What does the Cooper Biology Education Research Lab study?
The Cooper Lab is dedicated to improving mental health in academic science. We investigate how undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges in academic science, and how these experiences shape learning, persistence, and engagement. We study how symptoms of anxiety and depression influence individuals’ experiences in science, and how those experiences, in turn, affect their well-being. Our mission is to use this research to develop practical, evidence-based interventions that create healthier, more supportive science environments where all individuals can thrive.
Click the paper to read recent research examining what's behind the grad mental health crisis in science.
In 2025, we launched Fail-Safe Science,
a video repository of successful scientists discussing the challenges they faced grad school. The goal of this project is to let grad students know they're not alone and to promote mental health.
RECENT NEWS
