The PETAL Lab Philosophy & Culture
Understanding Anxiety & Trauma: A Developmental Experimental Psychopathology Approach
At the heart of our work is the use of laboratory-based methods to model the central features of anxiety and trauma-related disorders. For example, voluntary hyperventilation and carbon-dioxide enriched air breathing challenges induce bodily arousal; the hallmark of panic disorder. We can then examine factors that predict response to these paradigms, such as participant sex, smoking status, and sleep quality. We can also experimentally manipulate variables, such as by using acute sleep deprivation, to evaluate effects on challenge response.
Our work centers around the developmental periods of adolescence and young adulthood. Both of these phases involve significant transition and increased risk for developing anxiety and trauma-related problems. This includes traversing puberty, meaningfully renegotiating relationships with parents, and learning to live independently. Team members are immersed in the developmental science regarding the biological, psychological, and social changes of adolescence and young adulthood so they are prepared to teach as well as conduct developmentally-grounded research.
PETAL
Our research is focused on two primary, inter-related areas.
Cannabis Science:
The cannabis landscape is complex and dynamic. At a broad level, we provide state-of-the-art training in conceptual and methodological foundations of research in this area. The cannabis plant contains over 100 molecules, called cannabinoids, the effects of which scientists are still documenting. As consumer demand for cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) increases, there is a pressing need to understand the effects of these molecules. Our team is primarily focused on evaluating the degree to which cannabinoids affect anxious arousal and trauma-relevant responding. We accomplish this through drug administration paradigms (randomized control trials). We also use survey methods to evaluate the effects of novel, intoxicating cannabinoids, like hexahydrocannabinol (HHC).
Findings from these studies are critical for informing key stakeholders (consumers, policy-makers, practitioners) regarding cannabinoid use and its potential effects.
Community Outreach and Culture
The UA PETAL Lab is a joyful community. We work to maintain a positive mental attitude and support one another in our professional pursuits. In addition to an ethos of kindness and mutual regard for each other, we also integrate activities outside of the traditional academic context. The goal is to promote innovative thinking by removing ourselves from the typical day-to-day of the academic life and foster continually improving relationships with the local community. Examples include participating in holiday food drives, a semesterly birthday potluck, and volunteering in a local teaching garden. If you join the UA PETAL team, you can expect a warm and supportive atmosphere characterized by an uncompromising dedication to helping students achieve their professional goals and excel upon commencement of their careers.