Dr. Gard is an Assistant Professor of Developmental Psychology, Faculty Affiliate in the Program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Neuroscience (NACS), and Director of the Growth And Resilience across Development (GARD) Lab at the University of Maryland, College Park. She completed postdoctoral and graduate training at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Arianna is an interdisciplinary scientist with training in affective neuroscience, developmental psychology, clinical science, and survey methodology. Her research examines the neurobiological mechanisms linking environmental factors to socioemotional and cognitive development, particularly during adolescence.  

 

I am reviewing applications for the Developmental Psychology and the Neuroscience And Cognitive Science (NACS) doctoral programs at UMD this Fall. However, it is yet unclear whether I will be able to accept a new student to begin Fall 2027. As can be expected, funding is uncertain. Please consider this if you decide to apply to work with me this cycle, as every application costs time, effort, and money. If you are eligible, apply for the Big 10 Alliance application fee waiver here. 
 
Competitive students applying to the GARD Lab will have interests in the development of resilience to adversity using advanced quantitative modeling of geospatial and survey data, neuroimaging (fMRI, MRI), and/or mixed methods. Students interested in the science of research ethics, design, and science communication are also welcome to apply. Community-based participatory research methods are integrated into all aspects of the lab's projects.  
 
Although I have never suggested this in the past, I would encourage all applicants to apply for predoctoral funding like the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (next cycle due in mid Fall 2026). Recruitment classes at every university (UMD included) will be smaller than is typical, and students who bring their own funding are likely to have more options. The UMD NACS program maintains a list of resources for students applying to graduate school, including information on funding sources and application materials.  Most materials are useful to applicants in multiple fields of study. 
 

Prospective undergraduate students and post-bac lab coordinators: The lab is not reviewing applications at this time. 

 

Personal Website
GARD Lab Website

My job as a mentor is to guide students to think critically about developmental processes and help them achieve their professional goals. But we are also people – with unique hopes, challenges, and identities. I am committed to creating an atmosphere that fosters both professional and personal growth, and I will support you in any way I can as you navigate your academic journey.

 

Research Methods
fMRI
MRI
Observational Coding & Interviews
Administrative Data
Research Interests
Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience
Neurobehavioral Resilience
Brain Connectivity
Environmental Adversity
Psychopathology
Social Development

Current Students

Former Students

  • Student Name
    Deena Shariq
    Current Position
    Quantitative Researcher, Human & Community Development, American Institutes for Research
Dr. Arianna Gard
Email
arigard [at] umd.edu