The Research Team

Email: rachel.farr@uky.edu

Associate Professor, Developmental Psychology

In directing the FAD Lab (Families, Adoption, and Diversity) here at UK as part of the Developmental Psychology area, I conduct research related to diverse family systems and issues of adoption through the lenses of Developmental and Community Psychology, with particular interest in child development, parenting, and family functioning. I primarily study adoptive families and families headed by LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) parents. I'm also interested in how issues of race (e.g., transracial adoption), gender, and birth family contact are relevant in adoptive families. 

Email: madi.diomede@uky.edu

PhD expected 2025 (University of Texas at Tyler, 2020)

My research interests revolve around identity development, family identity, and socialization. In the past, I have researched developmental and psychological predictors of LGBTQ+ attitudes in college students. Currently, I am exploring the intersection between diverse family structures and identity in adolescents and young adults. I am also interested in perceived social status amongst these populations— more specifically, the relationship between perceived social status and various identities such as racial/ethnic, geographic, gender, or sexual identities.

Email: emilylapidus@uky.edu

PhD expected 2025 (College of Charleston, 2019)

My primary research interests focus on how and to what extent childhood development is influenced by public policy. Developmental research focused on adoption into same-gender households is still controversial and there can be a lot of changes that can be made for the better. Specifically in the FAD lab, I am interested in seeing how we can better understand development of children in same-gender households so we can better the current adoption systems.

Email: kamcaweeney@uky.edu

PhD expected 2027  (University of California Davis 2021)

Major: Psychology, Minor: Women & Gender Studies

My research focuses on two main research topics. The first research is centered on LGBTQ+ families and populations with a focus on the impacts of geographic environment and the beneficial aspects of LGBTQ+ community belonging. The second is research centered around violent radicalization and identifying factors that lead to radicalization. I also look at how these ideas intersect looking at LGBTQ+ communities that exist in majority conservative regions and how anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment relates to violent radicalization. Joined the lab: Summer 2022

Email: Nita.Kulkarni@uky.edu 

PhD Expected 2028 (Arizona State University 2023)

Majors: Psychology, Family & Human Development; Minor: Women & Gender Studies

I am interested in studying adolescent mental health through a lens of intersectionality, specifically focusing on LGBTQ+ youth of color with anxiety and mood disorders. Broadly, I am interested in how psychopathology presents in youth with intersecting identities and across diverse family structures. My previous research has focused on the impact of family engagement in schools on child well-being, and my career goal is to practice as a clinical psychologist for adolescents. Joined the lab: Fall 2023

Email: abigail.moore23@uky.edu 

Major: Psychology

Minor: Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Certificate: LGBTQ+ Studies

Key Professional Goals and Interests: I am interested in studying and addressing gender biases in psychological methodology. Specifically, I am invested in researching ways to make psychological assessments and treatments more inclusive for trans and gender-diverse individuals. Through my additional work with the RAGE and Law Lab, I also work on how queer/trans individuals and families navigate difficult political climates. Joined the lab: Fall 2023