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Current Research

1. Pubertal Development and the Onset of Substance Use Among Appalachian Youth

  • This study investigates the links between pubertal timing and tempo with the onset of cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco use among middle schoolers in Appalachian communities. Pubertal timing is associated with increased substance use onset for girls, but there are mixed findings for boys. Also, limited studies have considered the influence of pubertal tempo on the onset of substance use for boys and girls. In our study, we found that during the middle school years, boys who exhibited early pubertal timing were at increased risk for the onset of cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco. For girls, a faster pubertal tempo was associated with a decreased likelihood of tobacco use onset. 

  • Submitted for publication. Pending review. 

  • Authors: Francesca G. De Geronimo, BA; Christa Lilly, PhD; Steven M. Kogan, PhD; Jeanne Brooks-Gunn, PhD; Alfgeir Kristjansson, PhD; John P. Allegrante, PhD

2. The Association of Adolescent Internalizing and Externalizing Behavior Problems and Prospective Self with Alcohol and Marijuana Use 

  • This study examined internalizing and externalizing problems as risk factors and prospective self as a protective factor in relation to alcohol and marijuana use. The results showed that greater externalizing behavior was associated with increased alcohol and marijuana use, while higher levels of prospective self and internalizing behavior were associated with reduced alcohol use. Additionally, a stronger prospective self was linked to lower marijuana use. Most interaction terms were not significant, except for the interaction between prospective self and internalizing behavior, where higher internalizing problems combined with a strong prospective self were related to increased marijuana use. These findings emphasize the significance of prospective self, particularly in cases of clinically elevated behavior problems, and suggest a need for further investigation into the unexpected positive relationship between internalizing behavior and prospective self with marijuana use.

  • Submitted for publication. Pending review. 

  • Authors: Francesca G. De Geronimo, BA; Sarah A. Stoddard, PhD; Edward D. Huntley, PhD; Daniel P. Keating, PhD

3. Behavioral Activation interventions delivered to children and adolescents in the school setting: A systematic review 

  • This study examined internalizing and externalizing problems as risk factors and prospective self as a protective factor in relation to alcohol and marijuana use. The results showed that greater externalizing behavior was associated with increased alcohol and marijuana use, while higher levels of prospective self and internalizing behavior were associated with reduced alcohol use. Additionally, a stronger prospective self was linked to lower marijuana use. Most interaction terms were not significant, except for the interaction between prospective self and internalizing behavior, where higher internalizing problems combined with a strong prospective self were related to increased marijuana use. These findings emphasize the significance of prospective self, particularly in cases of clinically elevated behavior problems, and suggest a need for further investigation into the unexpected positive relationship between internalizing behavior and prospective self with marijuana use.

  • Drafting manuscript.

  • Authors: Sarah Stoddard, Chelsea Moore, Crystal Cederna, Francesca De Geronimo, Julia Felton

Labs

1. Laboratory for Clinical and Developmental Studies, Teachers College, Columbia University (April 2023-Present)

  • Phone screen coordinator, phone screener, and baseline interviewer for the DEETs Project, which examines the qualities of naturally occurring future thoughts among adolescents and the degree to which they relate to suicidal thinking. 

  • As the phone screen coordinator, I am responsible for aiding phone screeners with any questions, joining leadership meetings, and presenting phone screen updates at team meetings. 

  • As the phone screener, I am responsible for screening and determining whether an adolescent qualifies for our study. Responsible for running risk assessment and safety planning when necessary. 

  • As the baseline interviewer, I am responsible for getting consent from the parent and child, going over the study description, providing the survey (done over Zoom), and introducing the phone app that will be used during the study (Ecological Momentary Assessment). Responsible for running risk assessment and safety planning when necessary. 

2. Developmental Affective Neuroscience Lab, Columbia University (February 2024-Present)

  • Research assistant to the Toddler Study, which examined toddlers' brains using the MRI machine while watching stimuli. Needed to receive Level II MRI certification. 

  • During MRI scans, I help set up the scanner and mock room and stimuli during the study using MATLAB. For another eye-tracking study, I play a stranger

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