About
Instructor
Biomedical Sciences
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Project Title: Neurodevelopmental Trajectories in Infancy: Impact of Environmental Factors and Prediction of Cognitive Outcome
Mentors:
Wei Gao, PhD – Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Jason Moore, PhD – Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Karen Grewen, PhD – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Vinicius Calsavara, PhD – Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Rina Eiden, PhD – Pennsylvania State University
Multidisciplinary Expertise:
Neuroscience, neuroimaging, development, behavioral analysis, social determinants of health
Project Description:
Prenatal opioid exposure is related to behavioral and cognitive deficits that emerge during infancy and persist through adolescence, but the neural mechanisms driving these divergent trajectories are virtually unknown. This project will advance our understanding of the impact of prenatal opioid exposure on neurobehavioral development by investigating longitudinal brain connectivity growth trajectories and identifying associations between neurocircuitry, environmental factors, and behavioral outcomes. Findings will not only inform early intervention strategies and personalized treatments for affected infants but also contribute to promoting healthier outcomes for this vulnerable population.