CNBD Clinical Research Center
![MIDB Service Hubs Phenotyping](/sites/midb.umn.edu/files/2022-09/MIDB_Hubs_092022-Phenotyping.png)
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](/sites/midb.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_full/public/2022-08/MIDB_Image_01_500x175.jpg?itok=qud9tYS0)
Jed Elison, PhD, Associate Professor, Inst. of Child Development
Amy Esler, PhD, LP, Associate Professor, Dept. of Pediatrics
How We Engage
Our Team
![Amy Esler](/sites/midb.umn.edu/files/2022-08/amy-eslerweb.jpg)
Amy Esler, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Pediatrics
![Jed Elison](/sites/midb.umn.edu/files/2022-08/jedelisonweb.jpg)
Jed Elison, PhD
Associate Professor
Institute of Child Development
![Desirae-Rambeck](/sites/midb.umn.edu/files/2022-10/Desirae-Rambeck.jpg)
Desirae Rambeck, MA
Senior Psycometrist
![HS](/sites/midb.umn.edu/files/2024-07/Hannah%20%281%29.jpg)
Hannah Shryer
CNBD Project Manager
![MS](/sites/midb.umn.edu/files/2024-07/Meghan%20Swanson_headshot%20%281%29.jpg)
Meghan Swanson, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Pediatrics
Examples of Engagement
![infant smiling getting brain network measurements with clinician and parent](/sites/midb.umn.edu/files/styles/365x240/public/2022-08/ibis.png?h=7d612996&itok=ovUs4W_5)
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](/sites/midb.umn.edu/files/styles/365x240/public/2022-09/infant-with-parent-and-provider.jpg?h=bd925f58&itok=MvZ383ax)
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](/sites/midb.umn.edu/files/styles/365x240/public/2022-09/babies-holding-hands-730x480.jpg?h=8305f50c&itok=MN8du7-Z)
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](/sites/midb.umn.edu/files/styles/365x240/public/2022-08/biomarkers.jpg?h=7d612996&itok=OZvG9IsN)
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](/sites/midb.umn.edu/files/styles/365x240/public/2022-08/ADOS-2-Traning-Process-chart.jpg?h=7d612996&itok=H7G4BxvK)
Training Workshops
Numerous training opportunities are available to prepare study team members for clinical research. Learn more about training workshops.