with culturally responsive science frameworks. I have consistently contributed to psychological science in general by elucidating the influence of biological, emotional, and cognitive processes in development on internalizing and post-traumatic stress disorder development in children and adolescents. Specifically, my expertise in physiological indices of self-regulation (e.g., heart rate variability), emotion regulation, and control beliefs has allowed me to uncover knowledge relevant to anxiety and depressive disorder development, maintenance, and reversal. Application of my work not only includes mainstream youth and families, but more recently has unique foci on Native American communities. Over the past several years, for instance, I have been partnering with the Chippewa Cree Tribe in Montana (Rocky Boy Reservation) to conduct research relevant to resilience, emotions, and behavioral health in Native American children. Moving forward, our collective efforts will leverage cultural strengths within communities to promote effective prevention and early interventions programs and positive outcomes for Native American youth and their non-Native counterparts.
