
Alexander, Matthew
Professor of Pediatrics
Department of Pediatrics, Heersink School of Medicine
McNulty Scientist
Research Interests
Fundamental mechanisms of neuromuscular disorders such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and others in search of novel therapeutic approaches

Allendorfer, Jane
Associate Professor of Neurology
Department of Neurology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Cutting edge neuroimaging (Civitan Neuroimaging Laboratory) techniques to understand and to treat epilepsy and TBI consequences

Ananth, Amitha
Assistant Professor of Pediatric Neurology
Department of Pediatrics, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Rett Syndrome and other childhood degenerative and genetic disorders

Andrabi, Shaida
Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Joint Health Sciences
Research Interests
Mitochondria and their role in neuronal death in stroke and Parkinson’s Disease

Andrews, William
Professor Emeritus of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Effects of hypertension and prematurity on neurodevelopment

Arthur, Edmund
Assistant Professor of Optometry
Department of Optometry & Vision Science, School of Optometry
Research Interests
Diabetic Retionopathy

Banaszak Holl, Mark
Professor and Associate Dean for Research
Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, School of Engineering
Research interests
Autism, Engineering Novel Therapeutics, Environmental Exposures & Neurodevelopment.

Ball, Karlene
University Professor of Psychology
Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
Research Interests
Aging-related visual, cognitive, and motor abilities, particularly driving skills

Beas, Sofia
Assistant Professor of Neurobiology
Department of Neurobiology, Joint Health Sciences
Research Interests
Motivation and decision-making with relevance to substance use disorders, major depression, and OCD

Bebin, Martina
Professor of Neurology, Director of UAB Tuberous Sclerosis Clinic
Department of Neurology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Tuberous Sclerosis patients and families, TSC Center of Excellence (TS Alliance)

Benveniste, Tika
Professor of Cell, Developmental, & Integrative Biology
Department of Cell, Developmental, & Integrative Biology, Joint Health Sciences
Research Interests
Immune system/brain interactions of relevance to multiple sclerosis, brain cancer, among other neuroimmune disorders

Bevensee, Mark
Professor of Cell, Developmental, & Integrative Biology
Department of Cell, Developmental, & Integrative Biology, Joint Health Sciences
Research Interests
Acid-base transport and pH controls in brain, heart, and kidney

Blalock, Edwin
Professor of Medicine
Department of Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Cystic fibrosis and related pulmonary conditions

Bhat, Krishna
Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering
Research Interests
Molecular genetics of neurodegeneration

Bolding, Mark
Associate Professor of Radiology
Department of Radiology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
MRI for targeted drug delivery to the brain (for brain cancer, among other issues)

Bowers, Deborah
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Department of Nursing Family, Community & Health Systems, College of Nursing
Research Interests
Healthcare access disparities

Bryant, Pamela
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Department of Nursing Family, Community & Health Systems, College of Nursing
Research Interests
Newborns and pediatric epilepsy surgery

Carlo, Waldemar
Professor of Pediatrics, Director, Division of Neonatology, Director of NICU, PI of the NICHD Cooperative Neonatal Research Network Grant
Department of Pediatrics, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Neurodevelopmental effects of premature birth and complications thereof

Chang, Chenbei
Professor of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology
Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, Joint Health Sciences
Research Interests
Early embryonic development in vertebrate model systems

Cohen, Mitch
Professor & Chair of Pediatrics
Department of Pediatrics, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Pediatric gastroenterology, vaccines for diarrheal illnesses

Cook, Edwin
Associate Professor of Psychology
Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
Research Interests
Emotion and emotional memories in humans of relevance for PTSD and other anxiety disorders

Corcoran, Stephanie
Assistant Professor of Curriculum and Instruction
Department of Curriculum and Instruction, School of Education
Research Interests
Early learning/education and reading

Costa, Kaue M
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
Research Interests
Ventral midbrain dopamine neuron activity, and the subsequent release of dopamine in different forebrain regions, represent behaviorally relevant information and support different modes of learning.

Crowder, Camerron
Assistant Professor of Neurobiology
Department of Neurobiology, Joint Health Sciences
Research Interests
Rare genetic causes of autism and neurodevelopmental disorders, pre-clinical treatments studies on genetic ASD/ID

Crowe, Michael
Professor of Psychology
Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
Research Interests
Cognitive aging and dementia

Cruikshank, Scott
Assistant Professor of Neurobiology
Department of Neurobiology, Joint Health Sciences
Research Interests
Cortex to thalamus crosstalk and their relevance to pediatric epilepsy, stroke, and other neurodevelopmental disorders

Cummings, Kirstie
Assistant Professor of Neurobiology
Department of Neurobiology, Joint Health Sciences
Research Interests
Neuronal substrates of emotional learning of relevance to PTSD and related learned anxiety disorders

Day, Jeremy
Associate Professor of Neurobiology
Department of Neurobiology, Joint Health Sciences
Research Interests
Mechanisms of substance use disorders and how genes can control and possibly treat this enigmatic group of disorders

Dure, Leon
Professor of Pediatrics
Department of Pediatrics, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Childhood movement disorders

Ennis, Robin
Professor of Curriculum and Instruction
Department of Curriculum and Instruction, School of Education
Research Interests
Education in childhood behavioral disorders and issues

Evancho, Alexandra
Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy
Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions
Research Interests
Improving physical therapy interventions

Fifolt, Matthew
Associate Professor of Health Policy & Organization
Department of Health Policy & Organization, School of Public Health
Research Interests
Healthcare system delivery to pediatric populations

Galli, Aurelio
Professor of Surgery
Department of Surgery, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Substance use disorders especially stimulant use disorders

Gamble, Karen
Professor & Vice Chair of Psychiatry
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
How nutrition, disease states, and exercise affect our daily 24-hour rhythms of activity and sleep

Gamlin, Paul
Professor of Ophthalmology
Department of Ophthalmology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Mechanism of visual loss in the retina and gene therapy research to prevent blindness

Gavin, Cristin
Associate Professor of Neurobiology, Director of Undergraduate Neuroscience Major Program, Associate Dean for Biomedical Programs
Department of Neurobiology, Joint Health Sciences
Research Interests
Pedagogy research

Gawne, Timothy
Professor of Optometry
Department of Department of Optometry & Vision Science, School of Optometry
Research Interests
“Epidemic” of nearsightedness or “myopia” among children and adults

Goldberg, Matthew
Associate Professor of Neurology
Department of Neurology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Genetic causes of Parkinson’s Disease and identifying potential therapeutics

Goyal, Monisha
Professor of Pediatric Neurology
Department of Pediatrics, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Pediatric epilepsy, Tuberous Sclerosis, among other pediatric neurology disorders

Grant, Merida
Associate Professor of Psychiatry
Department of Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Depression in children, mechanisms and treatment

Gross, Alecia
Professor of Neurobiology
Department of Neurobiology, Joint Health Sciences
Research Interests
Human and animal retina disorders including gene regulation therapy to combat eye disease

Guest, Kristi
Associate Professor of Psychology, Disability Services Coordinator for UAB Early Head Start Program, Research Coordinator for UAB Civitan-Sparks Clincs, Executive Board for Central Alabama Early Intervention Council
Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
Research Interests
Developmental assessments on at-risk children

Hamilton, Jillian C.
Assistant Professor
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology
Research Interests
Evaluation of neurodevelopmental differences; early developmental interventions

Hardaway, James
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Obesity, eating disorders, and motivated behavioral mechanisms and treatments

Hearld, Kristine Ria
Professor of Health Services Administration
Department of Health Services Administration, School of Health Professions
Research Interests
Systems of healthcare delivery

Heinrich, Christopher
Professor & Chair of Psychology
Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
Research Interests
Childhood exposure to violence/trauma and effects on learning and neurodevelopment

Herskowitz, Jeremy
Associate Professor of Neurology
Department of Neurology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Human Alzheimer’s Disease postmortem brain tissue and model systems

Hjelmeland, Anita
Associate Professor of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology
Department of Cell, Developmental, & Integrative Biology, Joint Health Sciences
Research Interests
Mechanisms and therapeutic targets for glioblastma and related brain tumor pathology

Hogewood, Connie
Instructor of Nursing Family, Community, & Health Systems
Department of Nursing Family, Community & Health Systems, College of Nursing
Research Interests
Decreasing/preventing cesarean delivery

Hopkins, Maria
Professor of Psychology
Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
Research Interests
Social development in children with Autism Specturm Disorders, particularly issues of emotional recognition and social cognition, social robot research to facilitate social skills training in ASD

Hurst, Anna
Associate Professor of Clinical Genetics
Academic Joint Departments, School of Health Professions
Research Interests
Expanding the availability of genomic sequencing for children with complex healthcare needs and incorporating phenotypic information into interpreting genomic data.

Iverson Hitchcock, Laurel
Associate Professor of Social Work
Department of Social Work, College of Arts and Sciences
Research Interests
Children with special health care needs

Jackson, Janice
Professor & Chair of Pediatric Dentistry
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry
Research Interests
Treating teeth of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities

Johnson, Karmie
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Department of Nursing Family, Community & Health Systems, College of Nursing
Research Interests
Mental health nursing with an emphasis in the child/adolescent population

Jordan, Jeremy
Assistant Professor of Nursing Family, Community, & Health Systems
Department of Nursing Family, Community, & Health Systems, School of Nursing
Research Interests
Pediatric acute/critical care and pediatric neurologic injuries

Kadisha, Inga
Associate Professor of Cell, Developmental, & Integrative Biology
Department of Cell, Developmental, & Integrative Biology, Joint Health Sciences
Research Interests
Alzheimer’s Disease and cognitive issues with aging

Kana, Rajesh
Professor of Psychology
Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
McNulty Scientist
Research Interests
Social cognitive and affective neuroscience, neuroimaging, autism spectrum disorders, brain and language

Kano, Shinichi
Associate Professor of Psychiatry-Behavioral Neurobiology
Department of Psychiatry - Behavioral Neurobiology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Neural circuit mechanisms, role of immune cells

Khanal, Safal
Assistant Professor of Optometry & Vision Science
Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Optometry
Research Interests
Refractive errors; emmetropization and refractive development; retinal, choroidal, and scleral mechanisms of eye growth regulation, myopia onset, progression, and treatment; visual electrophysiology

Khatri, Snehal
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Department of Pediatrics, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
General Pediatrics clinic for autism and neurodevelopmental disorders patients and their families

Kilgo, Jennifer
University Professor of Curriculum Instruction
Department of Curriculum and Instruction, School of Education
Research Interests
Early intervention and early childhood special education to optimize the lives of children with neurodevelopmental disorders

King, Peter
Professor & Vice Chair of Neurology
Department of Neurology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Lou Gherig’s Disease or ALS to discover best practices for treatment and care

Knight, David
Professor of Psychology
Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
Research Interests
Human learning, memory, and emotion, as well as PTSD in children

Kong, Michele
Professor of Pediatrics
Department of Pediatrics, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Optimizing pediatric intensive care, research on removing barriers to diagnosis and delivery of care to those children with sensory, social, and communication challenges

Korf, Bruce
Professor & Chief Genomics Officer
Department of Genetics, Joint Health Sciences
Research Interests
Genetic diagnosis of rare pediatric disorders including neurofibromatosis. Dr. Korf is sequencing the genomes of well and ill patients to discover novel causes and contributions to pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders.

Kraft, Timothy
Professor of Optometry
Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Optometry
Research Interests
Cones, Retina rod photoreceptor

Lahti, Adrienne
Professor & Chair of Psychiatry
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, Heersink School of Medicine
McNulty Scientist
Research Interests
Human schizophrenia and psychosis to identify how this occurs and how to prevent and treat it

Lanzi, Robin
Professor of Health Behavior and Psychology
Department of Health Behavior, School of Health Professions
Research Interests
Mental well being in children, especially those with neurodevelopmental disabilities and chronic health conditions

Lefkowitz, Elliot
Professor of Microbiology
Department of Microbiology, Joint Health Sciences
Research Interests
How the gut microbiome (bacteria living in the intestines) plays a role in disease state and progression

Lucas, Elizabeth
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurobiology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Sex differences in PTSD and related brain circuitry for learning, memory, and emotions

Lubin, Farah
Professor of Neurobiology and Distinguished Professor
Department of Neurobiology, Joint Health Sciences
McNulty Scientist
Research Interests
Molecular and genetic basis of learning and memory, also epilepsy and Alzheimer’s related research

Ludwine Messiaen
Professor of Clinical Genetics
Department of Clinical & Diagnostic Sciences, School of Health Professions
Research Interests
Neurofibromatosis and related neurodevelopmental disorders such as PTEN and other ras-opathies

Luikart, Bryan W.
Professor of Neurobiology
Department of Neurobiology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Autism spectrum disorder, neuron development, synapse formation, and neuronal excitability

Madan-Swain, Avi
Professor of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
School reentry for chronically ill youth, as well as individual and familial adaptation and coping, quality of life issues and neurocognitive functioning in survivors of childhood leukemia, brain tumors, and blood and marrow transplants.

Markert, James
Professor & Chair of Neurosurgery
Department of Neurosurgery, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Advanced, viral gene therapy for pediatric and adult brain tumors

Matthies, Heinrich
Assistant Professor of Surgery
Department of Surgery, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders and substance use disorders

McGuinn, Laura
Professor and Division Head, Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
Department of Pediatrics, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Directs the clinical operation at Civitan-Sparks Clinics for autism, intellectual, and developmental disabilities

Might, Matt
Professor of Medicine and Director Precision Medicine Institute
Department of Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Machine learning/artificial intelligence to work on FDA-approved cures to human rare genetic disorders

Mishra, Virendra
Associate Professor, Advanced Medical Imaging Research
Research Interests
Neurodevelopment, neurodegeneration, aging, travel funds for trainees, and funding opportunities relevant to MRI and human brain development and aging

Mitchell, Stephen
Professor of Pediatric Dentistry and Director of Civitan-Sparks Dental Clinic
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry
Research Interests
Treating teeth of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities

Mohamed, Ismail
Professor of Pediatric Neurology
Department of Pediatrics, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
MRI and Magnetic Electroencephalogram (MEG) to understand and treat pediatric epilepsy

Mrug, Sylvie
University Professor of Psychology
Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
Research Interests
Traumatic stress and violence in pediatric populations and the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders and adverse cognitive consequences

Murdaugh, Donna
Assistant Professor of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Neuropsychological Assessment, Neuroimaging Techniques

Nabors, Burt
Professor of Neurology and Vice Chair for Research
Department of Neurology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
RNA binding proteins in brain tumor biology and treatment

Ness, Jayne
Professor of Pediatric Neurology and Director of the Center for Pediatric Onset Demyelinating Disease Clinic
Department of Neurology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Pediatric multiple sclersosis and other demyelinating disorders of childhood as well as outcome following neonatal brain injury

Newsom, Cassandra
Associate Professor of Neurobiology, Associate Director of Civitan International Research Center
Department of Neurobiology, Joint Health Sciences
Research Interests
Human neurodevelopment research, patient registry/database, clinical trials

Nicholas, Anthony
Professor of Neurology
Department of Neurology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Parkinson’s Disease and related movement disorders

Niwa, Minae
Associate Professor of Psychiatry
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Neural mechanisms underlying social behaviors, autism, and schizophrenia along with substance use disorders

Oechslin, Tamara
Associate Professor of Optometry
Department of Department of Optometry & Vision Science, School of Optometry
Research Interests
Preterm infant development and visual development and care

O’Kelley, Sarah
Associate Professor of Psychology
Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
McNulty Scientist
Research Interests
Diagnosing/treating patients with autism, PI of LEND and UCEDD Training Programs, ASD treatment outcome, family functioning in ASD and NDD

Peralta-Carcelen, Myriam
Professor of Pediatrics
Department of Pediatrics, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Neurodevelopmental outcomes of premature birth and its complications, MPI of the HEAL study of pregnant mothers and effects of substance use disorders on neurodevelopmental outcomes

Percy, Alan
Professor of Pediatrics
Department of Pediatrics, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Rett Syndrome and related genetic disorders of early neurodevelopment

Ponnazhagan, Selverangan
Assistant Professor of Molecular & Cellular Pathology
Department of Pathology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy of human diseases

Powell, Craig
Professor & Chair of Neurobiology, Director Civitan International Research Center, Director of Animal Behavioral Assessment Core, Director of MS2 10-week Neuroscience Course
Department of Neurobiology, Joint Health Sciences
Research Interests
Genetic models of autism and intellectual disability

Pruett, Brandon
Associate Professor of Psychiatry
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Human schizophrenia mechanisms and treatments

Qin, Hongwei
Associate Professor of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology
Academic Joint Departments
Research Interests
The function of SOCS3, a negative regulator of the JAK/STAT pathway, in cells of the myeloid lineage in the pathogenesis of animal models for MS, EAE, PD, AD, colitis and tumorigenesis.

Quinet, Julie
Assistant Professor of Optometry and Vision Science
Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Optometry
Research Interests
The study of the oculomotor system and more specifically, the neuronal network involved in coordinated eye movements in three-dimensional space.

Raman, Chander
Professor of Dermatology
Department of Dermatology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus

Rice, Marti
Professor of Nursing Family, Community, & Health Systems
Department of Nursing Family, Community, & Health Systems, School of Nursing
Research Interests
Stress and anger behaviors in children and effects on systemic diseases

Richter, Caroline
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
Research Interests
NDDs, Learning Disabilities, Williams Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorders, STARS Laboratory

Roberson, Erik
Professor of Neurology, Director of UAB’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and UAB’s Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics
Department of Neurology, Heersink School of Medicine
McNulty Scientist
Research Interests
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias such as fronto-temporal dementia (FTD) using mouse models and human subjects

Roberts, Rosalinda
Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Schizophrenia mechanisms and treatment

Robin, Nathaniel
Professor of Clinical Genetics
Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Health Professions
Research Interests
Syndrome identification, Craniofacial Genetics, Medial Education

Rocque, Brandon
Professor of Neurosurgery
Department of Neurosurgery, Heersink School of Medicine
McNulty Scientist
Research Interests
Psychological and developmental consequences of pediatric neurosurgical diagnoses such as hydrocephalus, brain tumors, spina bifida among others

Saxena, Ankur
Associate Professor of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology
Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Academic Joint Departments
Research Interests
Resolving Spatiotemporally-Specific Multicellular Dynamics In Vivo During Olfactory Neurogenesis

Ryan, Sarah
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Department of Medical Education, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Diagnosing/treating patients with autism

Ryan, Thomas
Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Joint Health Sciences
Research Interests
Genetic cures for sickle cell anemia using animal models and human subjects approaches

Schwartz, Justin
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Department of Pediatrics, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Diagnosing/treating patients with autism

Schwebel, David
University Professor of Psychology
Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
Research Interests
Injury prevention and awareness to prevent injury-related neurodevelopmental disorders

Sharer, J. Daniel
Professor of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences and Director of Biochemical Genetics Lab
Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Health Professions
Research Interests
Rare childhood metabolic disorders of carnitine and other metabolic disorders of childhood

Sims, Brian
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Department of Pediatrics, Heersink School of MedicineMcNulty Scientist
Research Interests
Preterm neonatal brain injury prevention and treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit

Sincich, Lawrence
Professor of Vision Sciences Department of Optometry & Vision Science
Department of Optometry & Vision Science, School of Optometry
Research Interests
Combining physiological and anatomical approaches to delineate how visual signals are transformed from neuron to neuron at early stages of the primate visual system.

Sloane, Michael
Associate Professor of Psychology
Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
Research Interests
Human vision and cognitive function

Smith, Tedra
Associate Professor of Nursing Family, Community, & Health Systems
Department of Nursing Family, Community, & Health Systems, School of Nursing
Research Interests
Simulations to reduce stress and anxiety to decrease stress of caregivers to pediatric patients

Sorge, Robert
Associate Professor of Psychology
Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
Research Interests
Innate immune system in pain and substance use disorders

Srivastava, Sarika
Assistant Professor of Genetics Research Division
Department of Genetics, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Mitochondrial biology and metabolism, neurometabolic disorders, omics technologies, mitochondria targeted therapies

Stavros, Despina
Associate Professor of Psychology
Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
Research Interests
Adolescent and teen driving skills development and injury prevention therein

Stoppelbein, Laura
Professor of Psychology
Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
Research Interests
Childhood stress and health outcomes along with the role of stress in autism spectrum disorders

Strang, Christianne
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
Research Interests
Human vision and retina function using electrophysiology in model systems

Sun, HaoSheng
Assistant Professor of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology and Scientist in Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI)
Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, Joint Health Sciences
Research Interests
Mechanisms of brain and nervous system development

Sztul, Elizabeth
Professor of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology
Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, Joint Health Sciences
Research Interests
Fundamental mechanisms of protein movement and localization within cells of relevance to cancer and host of other pediatric conditions

Szaflarski, Jerzy
Professor of Neurology
Department of Neurology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Functional magnetic resonance imaging and MEG to diagnose source of seizure activity for surgical treatment

Taub, Edward
University Professor of Psychology
Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
Research Interests
Constraint-induced movement therapy wherein children are forced to make use of an affected limb leading to improvements in outcomes among kids with cerebral palsy

Theibert, Anne
Professor of Neurobiology
Department of Neurobiology, Joint Health Sciences
Research Interests
Teaching multiple courses on neuroscience and neurodevelopment to undergraduate neuroscience majors and others at UAB

Thirumalai, Mohanraj
Associate Professor of Health Services Administration
Department of Health Services Administration, School of Health Professions
Research Interests
Interventions and apps online to promote physical activity intervention for children and others with disabilities

Thornton, John
Emeritus Professor of Pediatric Dentistry
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry
Research Interests
Caring for the teeth and general well being of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities

Townes, Tim
Emeritus Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Joint Health Sciences
Research Interests
Genetic cures for sickle cell anemia using animal models and human subjects approaches

Turan, Bulent
Associate Professor of Psychology
Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
Research Interests
HIV prevention and healthcare access

Turan, Janet
Professor of Health Policy and Organization
Department of Health Policy and Organization, School of Public Health
Research Interests
HIV services, testing, prevention, transmission from mother-to-child

Turner, Candice
Associate Professor of Optometry
Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Optometry
Research Interests
Ocular pharmacology, Clinical skills and methods, Clinical management

Tyler, Jamie
Professor of Engineering
Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering
Research Interests
Novel products and approaches to enhance brain health and cognition through technologies such as focused ultrasound, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and other advanced approaches

Uswatte, Gitendra
Professor of Psychology
Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
Research Interests
Behavioral factors in development and treatment of physical disability following nervous system injury in pediatric populations among others

Vance, David
Professor of Nursing Acute, Chronic & Continuing Care
Department of Nursing Acute, Chronic & Continuing Care, School of Nursing
Research Interests
HIV treatment and prevention of transmission

Ver Hoef, Lawrence
Professor of Neurology
Department of Neurology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Advanced imaging including the Civitan Neuroimaging Laboratory to examine how epilepsy starts and how it can be prevented/treated

Visscher, Kristina
Associate Professor of Neurobiology
Department of Neurobiology, Joint Health SciencesMcNulty Scientist
Research Interests
Visual cortex plasticity as a means to overcome retinal degeneration as well as research on imaging in super-agers and Alzheimer’s Disease

Volpicelli-Daley, Laura
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Department of Neurology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia

Wadiche, Jacques
Professor of Neurobiology
Department of Neurobiology, Joint Health Sciences
Research Interests
How synapses work to connect and communicate from one neuron to the other, focusing on cerebellar synapses

Wadiche, Linda
Professor & Vice Chair of Neurobiology
Department of Neurobiology, Joint Health Sciences
McNulty Scientist
Research Interests
How newly born neurons integrate into brain circuits in the hippocampal formation

Walker, Harrison
Professor of Neurology
Department of Neurology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Parkinson’s Disease and optimization of deep brain stimulation for therapy

Watts, Ray
Professor of Neurology
Department of Neurology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders

Wesselmann, Ursula
Professor of Anesthesiology
Department of Anesthesiology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Pain mechanisms and treatments

Whitley, Richard
Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics
Department of Pediatrics, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Childhood infectious disorders and director of Southern Research’s drug discovery alliance program

Wickliffe, Jeffrey
Professor & Chair of Environmental Sciences
Department of Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health
McNulty Scientist
Research Interests
Environmental influences on neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental disorders

Wilson, Scott
Associate Professor & Vice Chair of Neurobiology
Department of Neurobiology, Joint Health Sciences
McNulty Scientist
Research Interests
Development and function of the nervous system

Wingate, Martha
Professor and Chair of Health Policy and Organization
Department of Health Policy and Organization, School of Public Health
Research Interests
Maternal-child health and perinatal issues that affect neurodevelopment, keeping mothers alive and offspring healthy

Wyss, Michael
Professor of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology
Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, Joint Health Sciences
Research Interests
Educates Birmingham inner city children in science research education to foster interest in the next generation of neuroscientists and care providers

Yacoubian, Talene
Professor of Neurology
Department of Neurology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Parkinson’s Disease models in search of potential therapeutic targets

Yoder, Brad
Professor & Chair of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology
Department of Cell, Developmental, & Integrative Biology, Joint Health Sciences
Research Interests
Cliopathies (sensory antennae on all cells) and their role in Polycystic Kidney Disease and neurodevelopmental and retinal disorders

Young, Hui-Ju (Zoe)
Scientist of UAB/Lakeshore Research Collaborative
Research Interests
Rehabilitation of pediatric populations

Younger, Jarred
Professor of Psychology
Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
Research Interests
Mechanisms and treatments for pain caused by neuroinflammation

Zhang, Jianhua
Professor of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Redox mechanisms and autophagy across the spectrum of diseases such as stroke, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and more

Zhang, Ping
Professor of Dentistry
Department of Dentistry, Heersink School of Medicine
Research Interests
Osteoimmunology

Zierold, Kristina
Professor of Environmental Health Sciences
Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health
Research Interests
Environmental influences on neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental disorders