NEST Lab Research Areas
Our lab is piloting protocols that bring small communities together to identify shared challenges and build collective solutions. These initiatives include community-wide visioning, reward and reminder campaigns, and structured problem-identification processes, which are followed by Action Circles that mobilize residents, organizations, and decision-makers toward sustainable change.
Nurturing Communities
We are advancing prevention initiatives that include the PAX Good Behavior Game® (PAX GBG®), a trauma-informed, universal classroom management system that promotes cooperation, reduces bullying and high risk behaviors, and supports long-term student well-being. We’re also evaluating PAX GBG® in new settings such as special education classrooms and alternative schools. These protocols are being designed with an eye toward strengthening resilience across school systems.
School-Based Prevention
The lab is expanding work on family-centered approaches for reducing the harmful effects of excessive screen time and social media use among adolescents. One project focus on strategies for adolescents and young adults, while another protocol focuses on younger children.
Another area of family-intervention research involves the use of PAX Tools®, a set of evidence-based kernels designed to empower caregivers with simple, trauma-informed strategies that strengthen relationships and promote healthy development at home.
Family Interventions
Climate Change and Sustainability
Our climate-focused projects apply behavior science to both individual and community action. Efforts include developing strategies for reducing personal and household energy use and supporting community mobilization around climate challenges.