Overview
I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine and the Pediatric Psychologist dedicated to the Comprehensive Brain Tumor Clinic in the Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Broadly, my research program focuses on evaluating and improving outcomes in pediatric neuro-oncology. More specifically, I am interested in better understanding those factors related to patient/family outcomes and the promotion of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in pediatric neuro-oncology, especially in the context of molecularly targeted therapies and long-term survivorship. Youth with a brain tumor often require high-intensity and complex medical treatment that may result in late-effects (e.g., physical, mental, and social problems, other chronic health conditions, second cancers). If the goal of medical treatment is to maximize HRQOL, interventions to improve HRQOL and psychosocial functioning are critical to achieving that goal. Understanding and addressing how best to optimize HRQOL and promote resilience and adaptation following a pediatric brain tumor diagnosis are key objectives within my current research program.
Current Projects
- Measurement of patient-reported and neurocognitive outcomes of youth with brain tumors receiving active therapy
- Long-term outcomes of pediatric brain tumor survivors