As a research scientist, I investigate how and why early life stress  can have long-term implications for children's social and emotional functioning.  In my work, I have primarily focused on stress within the family systems (e.g., marital conflict, parent mental health, parent-child dynamics). However, I am now delving into broader issues, such as characteristics of schools and neighborhoods, as well as economic stressors that many families face. By leveraging my domain expertise in child development and family functioning with my expertise in research methodology, data analysis, and science communication, I want to drive meaningful policy change to support children and families.