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Appointments:1-888-884-BEAR (2327)

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Research

The fellow will have at least one day a week (20% or more) of protected time for research.  Fellows are matched to research opportunities based on their interests and the availability of funding and mentorship. We have particularly strong opportunities with two established research teams within the division this year to highlight:

  • CASD Research Team. There are a diverse set of research opportunities available related to neuropsychological phenotypes and cognitive performance in neurodiverse conditions including autism.  There are options for participating in our NIH Autism Center of Excellence Network which is focused on improving access to autism diagnoses for girls, women and gender diverse teens and adults, supporting a multi-site NIMH R01 to identify factors that drive successful transition from high school for autistic people, and working on implementation and dissemination trials of Unstuck and On Target, a school-based executive function intervention.
  • SCORE Concussion Research Team.  One incoming fellow will have the opportunity to work with Gerard Anthony Gioia, Ph.D., Christopher G. Vaughan, Psy.D. and the SCORE research team on projects related to pediatric concussion outcome and instrument development. Opportunities exist with two current projects including an NINDS multi-center grant, CARE4Kids, exploring a combination of biomarkers (neuro-imaging, blood-based, autonomic) with neuropsychological and symptom characteristics to predict Persisting Post Concussive Symptoms (PPCS). Significant opportunities exist in the CARE4Kids project for data analysis and manuscript writing. The clinical algorithm stemming from this work will inform clinical screening, management and future treatments. The second project involves the study of developmental factors (physical, self-regulation) that relate to injury incidence/prevention and positive retention in youth sports. Opportunities are also available to provide community education on injury risk, assessment and prevention.

Other opportunities may be available. Our fellows are expected to be a productive member of the research team and to demonstrate competency for independent research after completing the program. For example, fellows are expected to present at professional conferences, and to submit a review paper, chapter, research article or grant application. Our program includes a research curriculum and monthly research meetings/seminars to support the development of research skills. Our postdocs are authors on numerous peer-reviewed publications, book chapters and conference presentations and have won awards for research.