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
Emma Dineen is a research assistant for UConn KIDS. She is a sophomore Psychological Sciences and Human Development and Family Sciences double major. After graduation, she plans on going to graduate school to further her education in child development.
Mikayla Clemens is a research assistant for UConn KIDS. She is a junior Psychological Sciences major with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences enrolled in the Early Childhood Specialization program. After graduation, she wants to continue with research and pursue a higher education.
Ben Solomon is a research assistant for UConn KIDS. He is a junior Psychological Sciences major in the honors program. After graduation, he plans to pursue further education getting a graduate level degree in the field of mental health/counseling, with a focus of working with people with disabilities.
Nolyette Verastegui is a Research Assistant for UConn KIDS. She is a junior Psychological Sciences major with research interests in child development as well as organizational psychology. After graduation, she plans on continuing her education in graduate school, researching topics surrounding workplace psychology.