Name of Lead Faculty/Staff or PI: Lane Strathearn
Contact: john-pienta@uiowa.edu (cc: lstrathearn@uiowa.edu)
Website: https://strathearn.lab.uiowa.edu
Contact: john-pienta@uiowa.edu (cc: lstrathearn@uiowa.edu)
Website: https://strathearn.lab.uiowa.edu
Research Topic: Parent-child attachment; autism; epigenetics; addiction
Project and Position Details: The Attachment and Neurodevelopment Lab is directed by Dr. Lane Strathearn, a neuroscientist and developmental-behavioral pediatrician at the Center for Disabilities and Development (CDD) at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Our lab explores how early relationships between parents and children shape brain development and long-term well-being. We use tools like brain imaging, semi-structured interviews, genetic and epigenetics testing, and hormone analysis to better understand how parents respond to their children—especially in situations involving stress, substance use, or developmental challenges like autism. Our goal is to support healthy development by learning how strong, nurturing relationships are built from the very beginning.
Time Commitment: At least 10 hours per week (generally)
Compensation: Volunteer (Optional registration for URES:3991 or URES:3992 0-credit transcript recognition), Academic Credit (1-4 Semester Hours)
Start Date: Immediate
Timeline: Ongoing, potential to be a continuous position
Application Instructions: Email or via lab website