Joined CYAF: 2020

Advisor: Dr. Holly Hatton

Program Name: Child Development/Early Childhood Education

Research Interests: Intervention evaluation, Social-emotional development, Early childhood mental health

Emily Starr is a Ph.D. student in Child Development/Early Childhood Education specializing in the evaluation of early childhood interventions that promote social-emotional development and mental health in young children and families. Her research focuses on equity, the influence of caregivers on child development, and exploring treatment heterogeneity through advanced methodologies like baseline target moderation. Emily is also interested in early childhood and family policy and its potential to drive equitable and effective support for underserved populations.

Emily has contributed to research projects utilizing mixed methods approaches, structural equation modeling, and longitudinal data analysis. Her professional experience includes evaluating trainings for early childhood mental health professionals, assessing statewide early childhood mental health systems, and conducting applied research to inform policy and practice. Through her work, Emily strives to bridge the gap between research and practical implementation, ensuring interventions address the diverse needs of children and families.

Why CYAF at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

“One of the things that drew me to the Child, Youth and Family Studies program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln was the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research. I believe this is the best approach to solving real-life problems, and I appreciate the applied emphasis of this program and its involvement with the community.”

Labs Participated In:

Nebraska Resource Project for Vulnerable Young Children

Center on Children, Families, and the Law

Learning and Development Research Group