Exploring how children learn, adapt, and connect across families and communities.
The Brito Lab examines early development as a dynamic process between children and the people, places, and systems around them. We bring together brain, behavior, physiology, and families' lived experiences to build science that reflects how development unfolds in real life.
What we study
Caregiving and the developing brain
How caregiver wellbeing and parent–child interactions relate to early brain and behavioral development.
Stress, adversity, and resilience
How stress and social inequities affect development - and what helps children and families thrive.
Brain development and early learning
How neural and physiological systems work together to support attention, memory, and socioemotional processes.
Development in context
How family life, culture, and social policies contribute to the many ways children develop.
Participate in a study!
These studies are actively enrolling families. You can find a list of our completed studies on the research page.
ORCA
How do diverse early experiences shape infants' learning and development?
Families with infants 0–4 months of age.
Online, Nationwide.
Study details and eligibilityFINS
How family relationships and brain activity are connected across grandparents, parents, and children.
Families with children 6-10 years of age.
In-person, New York City.
Study details and eligibilityREEF
How do everyday interactions shape infants' brain development?
Families with children 3–18 months of age.At-home, New York City.
Study details and eligibility
Meet Dr. Natalie Brito
Dr. Brito is a developmental psychologist and Associate Professor at Columbia University. Her research explores how culture, context, and caregiving shape early brain and behavioral development in the first years of life. Through this work, she aims to advance scientific theories while generating policy-relevant insights that support caregivers and promote equitable child development across diverse communities.
"Working with the Brito Lab has been such a positive experience for our family. The team is warm, professional, and made us feel like real partners in their research — not just subjects."
Be part of the discovery!
Your participation helps researchers better understand children's developing minds and brains.