Help us understand what becoming an adult is like today.

Aerial view of five students walking in a line on a dark paved surface, each carrying backpacks.

Join our Research Community

Thank you for your interest in the RAYA Collab!

Our science is only possible because of the invaluable partnership of families, adolescents, and young adults in our community.

Enrollment Status: We are not currently actively recruiting new participants for any active data collection cycles at this moment. However, we are always designing new studies and would love to stay in touch with you!

Close-up of two people sitting on a graffiti-covered surface, showing their legs and feet in sneakers, with one in black shoes and the other in light gray shoes.

Why participate in research?

When you or your family participate in a developmental psychology study, your unique experiences help us understand how to better support youth mental health, family dynamics, and positive transitions into adulthood.

Our studies are designed to be engaging, safe, and respectful of your time. Most projects offer small tokens of appreciation, such as gift cards, as a way to say thank you for your valuable contributions.

Stay Updated About New Studies

If participating in future research opportunities sounds interesting to you, please join our participant registry.

When a new study launches that fits your or your family's demographic, we reach out to our registry members with details about the study, time commitments, and compensation. Joining the list carries no obligation; you can decide whether or not to participate each time a new study opens up.

Participant Registry Coming Soon

Frequently Asked Questions for Participants

What happens to the information I share?

Your privacy is our priority. We protect your personal details and only report findings grouped across many individuals, never your name. All data is stored securely under strict university safety standards. Before you join any study, we provide a letter explaining exactly how your information is handled so you can decide if you want to join.

How long do studies usually take?

It varies! Some of our studies are quick, 15-minute online surveys you can complete from the comfort of home. Others take longer, involve a visit to us on campus, or ask you to complete short check-ins over a longer time frame. We always outline the exact time commitment before you agree to join.

Where can I see the results of previous studies?

We believe in sharing our science back with the people who made it possible! You can check out our Publications page to see summaries of our past work and the articles we have published using data from the lab.