Bio

Eric Pakulak is a Universitetslektor (Assistant Professor) in the Department of Child and Youth Studies at Stockholm University, and the Acting Director of the Brain Development Lab (BDL) at the University of Oregon.  His Ph.D. is in Psychology with an emphasis on cognitive neuroscience.  His primary research interest is the development, implementation, and assessment of evidence-based training programs for families from lower socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds, in particular programs that simultaneously target children and their parents (two-generation approaches).  Related research interests include the neuroplasticity of brain systems important for language and attention and the effects of early adversity associated with SES differences on neural organization for these systems.  He explores these questions in both children and adults using techniques to measure brain function and stress physiology.  Currently Dr. Pakulak is closely involved in several ongoing lines of research in the BDL.  One line of research examines relationships between early adversity, autonomic nervous system function, and brain function for attention and inhibitory control in children and young adults from a wide range of SES backgrounds.  Another line of research is focused on a two-generation program developed in the BDL, including cultural adaptation, scale-up for broader implementation, and broader assessment of outcomes in both children and parents.