Dr. Nicole B. Perry, Director
Dr. Perry is an Assistant Professor in the Human Development and Family Sciences Department at the University of Texas at Austin. She received her Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and subsequently trained as a post-doctoral research scientist at the Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota. Her research has been published in many scientific journals including Developmental Psychology, Development and Psychopathology, Child Development, Developmental Psychobiology, and Psychoneuroendocrinology.
Dr. Perry’s research program centers on the development of self-regulatory processes during early childhood, particularly the regulation of emotion. Her work is grounded in a developmental science perspective which emphasizes the interconnected structure of developmental domains, the longitudinal nature of development, and the social environment as a critical developmental context. She uses biological indices of nervous system functioning (e.g., RSA), neural activity (e.g., EEG), sleep (e.g., actigraphy), and stress mediating systems (e.g., HPA cortisol reactivity), in combination with observational and caregiver/self-report, to conduct longitudinal biopsychosocial studies aimed at investigating how development across levels of functioning (i.e., biological, behavioral, environmental) contributes to variation in the acquisition of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral regulatory processes.
Dr. Perry also investigates the impact of the caregiving environment for the development of early self regulation. Because sensitive and responsive caregiving are critical in fostering the acquisition of independent self-regulatory skills, early deprivation and caregiver neglect is detrimental, particularly for emotional adjustment. By studying typically-reared and previously-institutionalized (PI) children, she has developed a comprehensive understanding of the role caregiving has on the developmental trajectories of biological systems and children’s psychopathology and mental health.
Fun Fact About Me: I love being on or in the water so much that I was nicknamed “Seadog” as kid and wanted to be a Marine Biologist when I grew up. I also cannot be convinced that there is any better music than 90’s R&B and hip hop.
Yingying Tang
3rd Year Ph.D Graduate Student
I received my Master’s degree in developmental psychology in 2022 and a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Beijing Normal University. My research interests focus on utilizing an interdisciplinary approach to investigate the physiological, neurological, and cognitive processes of emotion regulation and co-regulation. When I was a child, I wanted to become a witch!
Fun Fact About Me: I bought an electric guitar this year and every time I hold it, my left arm goes numb.
Tose Akinmola-Milone
2nd Year Ph.D Graduate Student
Hey! I received my BS in Psychology from The University of Georgia in 2021. My research interests are development of emotion regulation and prosocial behavior in early childhood, parenting practices, and interparental relationship. When I was younger, I wanted to be a marine biologist!
Fun Fact About Me: I am a Wes Anderson enthusiast!
Christy Nguyen
Lab Manager
Good Hello! I graduated from UT Austin in 2023 with a degree in Health and Society and a double minor in Business and Healthcare Reform & Innovation. My research interests include emotion regulation and education in early childhood development. When I was little, I wanted to be a teacher!
Fun Fact About Me: I have a cracked skull from a traumatic brain injury!
Madelaine Shelton
Research Scientist Assistant
I graduated in 2022 with a BA in psychology from St. Edwards University and have been conducting research at the University of Texas at Austin since 2018. Some of my research interests include emotion regulation, family dynamics, and mental health outcomes using an attachment and physiological lens. When I was a kid, I wanted to be Ms. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus when I grew up!
Fun Fact About Me: I love to hike, rock climb, and play volleyball!
Lillie Loose
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Hi! I am a junior undergraduate studying Honors in Advanced Human Development and Family Sciences on the pre-med track. I am interested in how physiological components and the environment affect emotional development in early childhood. When I was little I wanted to be a dolphin trainer.
Fun Fact About Me: A fun fact about me is I love to bake or do any kind of craft project!
Olivia Vigran
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Hi! I am a senior at the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Human Development and Family Sciences. Some of my research interests include childhood and adolescent development, emotional regulation, and attachment styles. When I was younger, I wanted to be a doctor and I am now pursuing the pre-medical track!
Fun Fact About Me: I am a middle child with two brothers, one sister, and a dog named Blizzard.