Pregnancy and Parenting Lab

Are you considering formula feeding instead of breastfeeding your baby? Check out this article!

The Medical Minute: Choosing the right baby formula | Penn State University Baby formulas come in vibrant containers, adorned with pictures of stuffed toys and adorable infant faces. They carry all sorts of brand names, labels and initials. So, how can parents know which one is right for their baby?

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Tommy Bennett - Undergraduate Researcher
Tommy Bennett is a sophomore studying Psychology with a focus in life sciences. While interested in developmental and clinical psychology, he is also interested in investigating issues related to child maltreatment and advocacy. Outside of academics, Tommy enjoys spending his free time doing musical theater, dancing, reading, or painting.

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Megan Suomela - Undergraduate Researcher
Megan Suomela is a current undergraduate student majoring in Psychology with a minor in Rehabilitation and Human Services.After graduation, Megan plans to continue her education in a clinical or counseling psychology doctorate program.Megan’s long-term aspirations include owning a private practice as a licensed psychologist and continuing to contribute to research relating to the field of psychology. In her free time, Megan enjoys crocheting, playing video games, and spending time with her family and dog.

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Laura Lucks - Undergraduate Researcher
Laura Lucks is a junior at Penn State studying Psychology and Biology. She is interested in developmental psychology. She hopes to work in a field of research that allows her to interact with her community. In Laura’s free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, and reading all the romance novels!

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Katrina Herrera - Undergraduate Researcher
Katrina Herrera is a student in the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State pursuing a degree in Psychology-Neuroscience with a minor in Spanish. After graduation, she hopes to attain her MD/MPH. Katrina is interested in maternal-fetal medicine as well as advocating for underserved populations. In her free time, she enjoys performing and creating music, reading, and making spontaneous plans with friends.

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Kiara Cruz - Undergraduate Researcher
Kiara Cruz is a senior at Penn State majoring in Biobehavioral Health and minoring in Biology. She is also completing a Master’s in Public Health integrated into her undergraduate studies, with a concentration in Community and Behavioral Health. Her career goal is to attend medical school to become a physician. She is passionate about specializing in pediatrics and interested in maternal and fetal health. In her free time, Kiara enjoys working out and spending time with friends.

If you are pregnant, make sure you and the people you live with take steps to prevent getting and spreading . Wear a mask. Wash hands frequently. Stay 6 feet away from others and avoid crowds. https://bit.ly/3oCZcRZ.

Did you know that in addition to helping to protect pregnant women, a flu vaccine given during pregnancy helps protect the baby from flu for several months after birth? Learn more: https://bit.ly/38wr2JW.

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Collaborating Staff at the University of Buffalo
Junru Zhao - Data Analyst
Dr. Zhao is working as a data analyst in the lab and is interested in the role of community violence in predicting child outcomes. She is a developmental scientist by training.

MEET THE TEAM
Collaborating Staff at the University of Buffalo
Shannon Shisler - Data Manager and Analyst
Dr. Shisler has worked in Dr. Eiden’s lab for over 17 years on multiple studies of child development in substance-exposed children. Her research interests include the impact of cumulative risk on child development, which may be particularly salient for prenatally substance-exposed children as they may be exposed to larger constellations of risk factors. Shannon serves as a data manager and analyst for several of Dr. Eiden’s projects. She also works for the Department of Pediatrics (SUNY at Buffalo) and is a Senior Research Fellow for the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie, London, UK).