We are scientists who conduct research on emotional development and associated neurobiology. Check our our website danlab.psych.columbia.edu for more info!
Welcome to our lab page! Our research focuses on the process of development itself and how early experiences impact emotional behavior and brain development. Dr. Nim Tottenham is the Principal Investigator of the lab. Students in the laboratory work on projects covering a wide range of topics including neurobiological correlates of early adversity, emotion regulation, face processing, and temperament.
11/05/2025
Interested in participating in a study with your child between the ages of 6 months to 20 years old?
We have many ongoing studies happening in the DAN and DCN Labs! If interested, feel free to send us an email at [email protected] or text/call us 212-851-0229.
We also have an interest form at this link: https://redcap.psych.columbia.edu/surveys/?s=FC4NA73F4A34XEJK. Thank you!
10/30/2024
Are you a DANCER? Are you looking to participate in research about your brain?
We're looking for dancers between the ages of 18-40 to help us learn about the ability to analyze dance movements. Your participation will only take about 20 minutes!
If you're interested, please click on the link below to complete the survey (linked to our QR Code!) or email/call us at [email protected] or 212-851-0229.
https://redcap.psych.columbia.edu/surveys/?s=N8X4JC9XLJ
10/23/2024
Have you ever wondered about how your toddler's mind works? Our lab is currently recruiting toddlers between the ages of 1.5 and 4.5 years old to participate in our studies on toddler memory and attention.
If interested, please click the link below to fill out our interest form or contact us at [email protected] or call/text us at (212)851-0229!
Study Participation | The Developmental Affective Neuroscience Lab Image Carousel with 5 slides A carousel is a rotating set of images. Use the previous and next buttons to change the displayed slide Slide 1: family Slide 2: computer Slide 3: jumping Slide 4: drawing Slide 5: parent and child Previous Next Please review our studies and use the form below to express...
09/27/2024
Are you a DANCER?! We're looking for dancers between the ages of 18-40 to help us learn about the ability to analyze dance movements!
If you're interested, please click on the link below to complete the survey (linked to our QR Code!) or email/call us at [email protected] or 212-851-0229.
https://redcap.psych.columbia.edu/surveys/?s=N8X4JC9XLJ
06/13/2024
We are studying how specific dance training impacts how people watch/experience dance performances - we invite you to participate! Please see below, and follow this link if you are interested: https://redcap.psych.columbia.edu/surveys/?s=N8X4JC9XLJ
04/29/2024
The Developmental Affective Neuroscience Lab (DAN Lab, PI: Dr. Nim Tottenham) in the Department of Psychology at Columbia University (New York, NY) is seeking a full time Research Staff Assistant/Lab Manager to support research investigating the brain mechanisms of social-emotional and cognitive development along with discrete and confidential administrative support to a department chairperson. This is a one-year, grant-funded position with the possibility of extension if additional funds are secured.
Job responsibilities include:
Organize subject scheduling and running of subjects
Assist with running lab experiments. Preparing paperwork and materials for research visits, and administering computer tasks and questionnaires
Assist with collecting and maintaining research data including behavioral and FMRI data collection
Perform administrative duties related to research (e.g., grant preparation, ordering supplies, coordinating chair calendar and email/correspondence, travel arrangements, etc.) and other duties as assigned
Assist in preparations of reports and proposals and with correspondence, data entry, and library research; and other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent
3 months of experience in a research environment
Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in a related field
At least 6 months of research experience
Interested applicants should apply through the Columbia University careers portal (https://opportunities.columbia.edu/jobs/research-staff-assistant-morningside-new-york-united-states-a3a84bb0-13db-46fa-ac73-2bf22bdb9264) and include a resume or CV and cover letter. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, with a targeted start date of June 1, 2024 (negotiable). Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
10/21/2022
Lab members Camila Vicioso and Daniela Juarez presented their research at today’s Undergraduate Research Symposium - excellent work!
09/25/2021
We’re midway through this study but still actively recruiting participants ages 65-80 to take part in Zoom sessions where we listen to music and discuss memories! If you know anyone who might be eligible and interested, please spread the word! Anyone interested can email [email protected] for more info 🎵🧠
Participate in a Columbia University study about music and memory!
Our team is looking to recruit adults 65-80 years of age who are fluent in English and cognitively healthy, with no history of post-traumatic stress disorder, music-induced trauma, or music-induced seizures. Participants will have the opportunity to attend three 60-90 minute sessions, where they will listen to popular music and discuss their memories with a member of our research group. Sessions will be conducted via Zoom video calls. Participants will be paid $20 per hour.
If interested, please contact Paul Bloom at [email protected]
07/02/2021
Participate in a Columbia University study about music and memory!
Our team is looking to recruit adults 65-80 years of age who are fluent in English and cognitively healthy, with no history of post-traumatic stress disorder, music-induced trauma, or music-induced seizures. Participants will have the opportunity to attend three 60-90 minute sessions, where they will listen to popular music and discuss their memories with a member of our research group. Sessions will be conducted via Zoom video calls. Participants will be paid $20 per hour.
If interested, please contact Paul Bloom at [email protected]
04/06/2021
Come learn about some awesome work happening at the DAN Lab at SRCD this week! Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD)
02/26/2020
https://opportunities.columbia.edu/en-us/job/506682/research-staff-assistant
The DAN Lab is hiring a lab manager! If you're interested in how the early environment influences brain development and emotional behavior, you might be a good fit for the position 🧠
02/25/2020
Happy birthday to Lisa, Anna, and Agustina! Celebrating at a Morningside and DAN Lab favorite 🎉🌻🍝