DSAN Lab

07/20/2026

Looking for an exciting summer experience? Make your summer break meaningful by participating in adolescent brain science research!

The UT Dallas Developmental Social Affective Neuroscience Lab (DSAN Lab) is looking for adolescents aged 11-17 for a two-visit fMRI study focused on adolescent development and mental health.


Explores the relationship between self-esteem and mental health in teens. Your child will first give a short speech on easy topics (no right or wrong answers!), then receive feedback inside an MRI scanner, and answer questions about their thoughts and feelings.
- Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours, but can take up to 4 hours depending on response pace.
- Compensation: Up to $60. Travel expenses will be covered separately up to $10.


Looks at how teen brains respond to performance feedback. Your child will first complete a cognitive estimation task where they guess how big, heavy, or far apart objects are while inside an MRI scanner. They will also answer questions about their thoughts and feelings.
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours, but can take up to 3.5 hours depending on response pace.
- Compensation: Up to $60. Travel expenses will be covered separately up to $10.

Location: Sammons BrainHealth Imaging Center – 2200 W. Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX

If interested, a parent or legal guardian must complete the interest form: https://redcap.utdallas.edu/surveys/?s=3PTLLYJPJXYJ88RN.

Invitation to Answer Questions and See If Your Child Is Eligible for a Research Study: You are providing information to questions that will determine your child's eligibility for a research study. This consent form will help you choose whether you will provide information in this initial screening p...

06/20/2026

Are you a parent or guardian of a teenager aged 11–17?

The Developmental Social Affective Neuroscience (DSAN) Lab at UT Dallas is currently recruiting teenagers ages 11-17 for a two-visit fMRI study focused on adolescent development and mental health (Location: Sammons BrainHealth Imaging Center – 2200 W. Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX).


Explores the relationship between self-esteem and mental health in teens. Your child will first give a short speech on easy topics (no right or wrong answers!), then receive feedback inside an MRI scanner, and answer questions about their thoughts and feelings.
- Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours, but can take up to 4 hours depending on response pace.
- Compensation: Up to $60. Travel expenses will be covered separately up to $10.


Looks at how teen brains respond to performance feedback. Your child will first complete a cognitive estimation task where they guess how big, heavy, or far apart objects are while inside an MRI scanner. They will also answer questions about their thoughts and feelings.
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours, but can take up to 3.5 hours depending on response pace.
- Compensation: Up to $60. Travel expenses will be covered separately up to $10.

If interested, a parent or legal guardian must complete the interest form: https://redcap.utdallas.edu/surveys/?s=3PTLLYJPJXYJ88RN.

Invitation to Answer Questions and See If Your Child Is Eligible for a Research Study: You are providing information to questions that will determine your child's eligibility for a research study. This consent form will help you choose whether you will provide information in this initial screening p...

06/20/2026

Are you a parent of an adolescent aged 10-13, or are you an adolescent yourself?
The UT Dallas Developmental Social Affective Neuroscience Lab (DSAN Lab) is looking for adolescents to participate in a research study that explores mental health, cognitive ability, and relationships in adolescents.
Here’s why you’ll want to join:
✔️ Earn $45 for 2.5 hours of participation
✔️ Bring a same-sex friend, and they’ll earn $45 too!
✔️ Travel expenses are covered
✔️ Help support adolescent mental health and social relationships, a critical issue in today’s world
What’s involved?
• Participate with a close friend in a fun and engaging study.
• Share your thoughts through a short speech and simple questionnaires.
• There are no right or wrong answers—just be yourself!
Where?
UT Dallas Research Center (Center for Vital Longevity)
📍 1600 Viceroy Dr, Dallas, TX 75235
If this sounds exciting, have a parent complete the form at https://redcap.utdallas.edu/surveys/?s=CTAW8ATJ39L79C7D to complete the eligibility survey!
For any questions, contact us at:
📧 [email protected]
📞 972-883-3750
✨ Don’t miss this chance to make a difference and earn rewards!

Invitation to Answer Questions and See If Your Child Is Eligible for a Research Study: You are providing information to questions that will determine your child's eligibility for a research study. This consent form will help you choose whether you will provide information in this initial screening p...

05/23/2026

Summer Research Participation Opportunity for Adolescents in Dallas!
The UT Dallas adolescent brain research lab is looking for adolescents (aged 11-17) to participate in a research study that explores the relationships between adolescents’ self-esteem and mental health.
Here’s why you’ll want to join:
- Earn $60 for approximately 3.5 hours (may take up to 4 hours depending on response pace) of participation
- Travel expenses are covered
- Help support adolescent mental health, a critical issue in today’s world
What you will do?
- Give a short speech on fun, easy topics (there are no right or wrong answers)
- Do a computer-based task while we take pictures of your brain using a non-invasive MRI scanner
- Answer questions about your thoughts and feelings
Where?
- UT Dallas Research Center (Sammons BrainHealth Imaging Center)
2200 W Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75235
If this sounds exciting, have a parent complete the form at https://redcap.link/1dzr1ki9 to complete the eligibility survey!
For any questions, contact us at:
[email protected]
Don’t miss this chance to make a difference and earn rewards!

Invitation to Answer Questions and See If Your Child Is Eligible for a Research Study: You are providing information to questions that will determine your child's eligibility for a research study. This consent form will help you choose whether you will provide information in this initial screening p...

05/23/2026

Summer Research Participation Opportunity for Adolescents in Dallas!
Our adolescent brain research team at UT Dallas is recruiting adolescents (aged 11-17) for an fMRI study examining how the brain responds to performance feedback. During the study, your child will complete a cognitive estimation task (e.g., guessing how big, heavy, or far apart objects are) while inside an MRI scanner, and will also answer questions about their thoughts and feelings.
The visit will take approximately 3 hours (up to 3.5 hours depending on response pace). Your child will receive up to $60 in compensation, and travel expenses will be covered separately.
The study will take place at the Sammons BrainHealth Imaging Center (2200 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX).
If you are interested, please have a parent or legal guardian sign up by scanning the QR code on the attached flyer or using the link below:
https://redcap.link/9cqd416j
Thank you for your time and consideration!

Invitation to Answer Questions and See If Your Child Is Eligible for a Research Study: You areproviding information to questions that will determine your child's eligibility for a research study. Thisconsent form will help you choose whether you will provide information in this initial screening pro...

05/18/2026

Doomscrolling before bed. Refreshing your feed over and over. We’ve all done it! But the relationship between adolescent mental health and social media isn’t as simple as “screens = bad.”

So what does the research say about what social media is doing to developing brains? 🤔🧠📱

mentalhealth

05/09/2026

We made it through another semester together! Our longtime members continued to grow stronger, and our new members brought fresh energy to the lab. We’re grateful we got to do this together.

05/01/2026

Are you a parent of an adolescent aged 10-13, or are you a teen yourself?
The UT Dallas Developmental Social Affective Neuroscience Lab (DSAN Lab) is looking for teens to participate in a research study that explores mental health, cognitive ability, and relationships in adolescents.
Here’s why you’ll want to join:
✔️ Earn $45 for 2.5 hours of participation
✔️ Bring a same-sex friend, and they’ll earn $45 too!
✔️ Travel expenses are covered
✔️ Help support adolescent mental health and social relationships, a critical issue in today’s world
What’s involved?
• Participate with a close friend in a fun and engaging study.
• Share your thoughts through a short speech and simple questionnaires.
• There are no right or wrong answers—just be yourself!
Where?
UT Dallas Research Center (Center for Vital Longevity)
📍 1600 Viceroy Dr, Dallas, TX 75235
If this sounds exciting, have a parent complete the form at https://redcap.utdallas.edu/surveys/?s=CTAW8ATJ39L79C7D to complete the eligibility survey!
For any questions, contact us at:
📧 [email protected]
📞 972-883-3750
✨ Don’t miss this chance to make a difference and earn rewards!

Invitation to Answer Questions and See If Your Child Is Eligible for a Research Study: You are providing information to questions that will determine your child's eligibility for a research study. This consent form will help you choose whether you will provide information in this initial screening p...

04/29/2026

Friendship isn’t just fun, it’s foundational!

Positive connections can boost confidence, reduce stress, and support healthy brain development. 💬✨

At the DSAN Lab, we’re studying how these connections support the social and emotional well-being of teens! 💛🧠

04/27/2026

✨ Spotlight: Malaika Yasir!

Meet Malaika, our post-graduate research assistant at the DSAN Lab!

Her research focuses on neural plasticity and how early experiences shape socioeconomic development.

Outside of the lab, you can find her running, baking, and spending time with loved ones 👟🧁