Current Research

Below are our current research projects as of August 2025. For more information about our current projects, reach out to us at umass.learninglab@umass.edu.

Contextual Cues and Learning – Replication (CCAL-R)

This project aims to replicate findings from our previous lab studies. Specifically, this research examines whether certain contextual cues impact how participants engage with a task and respond to performance feedback.

Social and Emotional Experiences of Undergraduates (SEEU)

The purpose of this study is to directly compare measurement tools used to assess social and emotional relationship patterns among LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ students. We hope to see whether any patterns of responding are different across commonly used questionnaire metrics for these topics.

Science Opportunities and Readiness in STEM (SOARS)

This study aims to better understand how women with STEM backgrounds interact with cognitive tasks. This protocol uses electroencephalogram (EEG), and we hope to gain knowledge about different interventions for undergraduate students in STEM fields.

A Systematic Review of the Effects of Adoption Assistance and Tax Credits Payments on Adoption Outcomes

This review aims to understand the success of adoption assistance programs in the United States, with a particular emphasis on who and where such programs are successful for.

Other projects investigating ADHD and adoption outcomes are currently in development.