The RISE study is actively taking participants. In this study, we are learning about the perspectives of caregivers and teachers of preschool-age children via a mixed-methods approach to develop a model for a home-school early mental health partnership. If you are a teacher or parent/caregiver click this link to learn more about participating.
On September 26th, 2025, the Shine Lab participated in the HHS Fest at Purdue University, celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Health and Human Sciences departments! During the event, we engaged attendees with fun HDFS trivia and shared information about our lab’s mission. It was a great opportunity to connect with the community and promote our work in an interactive and educational way!
We are excited to celebrate one of our undergraduate researchers, Mak Kelley, for her hard work and accomplishments in the lab this summer! As part of the Purdue Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP), Mak had the amazing opportunity to develop an interview and resource guide focused on early childhood mental health. She showcased her research in a poster presentation alongside other undergraduate researchers from across the U.S. Mak was recognized with a Leadership Award at the conclusion of the 8-week program. Congratulations, Mak!
We are beyond thrilled to welcome our new lab manager, Lindsay, to the SHINE Lab! We are so excited to welcome her to the team.
Our lab director, Dr.Leigha MacNeill, had the amazing opportunity to attend the Society for Research in Child Development's Biennial Conference in Minneapolis this May. She presented on supportive parenting behaviors linked to social adjustment problems and social-emotional competence in toddlerhood. She also presented in a symposium on innovative and translational methods for early childhood mental health using a strengths-based approach. She was joined by Lucy Shin, Laura Quinones Camacho, and Berenice Anaya.
On April 28, the SHINE Lab spent the afternoon enjoying a painting party! It was such a great opportunity for new lab members to get acquainted while creating beautiful art for our lab space. We can not wait for them to join us in the fall!