About Our Research

The BRUNO (Brain Research to Understand Neurodevelopmental Outcomes) lab advances translational research at the interface of developmental cognitive neuropsychology and neurobiology. An overarching goal of our work is to understand developmental windows of vulnerability—periods of risk for falling off the trajectory of typical brain development. With this critical knowledge in hand, we aim to contribute to developing and testing targeted interventions to help people get back on the track of typical development. Our research utilizes genetics, brain imaging, deep behavioral phenotyping and computational science. In particular, we examine human genetic model systems (e.g., Down syndrome as model for Alzheimer’s disease) to inform and advance clinical care and health policy for individuals with neurodevelopmental and neurogenetic disorders across the lifespan. We are currently funded by the National Institute on Aging to examine brain development in adults with Down syndrome. Read more about our Down syndrome research here: HANDS Study. We are also dedicated to enhancing diversity in our research which includes neurodiverse individuals across the lifespan and in our lab culture by including and fostering diverse perspectives from trainees with diverse backgrounds.