Several faculty members in the Developmental Psychology Program are recognized as among the foremost experts in their areas of research. Drs. Karlene Ball and Michael Windle are each recipients of NIH MERIT awards for their research in aging and adolescent substance abuse, respectively. The MERIT award is among the highest recognitions researchers can receive. Dr. Jan Wallander, the current Director of the Program, received a distinguished award from the American Psychological Association in 2002 to recognize his international contribution in pediatric psychology. Other faculty members are accomplished in earlier stages of their careers.
Department
Our program draws on the strength of a well-established Department of Psychology that is one of the top five such departments in the country in receiving federal research funding. Grant awards in excess of $10 million currently fund faculty in the Developmental Psychology Program, from agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, Center for Diseases Control and Prevention, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, and Maternal and Child Health Bureau. This provides students a fertile environment for developing their research careers.
UAB
UAB has rich resources in developmental psychology. Students often spend substantial time at interdisciplinary centers and in other departments/schools, including:
- Civitan International Research Center
- Center for the Advancement of Youth Heath
- Center for Research in Applied Gerontology
- Center for Aging
- Department of Pediatrics
- Department of Psychiatry
- Department of Bio-communication
- School of Education
- School of Nursing
- School of Public Health
Interactions
The Department of Psychology and these centers and departments attract scientist in psychology and related disciplines from around the world, providing students with opportunities for interaction with visiting scientists. A weekly forum during the Fall semester for developmental psychology faculty members and students provide opportunities for sharing research ideas and students to discuss their research and receive constructive feedback. Faculty and students also get together socially at different times throughout the year.
