Please join us for the next Developmental Science Seminar featuring Laurel Gabard-Durnam PhD, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University.  Dr Gabard-Durnam conducts research on how environment-neuroplasticity interactions impact development.

Abstract: Developmental experiences can have a profound influence on our brains, minds, and behavior across the lifespan. Which developmental experiences have these enduring effects, and how do they get embedded in brain function? We address these questions by focusing on sensitive period mechanisms of brain plasticity shaping early sensory functions to complex emotion regulation. I will illustrate how daily life experiences, like music, can become embedded in the brain during childhood with consequences for later adult behavior and physiology. Further evidence from the language and vision domains reflect sensitive periods in both healthy development and explain changes within clinical populations like Autism Spectrum Disorder. Lastly, I will highlight ongoing work combining software design and brain imaging approaches to identify at-risk trajectories of brain development and facilitate early interventions leveraging early neuroplasticity windows to promote resilient outcomes.

To learn more about Dr Gabard-Durnam's research, please visit https://cos.northeastern.edu/people/laurel-gabard-durnam/

This seminar will be held in Tobin 521B.  If you would like to Zoom in, email David Arnold <dha@umass.edu> for the link.

All are welcome!