The Methodology, Adolescent Development, and Prevention (MAP) Lab
The MAP Lab at Syracuse University is directed by Dr. Gabriel “Joey” Merrin. Our research examines how risk and protective processes shape adolescent development and during the transition to young adulthood, with an emphasis on resilience, equity, and translating quantitative methods into prevention strategies that improve outcomes for youth and families.
What We Study
The MAP Lab investigates how individual, peer, family, school, and community contexts interact to shape developmental pathways. Our work focuses on risk and protective factors, with particular attention to equity and outcomes for marginalized youth.
School-Based Prevention and Harassment
We investigate how school environments shape adolescent development, with a focus on bullying and identity-based harassment. This work employs longitudinal models, social network methods, and randomized controlled trials to evaluate school-based prevention programs, including Second Step, WITS, Boston vs. Bullies, and Sources of Strength.
Substance Use and Developmental Transitions
We examine trajectories of adolescent and young adult polysubstance use and related developmental changes. Using person-centered methods, including latent class analysis and growth mixture modeling, this work explores how shifting social roles contribute to both risk and resilience.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Psychosocial Outcomes
We synthesize existing research and conduct longitudinal studies to understand how distinct adverse childhood experiences shape peer relationships, mental health, and resilience. This work challenges cumulative ACE models and informs trauma-informed prevention practices.
Longitudinal Quantitative Methods
We apply advanced statistical methods to understand complex developmental processes, including structural equation models, multilevel models, mixture models, social network analysis, and other emerging methods, all within reproducible research workflows.
Methods and Tools
Our lab uses a range of quantitative approaches:
- Longitudinal data analysis (growth curve modeling, survival analysis)
- Mixture modeling (latent class analysis, growth mixture modeling, latent transition analysis)
- Network analysis for understanding peer relationships
- Reproducible workflows using R and version control
- Community-based participatory research methods
We developed the CATAcode R package, available on CRAN, which provides methods for coding check-all-that-apply demographic items in survey research. The package tutorial is published in Advances in Methods and Practices in Psychological Science.
Mentorship
The MAP Lab supports both undergraduate and graduate student research. To date, lab members have produced 14 student-led peer-reviewed publications.
Training Opportunities
We provide training in advanced longitudinal quantitative methods, prevention science, and reproducible research practices for students in our lab.
Collaboration
We welcome collaborations with schools, community organizations, researchers, prevention practitioners, and students interested in prevention science.
Contact
Dr. Gabriel J. Merrin, Lab Director
Department of Human Development and Family Science
College of Arts and Sciences
Syracuse University
144 White Hall
Syracuse, NY 13244
Email: gjmerrin@syr.edu
Google Scholar
The MAP Lab is housed within the Department of Human Development and Family Science within the College of Arts & Sciences at Syracuse University.