Our Lab
Welcome to the website for T-PAL, a psychophysiology laboratory for translational research and assessment. We want to provide you with information about our research area, the lab, and our studies.
Our laboratory has focused on the understanding of gene-brain-behavior mechanisms in neurodevelopmental disabilities, most notably fragile X-associated conditions. We have devoted ourselves towards improving cognitive and behavioral assessments, and developing objective psychophysiological measures for individuals with developmental disabilities. In response to the continuously evolving field of translational research and treatment, we strive to develop and improve assessments that are more effective in characterizing impairments and capturing responses to intervention.
We are a vital part of an interdisciplinary research team at the UC Davis MIND Institute with expertise in molecular genetics, developmental pediatrics, psychiatry, neurology, and brain imaging to uncover the genetic and brain basis of emotional, social, and cognitive problems experienced by persons affected by fragile X syndrome, the fragile X premutation, and other neurodevelopmental disabilities, including autism.
Our Methods Used in the Lab Include:
- infrared eye-tracking
- electromyography (EMG)
- electrocardiography (ECG)
- galvanic skin response
- cortisol measures
- electroencephalography (EEG) and event-related potentials (ERP)
- biofeedback and neurofeedback
- neuropsychological assessments for cognition, memory, attention and emotion
