Vibrant, super-smart and caring: these are just a few of the qualities that describe the dozens of interdisciplinary researchers at I-LABS. Their innovative ideas and technological savviness help drive the Institute's reputation as a world leader in child development and brain science.
And their kindness, professionalism and sense of humor greet all of the hundreds of families that volunteer each year for studies at I-LABS.
In the "People of I-LABS" series, we get to know the research scientists, post-doctoral fellows and other researchers who make up the elite team at I-LABS.
Lily Shafer is a specialist who supports the Outreach team as they disseminate science to the broader community. She is involved in many aspects of I-LABS activities, including the summer internship program and science fairs!
Please tell us a little about yourself.
I am Pacific Northwest born and raised. I grew up in Seattle and attended college in Portland, OR. I love to be outdoors, travel and explore new places!
I am on the Outreach and Education team. It is wonderful being part of a team that works directly with the community to share the science of early learning.
Why did you get involved with Outreach?
I love how Outreach combines psychology and neuroscience with science dissemination and direct work with early learning communities and families.
The mission of I-LABS Outreach and Education and the team members are what excited me most when I joined the team 2.5 years ago!
What area of research are you the most interested in?
At this moment, I am interested in how individuals build resiliency, and the influence resiliency has on experiences and development.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I am working on various projects for the National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching and Learning, and supporting the Outreach team on other projects, like creating one-pagers to accompany our modules. The one-pagers highlight take-home messages from the modules and provide applicable activities parents and caregivers can try with their children.
What's your favorite part of working at I-LABS?
The people of I-LABS are very wonderful to work with because they all bring passion to their work!
How can people use I-LABS discoveries in their own lives?
People can use the research from I-LABS to support and advocate for the children in their lives and greater communities.
What’s something we might not know about you?
Running is a huge passion of mine! I love to run marathons and Ragnar Relays.
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