Newsletters
Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research Fall 2022
Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research Winter/Spring 2020
News and Updates
August 2024
Dr. Sylia Wilson joins the National Institutes of Health (NIH)’s Addiction Risks and Mechanisms (ARM) Study Section as a standing member!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she co-authored, “Characterizing Long COVID in Children and Adolescents,” was accepted for publication in JAMA!
July 2024
Dr. Tyler Sassenberg, postdoctoral researcher, joins the Fam CAN lab! Tyler’s research interests are in the prediction of individual differences using advanced methods of functional connectivity measurement in fMRI data. Welcome, Tyler!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she co-authored, “Capturing the Complexity of Child Behavior and Caregiver-Child Relationships in the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study Using a Rigorous and Equitable Approach,” was accepted for publication in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she co-authored, “Stability and Change in Epigenetic Age Acceleration Among Ethnically/Racially Diverse Children and Adults in the United States,” was accepted for publication in JAMA Pediatrics!
Dr. Sylia Wilson presented a talk (with Dr. Monica Luciana, “Adolescent Development, Neurocognition, and Mental Health,” at the University of Minnesota’s Adolescent Health Summer Institute!
Emily Padrutt, graduate researcher, presented a talk, “Perinatal Maternal Depression and Infant Self-Regulation,” at the International Congress of Infant Studies meeting!
Our second annual Fam CAN Lab Writing Retreat was a productive success! 
Akira Wang, graduate researcher, received a Travel Award for the Flux Congress! Congratulations, Akira!
June 2024
Dr. Tyler Sassenberg, postdoctoral researcher, joins the Fam CAN lab! Tyler’s research interests are in the prediction of individual differences using advanced methods of functional connectivity measurement in fMRI data. Welcome, Tyler!
Ricardo Vazquez Montero joins the Fam CAN lab as a McNair Scholar! We’re so excited to have him!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she co-authored, “Clarifying the Place of P300 in the Empirical Structure of Psychopathology Over Development,” was accepted for publication in the Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science!
Dr. Juan Del Toro, faculty collaborator, learned that his NIDA Diversity Supplement will be funded! This program aims to promote diversity in the field of substance use research by increasing participation of individuals from groups historically underrepresented in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral and social sciences. Dr. Del Toro will use quasi-experimental methods to examine the longitudinal relations among legal system exposure, substance use, neurocognition, and education. Congratulations, Dr. Del Toro!
May 2024
Ellie Schwartzman, undergraduate researcher, received the ICD Anne D. Pick Award for Outstanding Developmental Psychology! This award recognizes outstanding undergraduates at ICD. Congratulations, Ellie!
Sophia Ahlborn, Joseph McKnight, Lily MacNaughton, Marissa Puser, and Delaney Voor Vart, undergraduate researchers, graduated from the University of Minnesota. Congratulations, Sophia, Joseph, Lily, Marissa, and Delaney!
Kayla Nelson, graduate researcher, and Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a commentary they authored, “Depressive Disorders in Children: Recent Prevalence and Future Directions,” was accepted for publication in Evidence-Based Nursing!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she co-authored, “Why does Parenting in Adolescence Predict Maladaptive Personality in Adulthood? Evidence for Substantial Genetic Mediation,” was accepted for publication in Development and Psychopathology!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she co-authored, “Atypical Use of Visuospatial Context in Psychotic Psychopathology: A Meta-Analysis,” was accepted for publication in Schizophrenia Bulletin!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she co-authored, “Maladaptive Personality Traits and Older Adult Relationship Satisfaction: A Co-Twin Control Approach to Understanding Associations,” was accepted for publication in Journal of Personality!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she co-authored, “Rapid Dynamics of Electrophysiological Connectome States Are Heritable,” was accepted for publication in Network Neuroscience!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she co-authored, “Cognitive Abilities Are Associated With Rapid Dynamics of Electrophysiological Connectome States,” was accepted for publication in Network Neuroscience!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she authored, “Incorporating Neurodevelopmental and Neurocognitive Conditions in Transdiagnostic Dimensional Models of Psychopathology,” was accepted for publication in Dimensional Diagnosis: Practical and Conceptual Issues in the Integration of Personality and Psychopathology!
Dr. Gianna Rea-Sandin, received the NIH Matilda White Riley Early-Stage Investigator Award! This award recognizes outstanding early-stage investigators. Gianna research examines the complex interplay between biological and contextual influences that contribute to the development of youth self-regulation. Congratulations, Gianna!
Sophia Ahlborn, formerly a Fam CAN lab undergraduate researcher, now joins the lab as a postbaccalaureate researcher. We’re so happy you’re here, Sophia!
April 2024
Emily Padrutt, graduate researcher, completed her dissertation prospectus, “Perinatal Depressive Symptoms and Infant Self-Regulation: Pathways Through Infant Autonomic Regulation and Postnatal Maternal Sensitivity”! Emily is officially a doctoral candidate!
Kayla Nelson, received the University of Minnesota’s Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship! This fellowship supports graduate students conducting their dissertation research. Kayla is examining the comorbidity between depression and substance use in adolescence. Congratulations, Kayla!
Sophia Ahlborn, undergraduate researcher, completed her UROP! Congratulations, Sophia!
Marissa Puser, undergraduate researcher, completed her Senior Capstone project! Congratulations, Marissa!
Marissa Puser, undergraduate researcher, received the Sharon Borine Award for her Senior Capstone project! Congratulations, Marissa!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she co-authored, “Shifting Goalposts: Widening Discrepancies Between Girls’ Actual and Ideal Bodies Predict Disordered Eating from Preadolescence to Adulthood,” was accepted for publication in Development and Psychopathology!
March 2024
Dr. Gianna Rea-Sandin, postdoctoral researcher, accepted a tenure-track position as an Assistant Professor in the Pediatrics Department at the University of Minnesota! She will start her new position in Summer 2024. Congratulations, Gianna!
Akira Wang, graduate researcher, received the ICD Alumni Doctoral Fellowship! This award supports graduate students conducting research. Akira is examining the effects of adversity on development. Congratulations, Akira!
Jay Santos, graduate researcher, presented a poster, “Investigating the Use of a Multi-Attribute Utility Tool to Attenuate Bias Against LGBTQ+ Defendants,” at the American Psychology-Law Society meeting!
Dr. Sylia Wilson was a co-author on a talk, “Widening Actual-Ideal Body Discrepancies Predict Disordered Eating From Preadolescence Into Adulthood,” at the International Conference on Eating Disorders meeting!
Dr. Sylia Wilson was a co-author on a poster presentation, “Where’d You Go: Exploring ADHD Placement Within the HiTOP Structure Across Development and Informants in Women,” at the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) meeting!
Dr. Sylia Wilson was a co-author on a poster presentation, “Modeling Relations Between ERP Factors and Broader Versus Narrower Dimensions of Externalizing Psychopathology,” at the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) meeting!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she authored, “Where do Neurodevelopmental Conditions Fit in Transdiagnostic Psychiatric Frameworks? Incorporating a New Neurodevelopmental Spectrum,” was accepted for publication in World Psychiatry!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she co-authored, “Measurement Invariance of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) Across Race/Ethnicity and Sex in the ABCD Study,” was accepted for publication in Psychological Assessment!
February 2024
Emily Padrutt, graduate researcher, successfully passed her orals exam, on her specials paper, “Maternal Perinatal Depression and Infant Self-Regulation: A Meta-Analytic Review”! Congratulations, Emily!
January 2024
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she co-authored, “The Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP),” was accepted for publication in the American Journal of Psychiatry!
Dr. Gianna Rea-Sandin, postdoctoral researcher, and Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a chapter they authored, “Genetics,” was accepted for publication in the Encyclopedia of Adolescence!
December 2023
Kayla Nelson, graduate researcher, successfully passed her orals exam, on her specials paper, “Understanding Depression and Substance Use Comorbidity in Adolescence: A Systematic Review”! Congratulations, Kayla!
November 2023
Kayla Nelson, graduate researcher, successfully passed her orals exam, on her specials paper, “Understanding Depression and Substance Use Comorbidity in Adolescence: A Systematic Review”! Congratulations, Kayla!
Kayla Nelson, graduate researcher, completed her dissertation prospectus, “A Causally-Informed Approach to Understanding Depression and Substance Use Comorbidity During Adolescence and the Role of the Parent-Child Relationship”! Kayla is officially a doctoral candidate!
October 2023
Emily Padrutt, graduate researcher, learned that a paper she co-authored, “Adrenocortical and Autonomic Cross-System Regulation in Youth: A Meta-Analysis,” was accepted for publication in Psychoneuroendocrinology!
September 2023
Dr. Gianna Rea-Sandin, postdoctoral researcher, and Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper they authored, “The Heritability of Psychopathology Symptoms in Early Adolescence: Moderation by Family Cultural Values in the ABCD Study,” was accepted for publication in Behavior Genetics!
Felix Pichardo, graduate researcher, presented a talk, “Measuring Cognitive and Motivational Processes: A Large-Scale Validation Study of Iowa Gambling Task Computational Parameters,” at the Flux Congress meeting!
Dr. Sylia Wilson chaired a symposium, “Innovative Quantitative Approaches Using Varied Time Scales to Understand the Development, Course, Contributors to, and Consequences of Externalizing Psychopathology,” and was a co-author on a talk, “The Heritability of SUDs in Adolescence and Early Adulthood May Depend on Their Severity,” at the Society for Research in Psychopathology (SRP) meeting!
Dr. Jon Schaefer, former postdoctoral researcher, presented a talk, “Cannabis Use and Suicidality: A Multi-Site Co-Twin Control Study From Adolescence Through Middle Adulthood,” at the Society for Psychopathology Research (SRP) meeting. Congratulations, Jon!
Dr. Sylia Wilson presented a talk, “Where Are Neurodevelopmental Symptoms in Transdiagnostic Frameworks of Psychopathology? Incorporating a New Neurodevelopmental Dimension,” at the Society for Psychopathology Research (SRP) meeting!
Dr. Jeremy Harper, former postdoctoral researcher, and Dr. Jon Schaefer, postdoctoral researcher, co-authored a poster, “Neural Predictors of Risk for Externalizing: Implications for the Incorporation of Psychophysiology into Clinical Screening,” at the Society for Psychopathology Research (SRP) meeting!
Dr. Sylia Wilson was a co-author on a poster, “Neural Predictors of Risk for Externalizing: Implications for the Incorporation of Psychophysiology Into Clinical Screening,” at the Society for Psychopathology Research (SRP) meeting!
Dr. Sylia Wilson presented a talk, “Don’t Be Afraid to Be Bold: Lessons Learned From Bill Iacono When Seeking to Disentangle Cause From Consequence of Substance Use on the Brain,” at the Society for Psychophysiological Research (SPR) meeting!
Dr. Sylia Wilson was a co-author on a talk, “Psychometric Properties of the Body Rating Scales: Actual-Ideal Discrepancy as an Index of Body Dissatisfaction,” at the Eating Disorders Research Society (EDRS) meeting!
Dr. Sylia Wilson contributed to a story on the Healthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study, “University of Minnesota Enters National Long-Term Research Looking at Child Development and Substance Use,” published in MinnPost!
Saaraa Aggarwal, Rachel Bollig, Sofiya Briguene, Monique Foster, Marissa Puser, Kiera Sharkey, and Delaney Voor Vart join the Fam CAN lab as CPSY 4994 undergraduate researchers! We’re so excited to have them!
August 2023
Nathalie Dumornay and Felix Pichardo, graduate researchers, successfully passed their preliminary examinations! Congratulations, Nat and Felix!
July 2023
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she authored, “Sociodemographic Reporting and Sample Composition Over Three Decades of Psychopathology Research: A Systematic Review and Quantitative Synthesis,” was accepted for publication in Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she co-authored, “Trajectories and Personality Predictors of Eating Pathology Development in Girls From Preadolescence to Adulthood,” was accepted for publication in Clinical Psychological Science!
June 2023
Dr. Sylia Wilson contributed to a story on adolescents, “Twin Cities Businesses Add Curfews, Age Restrictions for Teens,” published in Axios!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that an infographic for the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study she contributed to developing, “The Pros and Cons of Screen Use,” was selected for a Health Information Resource Center’s 2023 Digital Health Award!
Beatrice Hammel, graduate researcher, Dr. Jon Schaefer, postdoctoral researcher, and Melissa Avila, graduate researcher, presented posters, “Socioeconomic Associations With Substance Use: The Mediating Role of Internalizing and Externalizing” (Beatrice, Jon) and “Moderated Mediation Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Alcohol Use Among Latine Youth: The Role of Functionality Connectivity, Neurocognition, and Culture” (Melissa), at the Research Society on Alcohol (RSA) meeting!
Felix Pichardo, graduate researcher, presented a poster, “Measuring Cognitive and Motivational Processes: A Large-Scale Validation Study of Iowa Gambling Task Computational Parameters,” at the Flux meeting!
Felix Pichardo, graduate researcher, presented a poster, “Measuring Cognitive and Motivational Processes: A Large-Scale Validation Study of Iowa Gambling Task Computational Parameters,” at the Flux meeting!
Dr. Jeremy Harper, former postdoctoral researcher, and Dr. Jon Schaefer, postdoctoral researcher, co-authored a poster, “Neural predictors of risk for externalizing: Implications for the incorporation of psychophysiology into clinical screening,” at
We had our first ever Fam CAN Lab Writing Retreat!
May 2023
The Special Section on ABCD Behavior Genetics: Twin, Family, and Genomic Studies Using the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study Dataset that Dr. Sylia Wilson co-edited is now published in Behavior Genetics!
Dr. Sylia Wilson and Kayla Nelson, graduate researcher, learned that a chapter they authored, “Depression and Comorbid Substance Use,” was accepted for publication in the Handbook of Depression!
Dr. Jon Schaefer, postdoctoral researcher, learned his K01 career development award, is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)! This mentored secondary data analysis project examines effects of childhood socioeconomic disadvantage on neurobehavioral development and on substance use using data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study and the Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research (MCTFR).
Emily Padrutt, graduate researcher, received the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB)’s Predoctoral Fellowship in Developmental Science! This award supports graduate students conducting research. Emily is examining the role of maternal depression on parenting and infant development in the first year of life. Congratulations, Emily!
Cara Atcher, Natalie Brooks, Elise Brown, Lucy Carey, Gregory Jansen, Jeanne Johnson, and Julia McIntosh, undergraduate researchers, graduated from the University of Minnesota. Congratulations, Cara, Natalie, Elise, Lucy, Gregory, Jeanne, and Julia!
Dr. Gianna Rea-Sandin, postdoctoral research, learned that a paper she authored, “Novel Measures of Family Orientation and Childhood Self-Regulation: A Genetically Informed Twin Study,” was accepted for publication in Journal of Family Psychology!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she co-authored, “Modeling Relations of ERP Factors With Broader Versus Narrower Dimensions of Externalizing Psychopathology,” was accepted for publication in the Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science!
April 2023
Emily Padrutt, graduate researcher, welcomes our littlest honorary lab member, Bella! And she is absolutely adorable. Congratulations, Emily and Joe!
Felix Pichardo, graduate researcher, and Dr. Jon Schaefer, postdoctoral researcher, presented talks, (Felix) “Adolescent Alcohol Use and Adult Cortical Structure” and (Jon) “Childhood Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Substance Use in Adolescence and Early Adulthood,” and Kayla Nelson, graduate researcher, presented her poster, “Parent-Child Relationship Quality and Adolescent Depressive Symptoms: Investigating Reporter Discrepancy as a Longitudinal Predictor,” at the Society for Research in Adolescence (SRA) meeting. Congratulations, Felix, Jon, and Kayla!
Emily Padrutt, graduate researcher, received the University of Minnesota’s Council of Graduate Students (COGS) Research Award! This award supports graduate students conducting research. Emily is examining the role of maternal depression on parenting and infant development in the first year of life. Congratulations, Emily!
Nathalie Dumornay, graduate researcher, received the Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship! This award supports graduate students who have demonstrated superior academic achievement, are committed to a career in teaching and research, show promise of future achievement as scholars and teachers, and are well prepared to use diversity as a resource for enriching the education of all students. Nat is examining effects of racial discrimination on adolescent brain development and well being. Congratulations, Nat!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she co-authored, “Changes in Parental Monitoring Do Not Predict Changes in Substance Use in a Multi-Year, Intensive Longitudinal Study of 670 Adolescent Twins,” was accepted for publication in Frontiers in Psychiatry!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she co-authored, “Genotype Data and Derived Genetic Instruments of Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study for Better Understanding of Human Brain Development,” was accepted for publication in Behavior Genetics!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she authored, “ABCD Behavior Genetics: Twin, Family, and Genomic Studies Using the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study Dataset,” was accepted for publication in Behavior Genetics!
Emily Padrutt, graduate researcher, learned that a paper she authored, “Measurement Invariance of Maternal Depressive Symptoms Across the First Two Years Since Birth and Across Racial Group, Education, Income, and State,” was accepted for publication in Psychological Assessment!
Dr. Jon Schaefer, postdoctoral researcher, accepted a tenure-track position as an Assistant Professor in the Clinical Science area in the Department of Psychology at Vanderbilt University! He will start his new position in Fall 2023. Congratulations, Jon!
March 2023
Emily Padrutt, graduate researcher, received an American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS)’s Psychological Science Research Grant (PSRG)! This award supports graduate students conducting psychological science research studies. Emily is examining the role of maternal depression on parenting and infant development in the first year of life. Congratulations, Emily!
Emily Padrutt, graduate researcher, learned that a paper she authored, “Pubertal Timing and Adolescent Outcomes: Investigating Explanations for Associations With a Genetically Informed Design,” was accepted for publication in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry!
Nathalie Dumornay, Kayla Nelson, and Felix Pichardo, graduate researchers, and Gianna Rea-Sandin, postdoctoral researcher, presented their posters, (Nat) “Racial Discrimination, Large-Scale Resting State Functional Connectivity, and Psychopathology in Adolescence: A Co-Sibling Control Analysis,” (Kayla) “Parent-Child Relationship Quality and Depression Across Adolescence: A Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Analysis,” (Felix) “Lifetime Alcohol Use and Brain Structure,” and (Gianna) “The Heritability of Internalizing Symptoms in Early Adolescence,” at the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) meeting. Congratulations, Nat, Kayla, Felix, and Gianna!
Emily Padrutt, graduate researcher, chaired a symposium, “Novel Methodological Approaches for Advancing Study of the Intergenerational Transmission of Depression,” and gave a talk (by proxy), “Chronicity and Timing of Postnatal Depression and Parenting Sensitivity: A Causally Informed Approach,” at the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) meeting!
March 2023
Jay Santos and Akira Wang will be joining the Fam CAN lab in Fall 2023 as Developmental Science (Jay) and Developmental Psychopathology and Clinical Science (Akira) and graduate students! We are so excited to have them!
February 2023
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she co-authored, “Precision Behavioral Phenotyping as a Strategy for Uncovering the Biological Correlates of Psychopathology,” was accepted for publication in Nature Mental Health!
Dr. Jon Schaefer, postdoctoral researcher, contributed to a story on cannabis legalization, “As Minnesota Considers Legalizing Marijuana, What Does Research Say About the Risks,” published in the Star Tribune!
Dr. Sylia Wilson contributed to a story on shared genes, “The Trap to Avoid if You Meet a Stranger Who Shares Your DNA,” published in Slate!
January 2023
Gregory Johnson, Lily MacNaughton, Kaylee Munger, and Joseph McNight join the Fam CAN lab as CPSY 4994 undergraduate researchers! We’re so excited to have them!
Mara Lund, formerly a Fam CAN lab undergraduate researcher, now joins the lab as a postbaccalaureate researcher. We’re so happy you’re here, Mara!
Andrea Ytem joins the lab as a postbaccalaureate researcher. We’re so happy you’re here, Andrea!
December 2022
Emily Padrutt, graduate researcher, received an American Psychological Foundation (APF)’s Council of Graduate Departments of Psychology (COGDOP) Graduate Research Scholarship! This award supports graduate students conducting research. Emily is examining the role of maternal depression on parenting and infant development in the first year of life. Congratulations, Emily!
Emily Padrutt, graduate researcher, received the University of Minnesota’s Council of Graduate Students (COGS) Research Award! This award supports graduate students conducting research. Emily is examining the role of maternal depression on parenting and infant development in the first year of life. Congratulations, Emily!
Mara Lund, undergraduate researcher, graduated from the University of Minnesota. Congratulations, Mara!
November 2022
Nathalie Dumornay, graduate researcher, learned that a paper she authored, “Racial Disparities in Adversity During Childhood Contribute to the False Appearance of Race-Related Differences in Brain Structure,” was accepted for publication in American Journal of Psychiatry!
Emily Padrutt, graduate researcher, presented a a talk, “Parental Leave in a Low-Income Sample: Predictors of Use and Associations with Caregiver and Infant Outcomes,” at the International Society for Developmental Psychopathology (ISDP) meeting!
October 2022
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she co-authored, “Recommendations for Adjudicating Among Alternative Structural Models of Psychopathology,” was accepted for publication in Clinical Psychological Science!
September 2022
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she co-authored, “The Science, Art and Secrets of Scanning Young Children,” was accepted for publication in Biological Psychiatry!
Dr. Jon Schaefer, postdoctoral researcher, learned that a paper he authored, “Sensitive Periods in Development for Psychopathology and Related Endpoints: A Systematic Review of Child Maltreatment Findings,” was accepted for publication in Lancet Psychiatry!
Dr. Gianna Rea-Sandin, postdoctoral researcher, learned that a paper she authored, “Genetic and Environmental Links Between Executive Functioning and Effortful Control in Middle Childhood,” was accepted for publication in Journal of Experimental Psychology: General!
Dr. Sylia Wilson presented a a talk, “Sociodemographic Reporting and Sample Composition Over Three Decades of Psychopathology Research: A Systematic Review and Quantitative Synthesis,” at the Society for Research in Psychopathology (SRP) meeting!
Natalie Brooks, Julia Hackett, Jeanne Johnson, Julia McIntosh, Olivia Munson, Brittney Olivares, Jailene Lopez Perez, and Naomi Wei join the Fam CAN lab as CPSY 4994 undergraduate researchers! We’re so excited to have them!
Elise Brown, undergraduate researcher, learned that her Undergraduate Research Opportunity Project (UROP) was accepted! Elise will examine associations between prenatal substance exposure and neurocognitive functioning in childhood.
August 2022
Dr. Sylia Wilson contributed to a story on child and adolescent mental health, “Tackling the Mental-Health Crisis in Young People,” published in Nature Outlook!
Kayla Nelson and Emily Padrutt, graduate researchers, successfully passed their preliminary examinations! Congratulations, Emily and Kayla!
July 2022
The Special Section on Integrating Development Into the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) that Dr. Sylia Wilson co-edited is now published in the Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she authored, “Leveraging Genetically Informative Study Designs to Understand the Development and Familial Transmission of Psychopathology,” was accepted for publication in Development and Psychopathology!
Emily Padrutt, graduate researcher, presented a poster, “Longitudinal Measurement Invariance of Caregiver Depressive Symptoms Across the Postpartum Period and Across Race, Education, Income, and State,” at the International Congress on Infant Studies (ICIS) meeting!
June 2022
The Social Inequality Study (PI Sylia Wilson) is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)! This secondary data analysis project examines effects of social inequality on the brain and on substance use in adolescence and adulthood using data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study and the Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research (MCTFR).
Dr. Jon Schaefer, postdoctoral researcher, Kayla Nelson, graduate researcher, and Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper they authored, “The Effects of Adolescent Cannabis Use on Psychosocial Functioning: A Critical Review of the Evidence,” was accepted for publication in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics!
Dr. Jeremy Harper, postdoctoral researcher, presented a talk, “The Effects of Alcohol and Cannabis Use on the Cortical Thickness of Inhibitory Control Networks in Emerging Adulthood: A Co-Twin Control Study,” at the Research Society on Alcoholism (RSA) meeting!
JP Fisher joins the Fam CAN lab as a CPSY 4994 undergraduate researcher! We’re so excited to have her!
Felix Pichardo, graduate researcher, received a National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) travel award for the College on Problems on Drug Dependence (CPDD) meeting! Congratulations, Felix!
May 2022
Dr. Gianna Rea-Sandin, postdoctoral researcher, participated in a panel, “Navigating Motherhood and a Career in Psychological Science: Balancing Science and Babies,” at the Association for Psychological Science (APS) meeting! This panel highlighted academic mothers who excel in psychology careers while also raising children, and included discussions around how to balance career demands with motherhood and considering the joys and challenges of simultaneously navigating academia and motherhood.
Dr. Gianna Rea-Sandin, postdoctoral researcher, joins the Fam CAN lab! Gianna’s research involves examining the complex interplay between biological and contextual influences that contribute to the development of youth self-regulation using behavioral genetics approaches. Welcome, Gianna!
Lauren Doescher, Celeste Guse, Lucie Han, Shreeya Kakumanu, Claire Swain, and Anabelle Vo, undergraduate researchers, graduated from the University of Minnesota. Congratulations, Lauren, Celeste, Lucie, Shreeya, Claire, and Anabelle!
Celeste Guse, Lucie Han, and Claire Swain, undergraduate researchers, completed their Honors Theses–summa cum laude!
April 2022
Felix Pichardo, graduate researcher, received the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship, and Nathalie Dumornay, graduate researcher, received an Honorable Mention! This program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported disciplines and has a long history of selecting recipients who achieve high levels of success in their future academic and professional careers. Felix will examine the potentially causal effects of alcohol on the hippocampus and the potential for “recovery” following alcohol moderation or desistence. Congratulations, Felix and Nat!
Dr. Sylia Wilson contributed to a story on intergenerational transmission of mental health issues, “The Parent Trap,” published in Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine!
The Colorado-Minnesota Parents, Adolescents, Temperament, Health Study (COMN PATHS) (MPIs Sylia Wilson, Scott Vrieze, Soo Rhee, and John Hewitt) is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)! This study seeks to differentiate mechanisms of parent-child transmission of substance use, and determine potential effects of cannabis legalization on parents, families, and adolescents.
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she authored, “Integrating Development Into the RDoC Framework: Introduction to the Special Section,” was accepted for publication in the Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science!
Dr. Jon Schaefer, postdoctoral researcher, presented a talk, “Using Co-Twin Control Analyses to Estimate the Effects of Adolescent Cannabis Use on Adult Mental Health and Cognitive Functioning,” at the Society of Biological Psychiatry (SOBP) meeting!
March 2022
Nathalie Dumornay, graduate researcher, received an Honorable Mention from the Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship! Congratulations, Nat!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she co-authored, “Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) in Psychiatric Practice,” was accepted for publication in Psychological Medicine!
January 2022
Sophia Ahlborn, Cara Atcher, Elise Brown, and Mara Lund join the Fam CAN lab as CPSY 4994 undergraduate researchers! We’re so excited to have them!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that her paper, “Causal Effects of Cannabis Legalization on Parents, Children, and Families: A Systematic Review,” was accepted for publication in Preventive Medicine!
December 2021
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she co-authored, “Dear Reviewers: Responses to Common Reviewer Critiques About Infant Neuroimaging Studies,” was accepted for publication in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience!
Dr. Sylia Wilson and Nathalie Dumornay, graduate researcher, learned that their guest editorial, “Rising Rates of Adolescent Depression in the United States: Challenges and Opportunities in the 2020s,” was accepted for publication in the Journal of Adolescent Health!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she co-authored, “An Ode to Fetal, Infant, and Toddler Neuroimaging: Chronicling Early Clinical to Research Applications With MRI, and an Introduction to an Academic Society Connecting the Field,” was accepted for publication in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience!
Claire Swain, undergraduate researcher, completed her UROP! Congratulations, Claire!
October 2021
Dr. Jeremy Harper, postdoctoral researcher, learned that his paper, “Testing the Consequences of Alcohol, Cannabis, and Nicotine Use and Hippocampal Volume: A Quasi-Experimental Cotwin Control Analysis of Young Adult Twins,” was accepted for publication in Psychological Medicine!
September 2021
Lucy Cary, Jessalyn Dvorak, Celeste Guse, Caroline Huddock, Shreeya Kakumanu, and Hannah Vitelli join the Fam CAN lab as CPSY 4994 undergraduate researchers! We’re so excited to have them!
The Healthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study (MPIs Sylia Wilson, Anna Zilverstand, and Michael Georgieff) is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)! This study seeks to better understand brain development, beginning in the perinatal period and extending through early childhood, including variability in development and how it contributes to cognitive, behavioral, social, and emotional function.
Dr. Jon Schaefer, postdoctoral researcher, learned that his paper, “Associations Between Polygenic Risk of Substance Use and Use Disorder and Alcohol, Cannabis, and Nicotine Use in Adolescence and Young Adulthood in a Longitudinal Twin Study,” was accepted for publication in Psychological Medicine!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she co-authored, “Identifying Profiles of Brain Structure and Associations With Current and Future Psychopathology in Youth,” was accepted for publication in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience!
August 2021
Claire Swain, undergraduate researcher, learned that her Undergraduate Research Opportunity Project (UROP) was accepted! Claire will examine the sex ratio of participants in psychopathology research over the past 30 years.
Felix Pichardo, incoming graduate researcher, presented his poster, “Alcohol Use in Young Adults Is Associated With Thinner Cortex in Resting State Networks: A Machine Learning Exploration,” at the NIDA-NIAAA-NIMH Diversity Supplement Scholars Professional Development Workshop!
July 2021
Drs. Jon Schaefer, postdoctoral researcher, and Sylia Wilson learned that a paper they co-authored, “Polygenic Scores for Smoking and Educational Attainment Have Independent Influences on Academic Success and Adjustment in Adolescence and Educational Attainment in Adulthood,” was accepted for publication in PLOS ONE!
June 2021
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she co-authored, “Internalizing-Externalizing Comorbidity and Regional Brain Volumes in the ABCD Study,” was accepted for publication in Development and Psychopathology!
May 2021
Piper Christensen, Lauren Hagert, Brinley Montour, Kasey Stack, and Katie Taterka, undergraduate researchers, graduated from the University of Minnesota. Congratulations, Piper, Lauren, Brinley, Kasey, and Katie!
Piper Christensen, undergraduate researcher, completed her Honors Thesis–magna cum laude!
Brinley Montour, Kasey Stack, and Katie Taterka, undergraduate researchers, completed their Senior Capstone projects!
Dr. Jon Schaefer, postdoctoral researcher, learned that his paper, “Adolescent Cannabis Use and Adult Psychoticism: A Longitudinal Co-Twin Control Analysis Using Data From Two Cohorts,” was accepted for publication in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she co-authored, “A Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) Primer for Mental Health Researchers,” was accepted for publication in Clinical Psychological Science!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she co-authored, “Internalizing-Externalizing Comorbidity and Regional Brain Volumes in the ABCD Study,” was accepted for publication in Development and Psychopathology!
April 2021
Kasey Stack, undergraduate researcher, presented a poster from her Senior Capstone project, “Pubertal Timing and Substance Use, Emotional Problems, and Risky Behavior in Adolescence,” at the University of Minnesota’s Undergraduate Research Symposium!
Emily Padrutt, graduate researcher, and Allison Dai and Felix Pichardo, postbaccalaureate researchers, presented their posters, (Emily) “Association of Pubertal Timing With Psychopathology, Substance Use, and Risky Behaviors During Adolescence,” (Allison) “Personality Pathology and Interpersonal Dysfunction Within Family, Parent-Child, and Romantic Relationships: Monozygotic Co-Twin Control Analysis,” and (Felix) “Hippocampal Volume, Problematic Alcohol Use, and Subsequent Moderation in a Twin Sample,” at the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) meeting. Congratulations, Emily, Allison, and Felix!
March 2021
Nathalie Dumornay and Felix Pichardo will be joining the Fam CAN lab in Fall 2021 as Developmental Psychopathology and Clinical Science (Nathalie) and Developmental Science (Felix) graduate students! We are so excited to have them!
Kayla Nelson, graduate researcher, received an Honorable Mention from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship! Congratulations, Kayla!
Dr. Jeremy Harper, postdoctoral researcher, learned that his paper, “Using Multivariate Endophenotypes to Identify Psychophysiological Mechanisms Associated With Polygenic Scores for Substance Use, Schizophrenia, and Education Attainment,” was accepted for publication in Psychological Medicine!
February 2021
Dr. Jeremy Harper, postdoctoral researcher, learned that his paper, “Orbitofrontal Cortex Thickness and Substance Use Disorders in Emerging Adulthood: Causal Inferences From a Cotwin Control Study,” was accepted for publication in Addiction!
Dr. Jon Schaefer, postdoctoral researcher, learned that his paper, “Associations Between Adolescent Cannabis Use and Young-Adult Functioning in Three Longitudinal Twin Studies,” was accepted for publication in Proceedings for the National Academy of Sciences!
January 2021
Lauren Doescher, Pengmai Qiu, Kathryn Taterka, and Anabelle Vo join the Fam CAN lab as CPSY 4994 undergraduate researchers! We’re so excited to have them!
Mehrnaz Mirhoisseini and Mallory Olsen, formerly Fam CAN lab undergraduate researchers, now join the lab as postbaccalaureate researchers. We’re so happy you’re here, Mehrnaz and Mallory!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that her paper, “A Developmental Perspective on Personality and Psychopathology Across the Lifespan,” was accepted for publication in a Special Issue of the Journal of Personality!
Dr. Jeremy Harper, postdoctoral researcher, learned that his paper, “The Effects of Alcohol and Cannabis Use on the Cortical Thickness of Cognitive Control and Salience Brain Networks in Emerging Adulthood: A Co-Twin Control Study,” was accepted for publication in Biological Psychiatry!
Drs. Jon Schaefer, postdoctoral researcher, and Sylia Wilson learned that a paper they co-authored, “Polygenic Risk score for Smoking Is Associated with Externalizing Psychopathology and Disinhibited Personality Traits but not Internalizing Psychopathology in Adolescence,” was accepted for publication in Clinical Psychological Science!
December 2020
Mehrnaz Mirhosseini, Mallory Olsen, and Paige Raymond, undergraduate researchers, graduated from the University of Minnesota. Congratulations, Mehrnaz, Mallory, and Paige!
Paige Raymond, undergraduate researchers, completed her Honors Thesis–summa cum laude!
Dr. Jon Schaefer, postdoctoral researcher, learned that his invited commentary, “Enduring Mental Health: The High Lifetime Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorder and Emerging Science of Persistent Mental Wellness,” was accepted for publication in Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry!
November 2020
Dr. Sylia Wilson joins the Journal of Abnormal Psychology (new journal name coming soon!) as an Associate Editor!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she co-authored, “A Co-Twin Control Analysis of Adolescent and Young Adult Drinking Effects on Learning and Memory,” was accepted for publication in Addiction!
September 2020
Addie Cavender, Lauren Hagart, Lucie Han, and Claire Swain join the Fam CAN lab as CPSY 4994 undergraduate researchers! Anna Martin and Tessa Nichols-Meade join the Fam CAN lab as postbaccalaureate researchers. We’re so excited to have them!
August 2020
Kasey Stack, undergraduate researcher, learned that her Undergraduate Research Opportunity Project (UROP) was accepted! Kasey will examine adolescent psychosocial outcomes associated with pubertal timing.
July 2020
Dr. Jeremy Harper, postdoctoral researcher, joins the Fam CAN lab! Jeremy’s research involves testing how biobehavioral correlates of cognitive control, impulse regulation, and executive functioning reflect the risk for, and consequence of, substance misuse and other disinhibitory behaviors in adolescence through young adulthood. He approaches these research questions by applying his expertise in EEG-based cognitive neuroscience, behavioral genetics, and dimensional psychopathology. Welcome, Jeremy!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that her invited commentary, “Substance Use and the Brain: It’s Not Straightforward to Differentiate Cause From Consequence – A Commentary on Kim-Spoon et al. (2020),” was accepted for publication in Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry!
June 2020
Dr. Jon Schaefer, postdoctoral researcher, presented a poster, “Developmental Pathways Connecting Polygenic Risk of Smoking Initiation to Adolescent and Young-Adult Substance Use,” at the Behavioral Genetics Association (BGA) meeting!
Addie Cavender, visiting undergraduate researcher, joins the Fam CAN lab this summer! We are so excited to have her!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that her paper, “Associations Between Common Forms of Psychopathology and Fecundity: Evidence From a Prospective, Longitudinal Twin Study,” was accepted for publication in Clinical Psychological Science!
May 2020
Allison Dai and Samantha Gardow, formerly Fam CAN lab undergraduate researchers, now join the lab as postbaccalaureate researchers. We’re so happy you’re here, Allison and Sam!
Maddie Belrose, Allison Dai, Samantha Gardow, Thunder Lee, and Nikki Tsakonas, undergraduate researchers, graduated from the University of Minnesota. Congratulations, Maddie, Allison, Sam, Thunder and Nikki!
Felix Pichardo, postbaccalaureate researcher, learned that his NIAAA Diversity Supplement will be funded! This program aims to promote diversity in the field of alcohol research by increasing participation of individuals from groups historically underrepresented in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral and social sciences. Felix will examine brain outcomes associated with persistence, moderation, or desistance of alcohol use. Congratulations, Felix!
April 2020
Emily Padrutt, incoming graduate researcher, received the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship! This program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported disciplines and has a long history of selecting recipients who achieve high levels of success in their future academic and professional careers. Emily will examine the role of parenting in the development of early self-regulation in infants of mothers with and without depression. Congratulations, Emily!
Abigayle McClendon, postbaccalaureate researcher, would have presented a poster, “Problematic Alcohol Use and Brain Structure: A Meta-Analytic Review,” at the NIDA/NIAAA/NIMH Diversity Supplement Scholars Workshop, but the workshop was cancelled due to COVID-19. Congratulations, Abigayle!
Allison Dai and Brinley Montour, undergraduate researchers, presented posters from their UROPs, (Allison) “Maladaptive Personality Traits and Interpersonal Dysfunction Within Romantic and Family Relationships: A Monozygotic Co-Twin Control Analysis,” and (Brinley) “The Effects of Substance Abuse in a Parent on Environment of Child,” at the University of Minnesota’s Undergraduate Research Symposium. Congratulations, Allison and Brinley!
March 2020
Kayla Nelson and Emily Padrutt will be joining the Fam CAN lab in Fall 2020 as Developmental Psychopathology and Clinical Science graduate researchers! We are so excited to have them!
Dr. Sylia Wilson received the Society for a Science of Clinical Psychology (SSCP)’s Susan Nolen-Hoeksema Early Career Research award! This award is given to outstanding early career research scientists who have provided exceptional contributions to the science of clinical psychology in one or more content areas, including groundbreaking conceptual or theoretical approaches to a problem, innovative methodological contributions, or highly significant and impactful empirical findings.
Dr. Sylia Wilson presented a talk, “Problematic Alcohol Use and Brain Structure and Functioning: Disentangling Cause From Consequence Using a Co-Twin Control Study Design,” at the American Psychopathological Association (APPA) meeting!
Dr. Jon Schaefer, postdoctoral researcher, presented a poster, “Associations Between Cannabis Use Disorder and Psychosocial Outcomes in Young Adulthood: A Longitudinal Co-Twin Control Study,” at the American Psychopathological Association (APPA) meeting!
February 2020
Dr. Sylia Wilson was named a 2020 – 2022 McKnight Land-Grant Professor! The goal of this professorship is to advance the careers of the most promising junior faculty members at the University of Minnesota who are at the beginning stages of their professional careers, and who have the potential to make significant contributions to their departments and to their scholarly fields.
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that a paper she co-authored, “Differential Implications of Persistent, Remitted, and Late-Onset ADHD for Substance Abuse in Women and Men: A Twin Study From Age 11 to 24,” was accepted for publication in Drug and Alcohol Dependence!
January 2020
Dr. Jon Schaefer, postdoctoral researcher, received a travel award for the upcoming American Psychopathological Association (APPA) meeting! Dr. Schaefer will present a poster on effects of adolescent marijuana use on adult outcomes. Congratulations, Jon!
Dr. Sylia Wilson received the American Psychopathological Association (APPA)’s Robins/Guze award! This award is given to early career researchers who have made significant contributions to the field of psychopathology. Dr. Wilson will give a talk on her recent research at the APPA meeting in March.
Dr. Sylia Wilson was named as an Association for Psychological Science (APS) Rising Star! This award recognizes outstanding psychological scientists in the earliest stages of their research career post-PhD whose innovative work has already advanced the field and signals great potential for their continued contributions.
Maddie Belrose, Paige Raymond, and Mehrnaz Mirhosseini join the Fam CAN lab as CPSY 4994 undergraduate researchers!
Allison Dai, Thunder Lei, and Brinley Montour, undergraduate researchers, learned that their Undergraduate Research Opportunity Projects (UROPs) were accepted! Allison will examine associations between personality pathology and functioning in different interpersonal domains. Thunder will examine brain networks in children at high and low risk for substance abuse. Brinley will examine indicators of functioning among mothers with substance use disorders. Congratulations, Allison, Thunder, and Brinley!
December 2019
Nikki Tsakonas, undergraduate researcher, presented her Undergraduate Research Opportunity Project (UROP), “Effects of ADHD Onset and Course on Brain Outcomes,” at the Psychology Capstone presentation session. Congratulations, Nikki!
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that her paper, “Multimodal Indicators of Risk for Consequences of Substance Use Disorders: Executive Functions and Trait Disconstraint Assessed From Preadolescence Into Early Adulthood,” was accepted for publication in International Journal of Psychophysiology!
September 2019
Dr. Sylia Wilson chaired a symposium, “Neurobehavioral Indicators of Risk for the Development and Familial Transmission of Internalizing, Externalizing, and Psychotic Psychopathology,” and presented a talk, “Intergenerational Transmission of Risk for Substance Misuse: Examining Multimodal Indicators of Control in a Children of Twins Study Design,” at the Society for Research in Psychopathology (SRP) meeting!
Allison Dai, Samantha Gardow, Thunder Lei, Brinley Montour, Mallory Olsen, and Kasey Stack join the Fam CAN lab as CPSY 4994 undergraduate researchers!
August 2019
Dr. Jonathan Schaefer, postdoctoral researcher, joins the Fam CAN lab! Jon’s research takes a multi-modal, multidisciplinary approach to understanding why some individuals develop mental health problems following exposure to stress or adversity whereas others remain resilient, and identify the mechanisms through which these experiences “get under the skin” and influence mental and physical health. Welcome, Jon!
Nikki Tsakonas, undergraduate researcher, learned that her Undergraduate Research Opportunity Project (UROP) was accepted! Nikki will examine brain outcomes associated with age of onset and course of ADHD in adults.
Dr. Sylia Wilson learned that her paper, “Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research,” was accepted for publication in Twin Research and Human Genetics!