Translational Psychophysiology and Assessment Laboratory (T-PAL)

Current Studies

Information about participating as a research subject click here.

Our Lab Members

Resources

Contact Us

If you have questions about T-PAL, or would like to learn more about scheduling an appointment, please contact one of our study coordinators:

Cindy Johnston, MS, CGC at (916) 703-0121

cindy.johnston@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu

Andrea Schneider, Ph.D. Assistant Researcher at (916) 703-0202

andrea.schneider@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu

Maps & Directions

UC Davis MIND Institute

Map of UC Davis Medical Center

Translational Psychophysiology and Assessment Laboratory
(T-PAL)

Welcome to the website for T-PAL, a psychophysiology laboratory for translational research and assessment. We want to provide you with information about our research area, the lab, and our studies.

Our laboratory has focused on the understanding of gene-brain-behavior mechanisms in neurodevelopmental disorders, most notably fragile X-associated conditions. We have devoted ourselves towards improving cognitive and behavioral assessments, and developing objective psychophysiological measures for individuals with developmental disorders. In response to the continuously evolving field of translational research and treatment, we strive to develop and improve assessments that are more effective in characterizing impairments and capturing responses to intervention.

We are a vital part of an interdisciplinary research team at the UC Davis MIND Institute with expertise in molecular genetics, developmental pediatrics, psychiatry, neurology, and brain imaging to uncover the genetic and brain basis of emotional, social, and cognitive problems experienced by persons affected by fragile X syndrome, the fragile X premutation, and other neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders.

Our Methods Used in the Lab Include:

infrared eye-tracking
electromyography (EMG)
electrocardiography (ECG)
galvanic skin response
cortisol measures
electroencephalography (EEG) and event-related potentials (ERP)
biofeedback and neurofeedback
neuropsychological assessments for cognition, memory, attention and emotion