Lemery Lab
The Arizona Twin Project is a twin research study focused on understanding the influence of genetic and environmental factors on developing emotional development and the development of resilience in a primarily Hispanic sample of infant twins.
Dr. Kathryn Lemery-Chalfant and Dr. Carlos Valiente (School of Social and Family Dynamics) are conducting a twin research study focusing on the impact of genetic and environmental influences on the early emotional development of twins and the development of resilience. The Arizona Twin Study project is the only early childhood twin study of primarily Hispanics, as well as the first twin study focused around resilience rather than risk. The twin method allows us to examine how genetics and the environment uniquely contribute to risk and resilience and influence child development. Further, this demographic will afford the opportunity to consider the impact of acculturation, and the interaction of culture and genetics.
Undergraduate research assistants are needed to assist with research studying how genes and environment work together to provide children the capacity to bounce back after trauma, adversity and stress. RA's will be assisting with participant recruitment, interviewing families with twins, data entry, coding birth medical records, and learning about data analysis. This experience will be beneficial for students who plan to apply to graduate school.