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!

Amrita Pal, PhD MS | Postdoctoral Research Associate

I am a Research associate at Grand Rapids location of Michigan State University in the Pediatrics and Human Development. I specialize in physiological and neural data analysis. I want to develop a program on the identification of biomarkers of early-life stress that is known to be involved with autonomic dysfunction across lifespan. Additionally, I want to contribute to better understanding how mind-body practices help in managing markers of stress. I also participate in choirs, mindful dancing, yoga and have a spiritual practice. Here is my ResearchGate profile.

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.

Emily Salazar | Volunteer

My name is Emily Salazar and I am a volunteer in the Social and Emotional Neurodevelopment Lab at Michigan State University. I studied psychology with a minor in neuroscience, and I am interested in how early neural and behavioral development contributes to long-term pediatric health outcomes. I am motivated by the need to better understand the rapid, often unobservable processes occurring in the first years of life and how these early patterns shape later functioning. By contributing to research that captures attention and social engagement in young children, I hope to support work that informs more precise and developmentally grounded approaches to pediatric care

Christina Rabban | Volunteer

My name is Christina Rabban, and I am currently a second-year medical student at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. From a young age, I have been drawn to a career rooted in service, continuous learning, and meaningful impact, which naturally led me to pursue medicine. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2023, where I had the opportunity to engage in multiple research projects. These experiences deepened my appreciation for the vital role that research plays in advancing clinical practice and improving patient outcomes. As I worked towards my journey into medical school, I discovered a strong passion for pediatrics, inspired by the resilience and unique needs of children and their families. I am excited to contribute to this lab and to further grow as a clinician-researcher dedicated to advocating for and serving the pediatric population. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of this team and eager to learn, collaborate, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of young patients.

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.