Head of UConn K.I.D.S
Dr. Rhiannon Smith is the Head of UConn K.I.D.S. Dr. Smith studies friendships and other peer relationships in childhood and adolescence. She is interested in the role that these relationships play in youths’ social and emotional adjustment, including depression and anxiety. Dr. Smith’s research investigates the development of social cognition and empathy in friendships. She also is interested in diversity in peer relations, including cross-race/ethnicity friendships and the peer group experiences of LGBTQIA+ youth.
Child Research Recruitment Coordinator
Renu Cabot is the Child Research Recruitment Coordinator for UConn K.I.D.S. She is a UConn alumnus and graduated with her Bachelors in Human Development and Family Studies and earned her Masters in Public Administration at UConn School of Public Policy. You can meet her at the various community events and fairs in Connecticut when you visit our UConn K.I.D.S booth.
Our Research Assistants
Mikayla Clemens is a research assistant for UConn KIDS. She is a senior double majoring in Psychological Sciences and Human Development and Family Sciences, enrolled in the Early Childhood Specialization program. After graduation, she wants to continue with research in Early Childhood Development within a classroom setting and pursue a higher education. Mikayla returns for another semester as our Lead RA.
Jasleen Kaur is a research assistant for UConn KIDS. She is a junior Computer Science major with research interest in child development. After graduation, she plans on pursuing a career in Artificial Intelligence, as well as pursuing higher education in Machine Learning.
Kaitlyn Vitucci is a research assistant for UConn KIDS. She is a sophomore with a Psychological major in the honors program, and have an intention of adding a Neuroscience double major. She is interests in working with children and medicine, as well as an interest in research. After graduation, Kaitlyn plans on going to medical school to pursue a career in psychiatry with a specialization in children.
Rachel Silverman is a research assistant for UConn KIDS. She a junior with an Allied Health Sciences major and a double minor in Psychology and American Sign Language and Deaf Culture. After graduation, she plans on attending graduate school to get her doctorate in Pediatric Occupational Therapy.
Ashley Bejar is a research assistant for UConn KIDS. She is a junior in the honors program double majoring in Psychological Sciences and Human Development & Family Sciences. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school and work with children and families as a psychologist.