Research

Our faculty are involved in a range of research activities related to child development and care of pediatric populations. They conduct independent and collaborative research with colleagues from a broad range of disciplines, including psychiatry, neurology, psychology, cardiology, epidemiology, and public health. Examples of on-going faculty research projects are highlighted below. For more specific information regarding current and past research of Developmental Medicine faculty members, please see the hyperlinks to individual bios on the Faculty page.

Drs. Bush, Roubinov, and Boyce study the biological and behavioral consequences of exposure to stress, adversity, and poverty in childhood, and how these experiences affect mental and physical health across the lifespan. They also focus on individual differences in response to adversity, factors that promote resilience, and interventions that improve child health.

Drs. Lundy and Pfeifle are members of the Pacific Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Consortium (PNOC), an international research group working to optimize pediatric brain tumor treatment. They are leading PNOC’s investigation of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and neurocognitive outcomes among children with brain tumors.

Dr. Martin Herz conducts research on the prevention of neonatal brain injury and developmental delay/disability and the epidemiology of developmental disability in low-resourced settings around the globe. In addition, she has a strong background in quality improvement and systems work, including projects to reduce disparities in access to neurodevelopmental diagnostics and services.

Dr Jeung’s research interests include behavioral health integration in primary care, parenting support interventions, and trauma-informed care.

Clinical Research Services’ Clinical & Translational Science Institute (CRS CTSI) Neurodevelopmental Assessment Program

In addition to conducting our own research, the Division of Developmental Medicine provides consultative services to other researchers wishing to study neurodevelopment. The UCSF CRS CTSI Neurodevelopmental Assessment Program, led by Dr. Lundy and Ms. Christopher, provides opportunities for investigators to receive consultation services from a licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training in neuropsychology as well as test administration and scoring support by an experienced psychometrist for pediatric clinical research studies. Specific services include:

· Consultation regarding study design and implementation of neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive testing.

· Assistance with establishing an appropriate test battery.

· Access to a testing room and basic supplies.

· Administration of a variety of assessment instruments used to assess cognitive abilities as well as emotional, behavioral, and social functioning.

· Consultation regarding analysis of test data and appropriate dissemination of research findings.

Policy Advocacy

The Division of Developmental Medicine is committed to building bridges between the science, practice, and the community. Our faculty partner with community agencies and local and state policymakers to inform programs and legislature regarding children and families with emerging research.