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
Alexandra Lagaros is a Spring 2025 research assistant for UConn Kids. She is a junior majoring in Psychological Sciences and minoring in Human Development & Family Sciences and Cognitive Science. After graduation, she plans on attending graduate school to become a child counselor.
Jay Schieffelin is a Spring 2025 research assistant for UConn KIDS. He is a senior Psychological Sciences major with a minor in Crime and Justice. After graduation he plans on attending graduate school to eventually pursue a doctorate in psychology and work with criminals.
Jess Vo is a Spring 2025 research assistant for UConn KIDS. She is a junior Psychological Sciences major and Human Development & Family Sciences minor. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school to get her Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.