Our research is largely in clinical psychology and behavior genetics, and includes
- Genome-wide association studies using microarrays and whole genome sequencing to understand the nature of psychopathology and addiction.
- Twin/Adoption studies through the Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research. We ask developmental questions about the emergence and course of mental illness and substance use and dependence.
- Development of new assessments using wireless sensors such as those in your smartphone. Measures of environmental influence in psychological studies are often limited and bespoke. Smartphones might provide standardized ways to measure aspects of the environment in which we live.
GWAS & Sequencing Consortium of Alcohol and Nicotine use
The GWAS & Sequencing Consortium of Alcohol and Nicotine use (GSCAN) is a collaboration between the University of Minnesota and Penn State University, along with 100s of scientists and studies from across the globe.
CoTwins
The Colorado Online Twin Study (CoTwins) is a longitudinal study of adolescent twins using web-based and mobile tech assessment methods.
Developmental Consortium
The "Developmental Consortium" (DevCon) is a budding longitudinal genetic association consortium effort.
Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research
The Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research houses our administrative structure, and includes a decades-long longitudinal study of ~2500 nuclear families, including 1,850 families with twins and 650 families with adoptees.
Consortium Contributions
We have contributed to a variety of large GWAS consortia.