Our Core Purpose
The CFCD Lab investigates how family relationships, cultural contexts, and early life experiences shape children’s self-regulation and long-term developmental outcomes. Our research is grounded in diversity science and focused on identifying pathways of risk and resilience that influence well-being from childhood through emerging adulthood.
Research Excellence and Funding
The CFCD Lab conducts rigorous, data-driven research grounded in developmental and diversity science. Lab projects are supported by federal agencies and national research organizations, reflecting a strong record of scholarly impact and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Research led by Ying Zhang has received support from organizations including the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Association for Psychological Science, and Clarkson University. Additional details about funded projects can be found in the lab’s Funding section.
Meet Dr. Zhang
Dr. Ying Zhang has lead the lab since 2021 with excellence.
Dr. Ying Zhang is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Clarkson University and the founding director of the Culture, Family, and Child Development (CFCD) Lab. Her research focuses on how family relationships, cultural contexts, and socioeconomic conditions shape children’s self-regulation and long-term developmental outcomes.
Grounded in diversity science, Dr. Zhang leads collaborative, data-driven research using longitudinal methods to examine pathways of risk and resilience across childhood and adolescence. She is deeply committed to mentoring undergraduate researchers and providing meaningful, hands-on research experiences.
