Washington University in St. Louis (WU)
My research investigates structural brain differences in children and adolescents with affective disorders, attention deficit disorder and autism. Additionally we study infants and children who are at high risk for these disorders. Currently, we are examining structural MRI differences in discordant twin populations. We have recently begun a new study to characterize very early brain development with MRI in infants at risk for developing autism. In addition, in order to better understand structural abnormalities which we and others are demonstrating in children with psychiatric disorders, we are seeking to better characterize the progress of normal structural development, by MRI, in healthy control populations. This research is done in collaboration with Robert McKinstry, M.D., Ph.D (Radiology), Joan Luby, M.D. (Psychiatry), Deanna Barch, Ph.D. (Psychology), John N. Constantino, MD (Psychiatry, Pediatrics), John R. Pruett, M.D., Ph.D. (Psychiatry), Alex Todorov, Ph.D. (Psychiatry), and David Van Essen, Ph.D. (Anatomy). Secondary to ongoing neurodevelopmental changes, image analysis methodologies need specific validation and potential modifications for use in child populations. We are involved with Dr. Michael Miller and Dr. Tilak Ratnanather’s lab (Johns Hopkins University) on the application of newer image analysis techniques, including automated 3-D, high resolution, warping atlases for child and adolescent populations.