Rising senior Emily Young applied what she’s learned in her developmental psychology and neuroscience courses through a summer research project investigating how children respond to stress. Drawing on an analogy coined by Dr. Thomas Boyce of the University of California, San Francisco, she describes how children can be classified as “dandelions” (those who are fairly resilient in the face of adversity), or “orchids” (children who are sensitive and strongly reactive to their environment, whether positive or negative). “I took data from an earlier study where interviewers talked with parents, asking them how their kids responded to stress, and how they might help them develop coping strategies,” Young explained. “The best response would consider the dandelion/orchid question. A big part of what I’m looking at is peer victimization, like bullying.” She’s conducing her research project, titled “Is Your Child Even Listening to You?: Relationship between Socialization of Coping and Coping Behavior, Moderated by Stress Reactivity,” through Professor Dianna Murray-Close’s Social Development Lab. 

Young received key support from the College of Arts and Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF). The program provides a $4000 living stipend and additional money for research expenses. “I was beyond ecstatic when I got it,” Young said. “It’s allowed me to live in Burlington for the summer to concentrate on my research.”

A native of Western Massachusetts, Young was impressed by the physical beauty of Burlington and the friendly, open vibe on campus during her first UVM visit. During her first semester she discovered a fascination for exploring the roots of human behavior. “I love biology, which is why I decided on a neuroscience minor. Professor Murray-Close, who is amazing—one of the best professors I’ve ever had—is familiarizing me with the social development piece.”

Young eventually sees herself going to graduate school and working in a clinical setting, but plans on taking a gap year after graduation. “I’d like to see where this research leads, and explore what my niche will be."

Lauren Woodard ’20 grew up in suburban Washington D.C. and envisioned herself attending a small liberal arts college, but she was impressed by her visit to UVM. “I had gone to small schools my whole life, but I could tell UVM was a place I’d be pushed to make things happen for myself, while also offering the infrastructure to make those things possible.” Woodard entered as an English major and wasn’t sure if she had made the right choice. After taking a semester-long sabbatical to reflect on what she wanted for her college experience, she returned to UVM and declared psychological science as her major. “I dove right in and took enough credits so that I’ll end up graduating on time,” she said. It was Professor Mark Bouton’s “Learning, Cognition & Behavior” course that ignited Woodard’s interest in research. She approached Bouton about joining his lab and found herself immersed in experiments about how organisms develop habitual behavior—behaviors which can be beneficial, or destructive, like drug addiction.

Woodard is interested in gaining experience in behavioral, neurological and clinical research which she believes all contribute to successful treatments. To that end, she is also working in Dr. Kelly Rohan’s lab exploring Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). And, she is interning this fall at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility for women in South Burlington. She works in a case management office helping inmates reintegrate into society by finding housing and support services. The internship has given Woodard perspective on the large percentage of people incarcerated for drug-related offenses. “Unfortunately a lot of women spend many years cycling in and out of jail –it’s especially challenging being released into the environment that encourages addictive behaviors. I feel like I’m developing the behavioral and clinical background to help come up with positive solutions.”