Team
Dr. Griffin completed his doctoral training at Pennsylvania State University and his postdoctoral training at Yale University, where he was a Hilibrand Postdoctoral Fellow. His research program centers on understanding the neural and behavioral mechanisms that influence social perception (e.g., face processing) in both autistic and non-autistic children and adolescents. As a cognitive neuroscientist and autism researcher, Dr. Griffin strives to merge neuroscience, clinical, and quantitative methodologies to amplify the translational impact of his work. To achieve this, he employs a diverse range of tools, including electroencephalography (EEG), eye-tracking, intervention science, and advanced statistical techniques, aiming to deepen our understanding of social perception in autism.
Dr. Griffin's research has garnered funding from various intramural and extramural sources, including the Hilibrand Foundation, the Autism Science Foundation, the Slifka Foundation, the Division of Research at University of Houston, and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
He has also been recognized with numerous awards for his contributions, including the Alumni Association Dissertation Award, which earned him the Distinguished Scholar Medal. Most notably, he earned the INSAR Slifka/Ritvo Innovation in Autism Research Award and the NOMIS and Science Young Explorer Award, highlighting his innovative approach to autism research as an early career investigator. He also serves on the Early Career Committee for APA Division 3: Experimental Psychology and Cognitive Science and is on the Editorial Board of the peer-reviewed journal Autism.
Originally from Monroe Township, New Jersey, Chris spent over 5 years volunteering in the Special Olympics. He joined the Griffin Laboratory because of his strong interest in learning more about autism, social perception, and eye gaze. Chris hopes to either attend graduate or medical school after graduating from UH.
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Vanessa is interested in understanding cognitive functioning in developmental populations. She sings in the UH choir. Ultimately, Vanessa wants to attend graduate school after UH and one day become a psychiatrist.
Kaela is passionate about studying human interaction in autistic individuals and crossing the bridge between humanities and sciences.
Born in Austin, TX, Sam is very interested in applying principles of developmental psychology to real world settings and believes that more ecological approaches will help destigmatize society's perception of autism and encourage them to lean into their strengths. Sam hopes to attend graduate school after UH and study to become a Pediatric Occupational Therapist.
Having grown up in Houston for the past 14 years, Laay, along with wanting to enlighten those who have negative social perceptions regarding autism, is very interested in learning about the relationship between cognitive function and oculomotor movements in individuals with autism. He is a passionate violinist who aspires to attend medical school and become a physician in Texas.
