Social Cognition Lab, University of Miami
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soccoglab.bsky.social
Social Cognition Lab, University of Miami
@soccoglab.bsky.social
1.6K followers 1.4K following 87 posts
We study infant social behavior
Directed by @simpson.bsky.social, Psychology Department @UMiamiPsych.bsky.social, University of Miami @UnivMiami.bsky.social
https://linktr.ee/socialcoglab
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soccoglab.bsky.social
Social Cognition Lab, University of Miami @soccoglab.bsky.social · Apr 15
He’s helping us learn how babies respond to new people in our study for little ones under 14 months! 👶🏽✨ Learn more: umiami.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
Reposted by Social Cognition Lab, University of Miami
mandyjensendoss.bsky.social
We're hiring at the University of Miami! The Department of Psychology is looking for a Child Clinical Psychology faculty member. As search chair, my contact info is in the job ad if anybody would like to discuss the position further umiami.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UMFaculty/jo...
A&S - Psychology - Assistant Professor to Assoc. Professor - Child Clinical/Family
Current Employees: If you are a current Staff, Faculty or Temporary employee at the University of Miami, please click here to log in to Workday to use the internal application process. To learn how to...
umiami.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Reposted by Social Cognition Lab, University of Miami
dmessinger.bsky.social
We are starting a new longitudinal study at the University of Miami! news.miami.edu/as/stories/2...
University of Miami joins international study on autism risk in young children
Psychologists in the College of Arts and Sciences are monitoring the development of infants and toddlers whose parents have a sibling with autism.
news.miami.edu
November 3, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Reposted by Social Cognition Lab, University of Miami
simpson.bsky.social
Stage 2 report now out! Newborn Auditory Brainstem Response and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome doi.org/10.1002/jnr.... #OpenAccess
Drawing of an infant getting an ABR screening, and two different waveforms shown, one for typical and one for infants later dying of SIDS, pointing towards early detection risk identification and potential intervention, showing a baby sleeping.
November 7, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Reposted by Social Cognition Lab, University of Miami
simpson.bsky.social
First human newborn paper from my NSF CAREER Award! Automated detection of mouth opening in newborn infants - with our amazing @umiamipsych.bsky.social team: Guangyu Zung, Yeojin Amy Ahn, @tiffany6390.bsky.social, @semaylott.bsky.social, Arushi Malik, @dmessinger.bsky.social doi.org/10.3758/s134...
Automated detection of mouth opening in newborn infants - Behavior Research Methods
Automated behavioral measurement using machine learning is gaining ground in psychological research. Automated approaches have the potential to reduce the labor and time associated with manual behavio...
doi.org
October 31, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Reposted by Social Cognition Lab, University of Miami
umiamipsych.bsky.social
Congratulations Amelia, Norik & Tiffany this year’s recipients of the Gail Ironson Distinguished Speaker Series Colloquium & Awards!

This annual award recognizes outstanding research efforts by graduate students in psychology.
October 13, 2025 at 5:43 PM
soccoglab.bsky.social
New research finds that a brain network active at birth is linked to social behavior later in life.

www.futurity.org/brain-networ...
Social brain network is already active at birth
New research provides insight into the brain processes that underlie social behaviors later in life.
www.futurity.org
October 10, 2025 at 8:54 PM
soccoglab.bsky.social
Join @dmessinger.bsky.social in our developmental psychology PhD program! #PsychSciSky
umiamipsych.bsky.social U Miami Dept of Psychology @umiamipsych.bsky.social · Oct 8
Dr. Daniel Messinger is hoping to accept a doctoral student for fall 2026 admission. If you are interested in working with Dr. Messinger, please visit www.umkids-lab.psy.miami.edu for more information.

For more information, see www.psy.miami.edu/graduate/how-to-apply
October 8, 2025 at 6:14 PM
soccoglab.bsky.social
When children find loopholes for instructions, they apply advanced social & language skills
www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-...
Got a ‘Little Lawyer’ at Home? Their Rule-Bending Might Be a Social Strength
A new study finds that when young kids find loopholes, or sneaky work-arounds, for instructions, they must apply advanced social and language skills
www.scientificamerican.com
September 25, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Reposted by Social Cognition Lab, University of Miami
mbe-lab.bsky.social
🧠🫀 New from our lab on Frontiers for Young Minds:

Ever wondered how the heart and brain communicate? Think the heart as the drummer 🥁 & the brain as the singer 🎤 keeping the body's band in tune!

Read here (for ages 8–15): kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2025.1536787/full
[1/2]
The Body’s Band: How Heart and Brain Communicate
Illustration of a person with vitiligo practicing yoga, sitting cross-legged and stretching an arm over their head. In a thought bubble, a smiling brain sings into a microphone and a heart plays a dru...
www.frontiersin.org
September 12, 2025 at 8:21 AM
soccoglab.bsky.social
Thanks to these cute pumpkins for supporting science! 🎃 Want to learn more? Visit: scl.psy.miami.edu/for-parents/
#ScienceMatters #KidScience #Fall2025
Six smiling babies. Background has cartoon pumpkin pie and fall leaves.
September 24, 2025 at 1:45 PM
soccoglab.bsky.social
Our lab director wrote a new paper. Thanks to all the families who contributed to these discoveries!
simpson.bsky.social Liz Simpson @simpson.bsky.social · Sep 18
Rethinking the study of newborn sociality: Challenges and opportunities. #devpsy Free link until Nov 7th:
kwnsfk27.r.eu-west-1.awstrack.me/L0/https:%2F...
Face to face newborn and woman both with open mouth smiles and eye contact.
September 18, 2025 at 10:47 AM
soccoglab.bsky.social
Meet our fabulous fall 2025 team! 💚🧡 Back row: Nashmia, Arushi, Shuo, Tiffany. Front row: Anastassia, Georgia, Isa. #WomenInSTEM #DevelopmentalScience #UMiami
Seven smiling women in two rows on red couch with colorful bird painting in the background.
September 16, 2025 at 10:44 AM
soccoglab.bsky.social
Can adults be trained to better recognize and avoid sick faces? New research findings from our lab, led by PhD student Tiffany Leung (@Tiffany6390.bsky.social)! @UMiamiPsych.bsky.social @UnivMiami.bsky.social #SickSelfie news.miami.edu/as/stories/2...
Can adults be trained to better recognize and avoid sick faces?
New research from the Department of Psychology at the University of Miami looks at the efficacy of training adults to recognize sick faces.
news.miami.edu
September 10, 2025 at 4:37 PM
soccoglab.bsky.social
scl.psy.miami.edu/for-parents/... #MiamiBaby #MiamiKid #UMiami #BabyCane #FutureCane #ScienceMatters
September 5, 2025 at 4:46 PM
soccoglab.bsky.social
Welcome to our #BabyCanes team, Anastassia Somerville! She’s a junior studying psyc. From Santiago, Chile, moved to Miami when she was 10 & loves it. Passionate about understanding human behavior. Enjoys traveling, staying active, & exploring new matcha spots with family & friends.
Smiling child photo next to smiling woman photo
August 28, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Reposted by Social Cognition Lab, University of Miami
umiamipsych.bsky.social
INTERESTED IN APPLYING TO OUR DOCTORAL PROGRAMS?

Applications for Fall 2026 admission will be accepted from September 01, 2025 - December 01, 2025.

ALL application materials must be received no later than DECEMBER 01, 2025.

psy.miami.edu/graduate/how...
August 20, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Reposted by Social Cognition Lab, University of Miami
researchdigest.bsky.social
How early can we tell if someone (or something) is behaving in a prosocial way? A new study suggests that we may have the ability from birth: www.bps.org.uk/research-dig...
Newborns may have innate sense of prosocial behaviour | BPS
Newborn babies seem able to distinguish between prosocial and non-social behaviour in new study, though questions remain.
www.bps.org.uk
August 15, 2025 at 10:20 AM
soccoglab.bsky.social
Kids & Family Festival is tomorrow — Learn about our paid research studies for kids & spin our fun wheel to win a prize! ✨ Miami Dade College - Hialeah Campus #MiamiKid #UMiami #ScienceMatters
Kids and family festival. In benefit of I am MDC fundraising drive. Sat, Aug 16, 10am. Open to the public. Learn, play, and grow! Kids activities, business expo, bounce houses, giveaways, performances, face painting, food, and more! Until supplies last. Free entrance. 1780 West 49th Street, Hialeah, Florida 33012. Flyer in Spanish. Pics of kids having fun.
August 15, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Reposted by Social Cognition Lab, University of Miami
psypost.bsky.social
Infants show lower stress when carried by mothers instead of being in a stroller, study finds
Infants show lower stress when carried by mothers instead of being in a stroller, study finds
New research shows that infants carried in chest carriers had lower stress levels and slept longer than those in strollers. The study also found that mothers felt less stressed indoors, suggesting differences in how environments and closeness affect parent-infant well-being.
www.psypost.org
July 17, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Reposted by Social Cognition Lab, University of Miami
umiamipsych.bsky.social
We are pleased to share with you the Summer 2025 UM Department of Psychology Newsletter.

Read here: www.yumpu.com/en/document/...
First page of newsletter (preview), mostly text. Click link.
July 23, 2025 at 11:32 PM
soccoglab.bsky.social
Discover summer fun while supporting science! 🐚 Learn about online and in-person studies for kids: umiami.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_... #MiamiBaby #SummerVibes
Six smiling infants surrounded by a seashell border. Says thank you in the middle.
July 21, 2025 at 6:50 PM
soccoglab.bsky.social
Appointments available - Reserve one for your child & #SupportScience at #UMiami! #ScienceMatters umiami.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
Picture of a baby poking out their tongue. University of Miami Infant and Child Studies. Help us learn about children’s social development! Eligibility: ages 0-10. Online and in person studies in Miami. Earn up to $50 per visit. Email us: SCL@ Miami.edu. Text or call us: 305-349-3351.
July 11, 2025 at 12:40 PM
soccoglab.bsky.social
#PsychSciSky #ScienceMatters #WomenInSTEM #BlackInSTEM
simpson.bsky.social Liz Simpson @simpson.bsky.social · Jul 4
Join us! The Developmental Psychology Doctoral Program at the University of Miami (dev.psy.miami.edu) invites applications for fall 2026. Students are fully funded & receive excellent research training for careers... #DevSci #DevPsy #PsycSciSky #AcademicSky #PhDLife #GradSchool #UMiami (thread 1/10)
sunrise over a beach with palm trees and plants showing a path leading to the ocean with a colorful sky
July 9, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Reposted by Social Cognition Lab, University of Miami
umiamipsych.bsky.social
Repost @CAMATatUM: Our hearts are with all of those impacted by the devastating floods in Texas over this past weekend. For caregivers unsure how to interact with their children regarding this tragedy or media surrounding it, we share resources…
#trauma #loss #coping
Coping with loss. The six s’s: caregiver strategies for supporting children after natural disasters. CAMAT sends our deepest condolences to the victims of the devastating floods in Texas. We suggest these strategies to help caregivers guide their children through these challenging times. 1. Safety & security. In times of danger and uncertainty, it is especially important for children to feel a sense of safety and security from their caregivers. Children may benefit from reminders about adults’ ability to protect them. It may be helpful to distinguish between “kid worries” and “adult worries” to help children focus on the smaller things in their control. 2. Simple & straightforward language. While it is important to consider whether too much heavy information can overwhelm children, it is equally important to provide opportunities to process their concerns. Using age-appropriate language can help children approach difficult information with more clarity. Try offering helpful vocabulary for children to use when discussing heavy topics. 3. Supervision. Too much exposure to media can quickly turn helpful awareness into unhelpful fear. It is important for caregivers to monitor their children’s exposure to the news, either by limiting their access or by inviting them to watch with family and ask questions that may arise. 4. Structure. Children benefit from a sense of structure within their daily living, especially during times of chaos and uncertainty. Whenever possible, implementing regular routines and practices can help provide a sense of stability. Try to maintain similar practices to before the event in order to provide a sense of normalcy among this major change. 5. Social support. Major changes and tragedies can lead to feelings of isolation in children, especially in the event of having to suddenly relocate. Finding ways for children to connect with friends and family— whether in person or through virtual means—can offer immense support to children in times of devastation. 6. Self care. In balancing the responsibilities of parenting with the demands of sudden change, it can be easy for caregivers’ own wellbeing to slip under the radar. Caregivers are able to provide the best support when their own needs are fulfilled, and it is important that adults take the time to ensure their own mental wellbeing by engaging in hobbies or reaching out for additional support.
July 7, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Reposted by Social Cognition Lab, University of Miami
simpson.bsky.social
Join us! The Developmental Psychology Doctoral Program at the University of Miami (dev.psy.miami.edu) invites applications for fall 2026. Students are fully funded & receive excellent research training for careers... #DevSci #DevPsy #PsycSciSky #AcademicSky #PhDLife #GradSchool #UMiami (thread 1/10)
sunrise over a beach with palm trees and plants showing a path leading to the ocean with a colorful sky
July 4, 2025 at 3:30 PM