Stress gets under your skin: A conversation with Emma K. Adam  

Kappan: To begin, tell us a bit about your professional background, the kinds of research questions you’ve pursued, and the research methods you use. 

EMMA K. ADAM: I’m a developmental psychologist. More specifically, I’m a psychobiologist, which means I study how biological factors (such as hormone levels and sleep patterns) affect, and are affected by, kids’ experiences as they grow up. But I also have a master’s degree in public policy, and I’m fascinated by the ways in which schools and other institutions matter to child development.