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About Us

Our Values

  • Empathy
  • Respect
  • Curiosity
  • Beneficence

Our Mission Statement

The Affective Neuroscience and Developmental Psychopathology (ANDP) Lab is dedicated to elucidating the etiology and pathophysiology of mental illness and informing the development and testing of treatments. Our research generally focuses on the development of depression, anhedonia, and related psychopathology during adolescence and early adulthood. Furthermore, our lab has also integrated the topics of adolescents’, sleep, suicidality, and LGBTQ+ mental health into our body of research. 

The overall purpose of our research is to alleviate the suffering that people with these psychopathologies experience. In our lab, we take approaches that are grounded in the theories of affective neuroscience, positive affect, affective behavior, and social context. We strive to respect the dignity and rights of all participants. Our lab aims to meet high standards for data quality, participant safety, compliance with regulations, and innovation while working in a team atmosphere with collaboration and respect.

DEIB Statement

We are committed to improving diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) among both the participants in our research studies and the members of our research team. We recognize the value of diversity as defined by identities and backgrounds that include race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status, and religion. We strive to foster DEIB by educating ourselves; engaging in conversations about bias, discrimination, victimization, and health inequities; taking a stance of cultural humility; and challenging our own biases. As part of our pursuit of this value, we conduct research on the mechanisms of mental health disparities, work to promote the advancement of students and scientists from under-represented and minoritized groups, and engage reciprocally with the community. This is a living statement, and we will revisit and improve it in future lab meetings.

 

forbes
Meet the Principal Investigator

Dr. Erika Forbes earned a BA from Harvard University and an MS and PhD in child clinical and developmental psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. 

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