Measurement and Human Phenotyping

MIDB Service Hubs Phenotyping

Measurement and Human Phenotyping Hub: Advancing brain health by supporting the clinical research community in using appropriate cognitive and behavioral assessments to describe children and measure their growth.

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Our Expertise

We are experts in cognitive and behavioral assessments.  Our mission to support the clinical research community is anchored in the fundamental observation that psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders are first and foremost defined by cognitive and behavioral features. Accurate and reliable measurement of these features will advance research into understanding, supporting, and treating these disorders.

Our Directors

Human phenotyping directors

Jed Elison, PhD, Associate Professor, Inst. of Child Development
Amy Esler, PhD, LP, Associate Professor, Dept. of Pediatrics

Our Team

Amy Esler

Amy Esler, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Pediatrics

Jed Elison

Jed Elison, PhD
Associate Professor
Institute of Child Development

Aaron Glick

Aaron Glick
Data Manager and Developer

Desirae-Rambeck

Desirae Rambeck, MA
Senior Psycometrist

Michael-Paul Schallmo

Michael-Paul Schallmo
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychiatry

Tyler Ulsby

Tyler Ulsby
Neuropsychometrist

Examples of Engagement

infant smiling getting brain network measurements with clinician and parent

Infant Brain Imaging Study (IBIS)

The goal of this study is to measure brain network characteristics in infants at risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Measurement and Human Phenotyping Core is performing the EEG and ERP assessments. Learn more about IBIS.

Professor Jed Elison and research associate Sooyeon Sung welcomed a baby at the MRI facility

Subpopulations of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder

This study is evaluating the differences in the brains of children with and without ADHD and with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and clinical assessments. The Measurement and Human Phenotyping Core is performing:

  • Consultation on assessment battery
  • Training on specific measures
  • Execution of clinical assessments
babies holding hands

Newborn screening for congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV)

Recently, Minnesota became the first state in the country to conduct universal neonatal screening for cytomegalovirus (CMV).  CMV is common but is dangerous to babies, increasing risk of neurodevelopmental delays, hearing loss, and seizures among other health problems.  UMN faculty have been leaders in researching cCMV, educating parents and policy makers on the impact and treatment of cCMV, and leading a study to characterize cCMV.  The Measurement and Human Phenotyping Core is supporting these efforts with: 

  • Consultation on assessment battery
  • Execution of clinical assessments
abstract cells represented as an object of dots

Experimental Assessment Consultative Committee

The Measurement and Human Phenotyping core is planning to establish the Biomarker Consultative Committee. The BCC will be constituted by key external experts to ensure that MIDB Cores are leveraging broader expertise.

ADOS-2 Traning Process chart

Training Workshops

Numerous training opportunities are available to prepare study team members for clinical research. Learn more about training workshops.