New views into the hearts and minds of preschoolers

Imaging methods to allow researchers a more in-depth understanding of brain-heart coordination in young children

UMass Amherst researchers have been awarded a $390,483 grant from the National Science Foundation to investigate the role of coordinated brain and heart activity in the rapid development of self-regulation in 3- to 5-year-olds. Read full article

Developmental Disabilities and Human Services Program celebrates 20 years

Learn how the DDHS program has grown in its student body, courses and curriculum, and the number of partnering organizations offering real-world experience through internships. Recent additions including volunteer, service learning, and study abroad programs have added great new chances for skill-development and community-building. The passionate students of DDHS continue to excel as they build lasting connections with each other, stay up-to-date on significant research in the field, and gain knowledge of how to best support individuals and families facing disability.

A Message from Director Ashley Woodman

PBS welcomes new Associate Professor

Overuse of electronic devices, stress, and a lack of sleep can take a toll on our health and well-being. Ilia Karatsoreos, associate professor of behavioral neuroscience, studies how the body's biological clock and stress response systems help maintain mental and physical health. His lab aims to uncover the fundamental mechanisms of, and potential interventions to, some of the negative health outcomes associated with our fast-paced modern society.

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Photo Journal: New Behavioral Neuroscience Labs!

The brand new neuroscience wing in Morrill IV, housing many of our behavioral neuroscience labs, features a modern open lab plan, lots of natural light, and energy efficiency. The space will house the labs and offices of Ilia Karatsoreos, David Moorman, Mariana Pereira, Luke Remage-Healey, and Heather Richardson, as well as the office of Agnès Lacreuse. View photo journal

Deanna Ferrante '20 wins Kaitlin A. Geraghty Memorial Prize for excellence in disability inclusion

Senior psychology student works toward the full inclusion of people with disabilities

Deanna Ferrante '20, Developmental Disabilities and Human Services Program (DDHS) and Psychology, was honored with the first inaugural Kaitlin A. Geraghty Memorial Prize for excellence in disability inclusion by the National Organization on Disability (NOD). Read full article

Introducing our Undergraduate Spotlight on Alumni

UMass alumni share how PBS prepared them for a successful career

Find out how these bright alumni found their calling! 

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Effect of visualization on students’ understanding of probability concepts

Asking if behavior can be changed on climate crisis

Dasgupta to lead network to increase and diversify STEM workforce

Melinda Novak honored as ‘Educator of the Year’ by medical research society

Paula Pietromonaco wins 2019 Society for Personality and Social Psychology 'Service to the Field' Award

Cierra Abellera and Trisha Dehrone selected for 2019 Edna M. Dahlquist Scholarships

On the “cusp of a new era in education,” Robert Feldman edits book on 'Learning Science'

On-the-job conditions affect workers' mental health; Maureen Perry-Jenkins identifies solutions

Personal stories and conversations can change minds says Linda Tropp

Judson Brewer | The Craving Mind: From Cigarettes to Cupcakes to Smartphones, the Mechanisms Underlying How Mindfulness Helps Change Habits

March 2, 12-1 pm | Old Chapel, UMass Amherst (with 1-2 pm reception afterwards)

We are all vulnerable to craving. Whether it’s a compulsion to constantly check social media, overeat, smoke, excessively drink, or any other behavior, we may find ourselves uncontrollably repeating. Why are bad habits so hard to overcome? Can we learn how our minds work, and even tap into this very process to find a key to conquer the cravings we know are unhealthy for us and foster our natural capacities for awareness and kindness?

For more details visit the event page

33rd Annual CUNY Human Sentence Processing Conference

March 19-21, 2020 at UMass Amherst

Including Special Session: The Role of Linguistic Theory in Psycholinguistics. It is an exciting time to highlight the important interdisciplinary relationship between linguists and psychologists that lies at the the heart of the CUNY community.

For more details visit the conference website

2020 Rudd Adoption Research Program Conference

FUTURE OF ADOPTION: Adopted Adults - Connections Across Generations

April 17, 2020 | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

This year's conference topic will focus on the lifespan of adoptees with special consideration given to adult adoptees and their many connections across generations. The 2020 conference will be marked by the many exciting signs of progress both within our program and the world of adoption studies. Learn More and Register Today

Jeannie Glenowicz