Elizabeth Shulman

Elizabeth Shulman is an Associate Professor in the Psychology Department at Brock University. Her research focuses on adolescent development, particularly examining how psychosocial factors influence decision-making, risk-taking behaviors, and interactions with the juvenile justice system. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Irvine.

Her research interests include reward sensitivity, self-regulation, and the neurobiological underpinnings of adolescent behavior. She investigates how developmental processes shape risk-taking across cultures and advocates for evidence-based legal and social policies. Her work bridges developmental psychology with criminology, addressing topics like juvenile justice reform and mental health screening in detention settings.

Her publications explore topics ranging from sensation-seeking behaviors in adolescents to the effects of violence exposure on impulse control. Key areas of focus include the dual systems model of adolescent decision-making and the role of cultural factors in developmental trajectories.

Shulman’s lab website highlights ongoing projects on juvenile justice policy, peer influences, and the cognitive mechanisms of risk appraisal. She emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating neuroscience, sociology, and legal studies to inform practical interventions.