Programs & Centers
Center for Healthy Youth Development
The Center for Healthy Youth Development (CHYD) works to integrate equitable Healthy Youth Development principles into all systems of practice, program, and policy. In partnership with communities statewide, we develop, evaluate, disseminate, and apply evidence-based best practices in Healthy Youth Development to locally-identified challenges.
Developmental Behavior Genetics Lab
Led by Dr. Gianna Rea-Sandin, the Developmental Behavior Genetics Lab focuses on understanding the complex ways in which genetics and family environments combine to shape growing minds. The lab’s primary research interest lies in learning how genes and the environment interact to influence children's cognitive and socioemotional development. Through projects like the Gemini Study, the research team investigates these developmental pathways to better understand the biological and social factors that contribute to child health and behavior.
YouthCHAT
YouthCHAT Educators are trained as simulated patients employed by the Division to participate in interactive educational sessions with clinical trainees. Educators help interdisciplinary adolescent health professionals hone their clinical interviewing skills through these sessions, and consult both internally and externally on adolescent and young adult health projects.