Andrew Fuligni

Andrew Fuligni is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He is affiliated with the Brain Research Institute, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, and the Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology. Holding a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from the University of Michigan, he previously served as Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at New York University. His research explores the interplay between sociocultural experiences and biobehavioral development in adolescence, with a focus on sleep, inflammation, family dynamics, and ethnic identity.

• Ph.D., Developmental Psychology, University of Michigan

Dr. Fuligni’s work bridges cultural psychology and psychoneuroimmunology, examining how adolescents from diverse ethnic and immigrant backgrounds navigate mental and physical health challenges. Key themes include:

• Sleep patterns and their health consequences
• Family and peer influences on stress reactivity
• Biobehavioral links between inflammation and depressive symptoms
• Ethnic identity and discrimination in developmental contexts
• Neural mechanisms of prosocial and risk behaviors
• Socioeconomic disparities in adolescent well-being

His recent publications highlight trends in adolescent sleep research, genetic contributions to chronotype, and the role of social environments in shaping immune function. Notably, he investigates how prosocial engagement and family obligations impact neurodevelopment and psychological outcomes.

Scientific Awards

• Boyd McCandless Award for Early Career Contribution to Developmental Psychology (American Psychological Association)
• Fellow, American Psychological Association

Dr. Fuligni has secured funding from the NICHD, William T. Grant Foundation, Mac Arthur Foundation, Russell Sage Foundation, and Haynes Foundation. As Associate Editor of Child Development and former editorial board member of multiple journals, he is deeply involved in advancing developmental science. He co-directs the NIMH Family Research Consortium IV and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams at UCLA, including the Adolescent Development Lab and affiliated research institutes.