Clinical Assistant Professor
Uninversity of Florida, University of California Los Angeles
Gainesville, Florida, United States
I am a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychology with a broad background in clinical neuropsychology, specializing in traumatic brain injury (TBI). My expertise in post-injury neurobehavior and autonomic functioning positions me to effectively lead the proposed study investigating autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysregulation and its impact on TBI recovery. My previous work, particularly in autonomic measurements and psychophysiological assessments, has provided me with extensive experience in collecting, processing, and analyzing complex data, which is crucial for the success of this project. Throughout my career, I have led and coordinated numerous research initiatives, including a statewide concussion data collection project, where I trained over 80 clinical volunteers and ensured adherence to standardized protocols. These efforts resulted in several peer-reviewed publications and national presentations. My strong training in translational science and cross-disciplinary collaboration, as a former Clinical and Translational Science TL1 scholar, is further complemented by my ongoing involvement in the UCLA BrainSPORT program, which unites basic and clinical scientists to advance TBI research. Currently, my work focuses on implementing ANS assessment to identify potential biomarkers of persistent symptoms after TBI. By studying the psychophysiological effects of neurobehavioral adaptation to TBI, I aim to advance the practical use of tools such as ANS assessments in clinical and rehabilitation settings. My role in the development and execution of the autonomic assessment arm of the CARE4Kids program project grant, which utilizes heart rate variability (HRV) and pupillometry in addition to blood pressure and respiratory data, directly informs the goals of this proposed study. My academic journey has been enriched by significant clinical experience across the lifespan, working with both pediatric and adult populations and across the full spectrum of TBI severity. In recent years, I have focused on establishing and optimizing clinical operations at UF to support research endeavors. I am now prepared to lead projects that leverage this strong foundation. My scientist-practitioner background allows me to bridge the gap between research and clinical application, ensuring that the study's findings can be effectively translated to advance rehabilitation.
A Multifactorial Framework for Persisting Symptoms After Concussion 1164
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM