Emma Adam

Emma Adam is the Edwina S. Tarry Professor of Human Development and Social Policy at Northwestern University's School of Education and Social Policy (SESP). She leads the COAST Lab, focusing on adolescent stress biology, sleep, and interventions to reduce disparities. Her work integrates developmental psychology with public health policy.

Education: PhD in Child Psychology (University of Minnesota, 1998), MA in Public Policy (University of Chicago, 1998), MA in Applied Developmental Psychology (University of Toronto, 1992), BS in Psychology (University of Toronto, 1990).

Research interests include the biological and social determinants of adolescent stress, sleep patterns, and mental health. She examines racial/ethnic disparities in stress exposure and interventions like mindfulness and mentoring. Notable projects include studies on pandemic impacts, high-stakes testing physiology, and the BIO and YMAP intervention programs.

Awards: Curt Richter Award (2013), William T. Grant Scholars Award (2004–09), and leadership roles in the International Society of Psychoneuroendocrinology.

Labs/Teams: COAST Lab, collaborations with NIH-funded projects on stress biology and adolescent development. Current studies include interventions targeting mindfulness and ethnic identity promotion.