Course Description: 

Explore human development in vulnerable populations around the world, with an emphasis on the role that development during childhood plays in shaping long-term health, illness, and well-being.  How do the human brain, the immune system, and the stress-response system develop in the face of early adversity?  What factors influence infant mortality, life expectancy, and physical and psychosocial health?  Hear guest presentations from scientists, government personnel, and NGO representatives working to advance the health of children in the developing world.  Learn how volunteers and professionals are implementing global health programs that seek to build the capacity of developing countries.

Course Details:

• 3 Credits
• CRN 16670
• MW 10-11:20pm
• 251 STB

About the Instructor: Jeffrey Measelle

My research seeks to identify early sources of psychopathology in childhood, in particular, family processes that adversely influence the development of very young children’s psychobiology. A major focus of my lab’s work is early parental caregiving, which plays a critical role in shaping infants’ earliest development – both prenatally and postnatally – through processes known as mother-infant biological attunement. We conduct most of our work with high-risk families, including families dealing with the stress of poverty and with histories of psychopathology. I also study children’s health, development, and well-being in low and middle income countries. Children’s “global health” is an exciting area of science and service that allows us to work with children, families, and scientists around the world.