Dr. Rebecca Grzadzinski, Assistant Professor at the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, has received a Faculty Development Award to advance innovative research focused on early detection of neurodevelopmental differences in infants. Her project, Tracking the Pupil in Naturalistic Infant Assessment, aims to develop new wearable technology that measures subtle changes in infants’ pupil responses during everyday interactions with caregivers. By integrating infrared sensors into infant seating and head supports, the project seeks to create a scalable, real-world method for identifying early markers associated with autism and other developmental conditions. This work combines neuroscience, engineering, and clinical research to improve understanding of infant development and ultimately support earlier, more personalized interventions for children and families.