Overview
My current research efforts focus on evaluating and remediating cognitive functioning in children with illnesses that impact the central nervous system. Current projects include: 1) evaluation of a cognitive intervention for children with sickle cell disease; 2) intervention aimed at improving adherence to medication regiments in children with sickle cell disease; and 3) remediation of cognitive deficits in children undergoing treatment for pediatric tumors. I also consult on several multi-center projects aimed at evaluating cognitive functioning and quality of life in children with disease.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
·
2021 - Present
Psychiatry, Child & Family Mental Health & Community Psychiatry,
Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
Assistant Dean of Student Services for the School of Medicine
·
2023 - Present
School of Medicine
Professor of the Practice of Psychology and Neuroscience
·
2012 - Present
Psychology & Neuroscience,
Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Associate Professor in Surgery
·
2020 - Present
Surgery,
Clinical Science Departments
Professor in Neurosurgery
·
2021 - Present
Neurosurgery,
Neurosurgery
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
1995 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Usability and Acceptability of the QuestLeukemia Mobile Application: A Pilot Study for An Educational and Psychological Intervention for Children with Chronic Illnesses.
Journal Article J Pediatr Hematol Oncol Nurs · 2022 It is widely accepted that educational interventions benefit children with chronic diseases (disease awareness and autonomy) or those undergoing medical procedures (decreased anxiety and improved satisfaction). Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a ... Full text Link to item CiteEarly onset severe ATP1A2 epileptic encephalopathy: Clinical characteristics and underlying mutations.
Journal Article Epilepsy Behav · March 2021 BACKGROUND: ATP1A2 mutations cause hemiplegic migraine with or without epilepsy or acute reversible encephalopathy. Typical onset is in adulthood or older childhood without subsequent severe long-term developmental impairments. AIM: We aimed to describe th ... Full text Open Access Link to item CiteCharacterization of Severe and Extreme Behavioral Problems in Patients With Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood.
Journal Article Pediatr Neurol · October 2020 BACKGROUND: Alternating hemiplegia of childhood often manifests severe or extreme behavioral problems, the nature of which remains to be fully characterized. METHODS: We analyzed 39 consecutive patients with alternating hemiplegia of childhood for occurren ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Offering Hope to Pediatric Cancer Patients Through Research and Psychosocial Support
Institutional SupportMentor · Awarded by Hyundai Hope on Wheels · 2025 - 2025Research Training In Neuro-Oncology
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 1998 - 2016TCD With Transfusions Changing to Hydroxyurea (TWITCH) Closeout
ResearchCollaborator · Awarded by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center · 2014 - 2015View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Virginia Polytech Institute and State University ·
1995
Ph.D.