Decoding Anxiety: Graduate Student Nicole Acosta's Developmental Psychology Research Unlocks Clues to Early Childhood Mental Health

Nicole Acosta is a dedicated student in the Experimental Psychology Ph.D. program in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science’s Department of Psychology, where she focuses on developmental psychology. Her work particularly centers on infant and child development. From the inspiring work of her advisor, Nancy A. Jones, Ph.D., a professor and director of the FAU WAVES Emotion Laboratory, to the college’s supportive academic environment, Acosta saw endless opportunities for growth and research at the university. 

“I saw a lot of possibilities at Florida Atlantic, and I knew it would be the right choice for me,” shared Acosta. “I also loved the location of the school itself!” 

Acosta plays a key role in clinical research funded by a National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) grant, conducting psychiatric assessments of preschool-aged children and working directly with their mothers. Her research focuses on early manifestations of psychopathology in young children, with a particular emphasis on internalizing behaviors. She aims to better understand these early indicators and pave the way for timely interventions. Collaborating with teams from Washington State University and Virginia Tech, Acosta is committed to ensuring the highest quality research and meaningful outcomes. 

“It is critical to better understand these emerging behaviors for early interventions for possible disorders related to the child’s internalizing behaviors,” said Acosta. “This study is multifaceted and can be applied to many areas of psychological research, from developmental to neuroscience. I also strongly believe that this research can be applied in a variety of settings, from our classrooms to helping mothers better understand their babies’ emerging personalities.” 

Jones has been a significant mentor who has provided guidance and encouragement that has helped Acosta thrive both academically and personally. Acosta shared that Jones is deeply invested in her students’ success, and she always helps provide the tools they need to excel. 

“Dr. Jones has been a huge support when it comes to my academic pursuits,” stated Acosta. “She ensures that I have absolutely everything I need to thrive and works one-on-one with me to ensure that I meet my goals. She truly loves to see her students succeed, and I could not have asked for a better mentor.” 

Acosta recently graduated with her M.A. in Psychology in December 2025. Her thesis, titled “Digital Beginnings: Exploring the Impact of Screen Exposure on Internalizing Behaviors During Toddlerhood,” focuses on the developmental impacts of screen exposure on the young mind and observe the potential hinderance of healthy mental development. 

Looking ahead, Acosta anticipates graduating in Spring 2028. Her experiences at Florida Atlantic have sparked a passion for teaching, and she aspires to pursue a career in academia as a professor. Additionally, she hopes to contribute to family-centered programs through program coordination and leadership-focused work. 

“I discovered a love for teaching when I started at FAU back in 2023,” expressed Acosta. “I am very interested in going into academia and becoming a professor to support future students, as my professors have supported me. I find great joy in helping students learn more about the field through my teaching assistantships. I would also like to expand the application of my training in developmental psychology and apply it in community and program-based settings to support families. Furthering the understanding of the developing mind through education and supporting the community through direct practice is a value that strongly guides my work as a doctoral student.”