A diverse group of six children in a row laughing and smiling.

Riser Equitable Early Lifespan Lab

The Riser Equitable Early Lifespan Lab (REEL Lab) explores the complex dynamics between family income and child development.

Under the guidance of Quentin Riser, the lab’s research examines how variations in family income, alongside public policies, influence the cognitive and social-emotional development of children.

Through a combination of quantitative methods and the analysis of diverse data sources, the lab aims to contribute valuable insights that support evidence-based policy and interventions to enhance family and child well-being.

A child plays with a ball and ramp toy while their parent watches and smiles. They are in a research lab set as a living room space.

Research Goals

Analyze family income dynamics
Investigate the longitudinal impact of family income trajectories on the cognitive, social, and emotional development of children. This includes examining the effects of income volatility and poverty on developmental outcomes.

Evaluate public policy impact
Scrutinize the role of public policies in shaping child and family well-being, with a keen focus on how legislation and government interventions can support or hinder development.

Methodological innovation
Employ advanced quantitative research methods and innovative study designs to accurately capture and analyze the nuanced effects of socioeconomic factors on families. The lab leverages a variety of data sources, including secondary, administrative, and longitudinal datasets, to inform its research.

Interdisciplinary collaboration
Engage in interdisciplinary research and collaboration with scholars from various fields such as social work, psychology, economics, and education to enrich the understanding of developmental processes and outcomes.

Participate

Your participation matters! Join our research studies to contribute valuable insights into child development and family dynamics.

Become a research participant

Priorities

Evidence-based policy and interventions
The ultimate goal of the lab’s research is to inform the development and implementation of evidence-based policy and interventions. By identifying effective strategies to support families and children, the lab aims to contribute to policy discussions at local, national, and international levels.

Community engagement and impact
Beyond academic research, the lab prioritizes the translation of research findings into practical solutions and strategies that can be implemented in communities to improve child and family outcomes.

Join our team

We are always looking for motivated individuals who are passionate about understanding and improving children’s developmental outcomes.

Join our team

Lead Researcher

A black man smiling, with black, curly hair, wearing a gray jacket and white and gray shirt.

Quentin Riser

Dr. Quentin Riser’s work is driven by a commitment to improve the world — not just for his own children, but for all children. This dedication is rooted in a belief that through rigorous research, thoughtful policy analysis, and the application of evidence-based interventions, it’s possible to create a society where every child has the opportunity to thrive. His research endeavors are more than academic pursuits; they are personal missions to ensure that the future is brighter, more equitable, and filled with possibilities for every child. It’s this vision that fuels his daily efforts and defines the core of his professional ethos.

Mentorship

Paying it forward

Quentin Riser believes mentorship is not a side note. It is central to the mission of the REEL Lab. He intentionally creates opportunities for undergraduate students to be active contributors, not just observers. In his lab, students help shape research, present findings, and build skills that prepare them for graduate programs or careers in the field. His own experience as an undergraduate researcher shaped his academic path, and now he is committed to paying that forward by providing students with the kind of support and real-world experience that can make a lasting impact.

Join our team

“Dr. Riser has provided invaluable mentorship, guiding me both academically and professionally.” — Emma Powers

We are always looking for motivated individuals who are passionate about understanding and improving children’s developmental outcomes.

Join our team

Research Assistants

Graduate Students

Chenxiao Wang

Undergraduate Students

Jordyn Allen | Co-Lab Lead

Sutton Damiano | Co-Lab Lead

Naomi Berlin

Amber Herzberg

Ava Pelz

Liesl Vorlop

Aryana Wadhwani

Alumni

Zoë Bracken 2024-2025
MSW Student at University of Chicago

Grace Carpenter 2024-2025
Master’s Student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UW-Whitewater

Genna Garrigan 2024-2025
Master’s Student in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at the University of Maryland

Ava Hammer 2023-2024
Master’s Student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Adrian Jauregui 2023-2024

Makenna Menting 2024-2025

Emma Powers 2023-2025
MFT Student at Saint Mary’s University