Welcome to Teen Experiences, Emotions and Neuroendocrinology (TEEN) Lab!

To this end, we use publicly accessible big data and multi-modal neuroimaging methods including electroencephalogram (EEG) and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), along with clinical, behavioral and hormone methods. Our research program seeks to address two primary questions. First, we seek to characterize normal developmental trajectories of the frontal-striatal brain regions supporting cognitive-affective processes from childhood to adolescence as a function of pubertal development. Second, we use such knowledge gained from the first line of research as a template to elucidate how individual differences (e.g., reward sensitivity) and psychosocial factors (e.g., urbanicity, stressful life events, social media use) may lead to adolescents’ risky behavior (e.g., substance use) and the development of psychopathology in adolescence. 

We are dedicated to advancing children’s well-being by understanding and supporting children through scientific innovation. 

The TEEN Lab is proud to partner with schools across Union and Elizabeth, as well as the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City. Starting Summer 2026, we will participate in the MiniMed Extravaganza, where we will showcase our integrative neuroscience research, including our Puberty & VR project. 

Join us for an engaging, hands-on STEM experience and learn more about how we study adolescent brain and behavior!  

Follow us on Instagram @teenlab_kean for updates on our ongoing, paid studies! We are currently recruiting adolescent females (age 14-19) for our Puberty & Virtual Reality project.   

The TEEN Lab is dedicated to promoting youth well-being through community engagement and education. We offer complimentary, interactive STEM demonstrations designed for classrooms, after-school programs, and summer sessions. 

If your school is interested in partnering with our research team, we would be excited to collaborate! These sessions are a great way to introduce students to real-world science and research in an engaging and accessible way. 

To learn more or schedule a visit, please contact Dr. Chung, Principal Investigator, at ychung@kean.edu. We look forward to building meaningful partnerships with your school community! 

We welcome motivated students and researchers who are passionate about neuroscience, psychology, and emerging technologies. Our lab offers opportunities to gain hands-on research experience, develop technical skills, and contribute to interdisciplinary research projects.

AY2027-2028: Anticipated Research Positions (Pending Funding)

The following positions are anticipated but are contingent upon funding availability and institutional approval. Recruitment and appointment timelines will be announced once funding is confirmed.

1. Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) — 1 Anticipated Position

   Strong programming skills in Python, R, and/or PsychoPy® are preferred but not required. A strong interest in neuroscience, a strong work ethic, and excellent teamwork skills are required. EEG/ERP training will be provided to graduate and undergraduate research assistants.

2. Academic Specialist — 1 Anticipated Position

   Programming experience in Python, Matlab, or PsychoPy® is required. Prior experience with EEG/ERP data acquisition or analysis is preferred but not required.

3. Key Responsibilities

   The Graduate Research Assistant and Academic Specialist will work closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) to support the establishment and operation of the emerging Brain–Computer Interaction (BCI) Laboratory. Responsibilities may include:

   1. Assisting with the setup, operation, and maintenance of a high-density EEG system.

   2. Coordinating research activities and participant scheduling.

   3. Supporting EEG/ERP data collection, preprocessing, and analysis.

   4. Providing ongoing technical training and assistance to new lab users.

   5. Assisting with research-related administrative and organizational tasks.

4. How to Express Interest

   Interested applicants are encouraged to email Dr. Chung at ychung@kean.edu with:

   1) An updated curriculum vitae (CV).

   2) Contact information for two academic references (professors or faculty members familiar with the applicant's academic performance and research experience). Applications submitted without references will not be reviewed.
   Please note that expressions of interest do not guarantee employment. Formal recruitment will depend on funding availability and institutional hiring procedures.

   Curious about neuroscience? Interested in gaining research experience? We welcome you!

   Highly motivated and academically engaged undergraduate students are encouraged to explore opportunities to join the TEEN Lab. No prior research experience is required for entry-level involvement.

   Students can begin by contributing to community outreach, science communication, and activities that promote neuroscience research and public engagement across New Jersey.

   For students interested in developing more advanced research experience and technical skills, we encourage enrollment in lab-focused courses, including:

   Data Science in Psychology

   Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience

   Psychoneuroendocrinology & Virtual Reality

   These courses, offered through Kean University's Research First Initiative, provide opportunities to build foundational knowledge and gain hands-on experience with research methods, data analysis, and emerging neuroscience technologies.

   We encourage students from diverse academic backgrounds to explore research opportunities and discover how their interests and skills can contribute to interdisciplinary neuroscience research.

   Undergraduate research participation is unpaid and subject to project needs, available supervision, and laboratory capacity.