James J. Li, PhD

Position title: A. A. Alexander Associate Professor, Psychology and Psychiatry

James Li, PhD

PhD, University of California, Los Angeles

Contact Information

Waisman Center
1500 Highland Avenue
Room 263
Madison, WI 53705
608.265.1091
james.li@wisc.edu
Website: Social and Behavioral Development Lab

Research Statement

My lab investigates genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the development of child externalizing disorders (e.g., attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and conduct disorder). Research in my lab utilizes molecular genetic approaches (e.g., genome-wide association scans, gene-pathway analysis) to advance understanding about the genetic architecture underlying complex developmental phenomena. We also focus on rigorous measurement of early environmental influences as they relate to child behavioral problems, not only for risk factors such as negative parenting and maltreatment, but also for enriched factors such as positive parenting and social support. The goal of this research is to understand how genes and environments independently and interactively influence variation in child social and behavioral development, and to ultimately bridge the substantial gap between genetics/neuroscience and prevention/intervention.

Selected Publications