Center for Neurobehavioral Development Clinical Research Center
Center for Neurobehavioral Development (CNBD) Clinical Research Center: 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
The CNBD has assembled a team of experts to 1) optimize clinical, developmental, and experimental assessment of research participants; 2) train researchers on state-of-the-art and/or gold standard clinical, developmental, and experimental assessments; 3) execute clinical, developmental, and experimental assessments for research studies. We also support EEG and eye tracking data collection, and can provide consultation on processing and data analyses.
Our Directors
Jed Elison, PhD, Professor, Institute of Child Development
Amy Esler, PhD, LP, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics
Meghan Swanson, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics
How We Engage
Our Team
Amy Esler, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Pediatrics
Jed Elison, PhD
Professor
Institute of Child Development
Desirae Rambeck, MA
Senior Psychometrist
Hannah Shryer
CNBD Project Manager
Meghan Swanson, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Pediatrics
Examples of Engagement
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.
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
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
Experimental Assessment Consultative Committee
CNBD is planning to establish the Biomarker Consultative Committee. The BCC will be constituted by key external experts to ensure that MIDB hubs are leveraging broader expertise.
Training Workshops
Numerous training opportunities are available to prepare study team members for clinical research. Learn more about training workshops.