Team

Dr. Barbara Thompson | Principal Investigator

thom1756@msu.edu

Trained as a behavioral neuroscientist in social, emotional and cognitive development, I integrate clinical research and basic models to study affect in both typical and atypical neurodevelopment in the lab. This is challenging, but the approach embodies translational research at its core. I have extensively studied limbic circuitry and how disruptions alter affective processing, as well as how prenatal disruptions in reward circuitry lead to significant changes in behavior and cellular functions throughout development. My laboratory research program merges these two areas of interest towards exploring the neurobiological underpinnings of neurodevelopmental disorders in which disruptions in both affect and reward can have detrimental effects. My laboratory explores functional disruptions in behavior and attempts to elucidate the underlying neural changes responsible for these disruptions by utilizing a combination of techniques in both basic science and clinical research. As basic science and clinical findings continue to reveal the heterogeneity of the genetic underpinnings and behavioral symptoms in neurodevelopmental disorders, we are hopeful that our multidisciplinary approaches to science will allow for the design of individualized interventions for those with neurodevelopmental disorders.

College of Human Medicine, Department of Pediatrics & Human Development

ResearchGate

Emma Anderson | Research Assistant 

I graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Psychological Science. After graduating, I worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator at Emory University's Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. I am interested in how early social and emotional development relates to later behavioral and cognitive outcomes. One of my main interests in research has been working with vulnerable populations and I am looking forward to contributing to the SEND lab's research on social interaction in young children. Outside of the lab, I like to hike, ski, travel, play board games, and spend time with my family!

Melissa Stone | Research Assistant

Hello, I’m Melissa! I am a research assistant at the Grand Rapids location of Michigan State University in Pediatrics and Human Development. I graduated from GVSU in 2021 with a bachelor’s in biomedical science and biology and in 2026 with a master’s in public health – epidemiology. At GVSU my research focused on maternal and child health, specifically severe maternal morbidity, and neonatal abstinence syndrome. I am excited to contribute to the SEND lab’s research and grow my skills in pediatric research. In my free time outside of the lab I enjoy running, reading, and spending time with my family. 

Madeleine Batra | Volunteer

Hello! I’m Maddie, a second year medical student on the Grand Rapids campus at MSU College of Human Medicine. My current interests include pediatrics, neurodevelopment, and behavioral health. I graduated from MSU with a Bachelors in Behavioral Neuroscience and have prior experience as a Clinical Research Coordinator with the Michigan Medicine Pranger ALS Clinic. I look forward to volunteering with the SEND lab during my time here at CHM and contributing to this important research!

Grace Whipple | Volunteer

I grew up in Boise, Idaho and came to Michigan to pursue my undergraduate studies at Michigan State University. After graduating in December 2021, I moved to Birmingham, Alabama, where I researched long-term lymphatic alterations following ischemic acute kidney injury at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Heersink School of Medicine. I am now an M2 at MSU College of Human Medicine with a growing interest in pediatrics. Working with the SEND Lab offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to pediatric research while further exploring my career goals. Outside of academics, I love traveling, reading, and spending time with my family.

Paige Hendrickson | Volunteer

I am a first-year medical student at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and a proud Yooper from Marquette, Michigan. My early experiences growing up in the Upper Peninsula fostered a strong interest in pediatric care. I completed my undergraduate education at the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, where I earned a degree in biochemistry with a minor in music. I am excited to be volunteering with the Social and Emotional Neurodevelopment Lab, where I am deepening my understanding of pediatric neurodevelopment and its applications to future clinical practice. Outside of my academic and research interests, I enjoy playing music, figure skating, and reading.

Ellen Hayhurst | Volunteer

I am a second-year medical student at MSU College of Human Medicine. I graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Neuroscience and have prior research experience in women’s health and pediatric cognitive behavioral therapy. I am particularly interested in human brain development and in how individual variability can inform more personalized and effective clinical care. I am eager to volunteer with the SEND Lab and contribute to ongoing research in pediatric development and innovative approaches to care.

Tania Sapre | Volunteer

My name is Tania Sapre and I am a second-year medical student at MSU College of Human Medicine. I graduated from the University of MIchigan in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience. I am interested in pediatrics, with a particular focus on autism and social development in children. I am excited to volunteer with the SEND Lab, where I hope to learn more about the latest research in social development and apply these insights to my future practice as a physician!

Jimena Inchaustegui | Volunteer

I am a first-year medical student at MSU College of Human Medicine. I graduated from the University of Florida with a major in Nutritional Sciences. I gained research experience as a Clinical Research Coordinator at the department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of South Florida, where I also obtained a Master’s in Medical Sciences. I am interested in Neurology and pediatric neurodevelopment, and I am looking forward to volunteering with the SEND lab and working with the children and families of West Michigan. In my free time, I enjoy running, baking and hiking.

Gabby Young | Volunteer

My name is Gabby Young, and I am a third-year medical student at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. I grew up in Lapeer, Michigan and obtained my bachelor’s degree in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience and my master’s degree in Molecular and Integrative Physiology from the University of Michigan. There, I gained research experience in studying dimensional brain behavior predictors of CBT outcomes in pediatric anxiety.  I am specifically interested in learning how early interventions can shape developmental trajectories. I am thrilled to be involved with the SEND Lab, which shares my passions and conducts impactful research that can help guide the future of pediatric clinical care.

Eneka Lamb | Volunteer

My name is Eneka Lamb and I'm currently a second year MD student at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Through the past decade, I've paved a path towards a career in medicine as a physician committed to serving marginalized and vulnerable communities. As an undergraduate student at Duke University, I designed a major called Global Perspectives of Maternal and Child Health, where I took a biopsychosocial approach to exploring health aspects of women and children internationally. After earning a BS degree, I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer for 3.5 years in Guyana, where I worked with community members, primarily around topics related to women's health, contraceptive methods, adolescent pregnancy, cervical cancer, stigmas, and indigenous rights, as well as labor and delivery. Upon returning to the United States in 2018, I completed a MS degree in Physiology from Georgetown University. Vulnerable populations, stigmas and pregnancy continue to be among my main interests, which is why I felt compelled to join the SEND Lab and contribute this innovative and dedicated team.