Research Assistant
Kennedy Krieger Institute And Jhmi Pediatric Psychiatry Department
Collaborated with Alison E. Pritchard, PhD, Program Director, Neuropsychology Research Lab, and Rebecca Vaurio, PhD, Dept. of Neuropsychology, Outpatient Assessment Programs, on several studies focusing on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), ADHD, Intellectual Disability, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. My work challenged me to apply my neuroscience background in clinical settings. I took leadership roles within several studies, the largest of which involved identifying DNA methylation patterns in children with FASD. The data I collected and analyzed will continue to be studied to determine if the methylation patterns can be reversed thereby improving patients’ cognitive function. By spearheading patient enrollment, collecting/cataloguing saliva samples, scoring neuropsychological tests, and participating in weekly rounds and journal review meetings I established and honed a strong research skillset:- Developing testable hypotheses- Designing studies using experimental and non-experimental research methods- Critically analyzing existing literature- Applying description and inferential statistical procedures- Data management- Writing scientific research reports- Demonstrating laboratory skills relevant to behavioral neuropsychologic research- Meeting strict deadlines- Collaborating with a team