ABOUT THE LAB
Our laboratory’s primary focus lies in investigating the long-term cognitive development of children, particularly those affected by perinatal brain injuries (PBIs) as well as children with cerebral palsy. We aim to identify imaging, neurophysiological, and behavioral markers that can predict executive dysfunction and cognitive disability in these at-risk populations. Ongoing projects also aim to understand the natural history of cognitive function development following perinatal brain injuries (PBIs) through validated assessments, with the aim to comprehensively understand the trajectory of executive function in affected children over time.
Utilizing this data, we tailor interventions to mitigate cognitive impairment in children with PBIs, who often face challenges in academic achievement and school engagement throughout their lives. One of our transformative initiatives is the adaptation of the Abecedarian Approach into a Hybrid A2 intervention, combining virtual and in-person elements, to make cognitive rehabilitation more accessible to children with PBIs. Our upcoming research objectives include not only the development of this hybrid intervention, but also the collection of preliminary feasibility data to assess its effectiveness and to understand the needs of patient families in engaging in scientific research in a way that respects their values and goals.
Finally, our laboratory is currently engaged in the creation of a Parent Reported Outcome Measure, the Middle Childhood Executive Function and School Engagement Survey for Parents with Children with CP (MC-EFSE-PCP). This survey aims to capture the goals and expectations of families with children with cerebral palsy, regarding cognitive development, academic achievement, and school engagement.
In sum, we are a dynamic and forward-thinking lab committed to health equity, where ensuring optimal opportunities for all individuals to achieve the best health possible is our guiding principle. Through our innovative research endeavors, we strive to address disparities and promote inclusivity, making meaningful strides towards a healthier and more equitable society.
PART OF A LARGER COMMUNITY
The Neonatal Neurology Program at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health is committed to providing the highest quality of care among newborns with neurological disorders. Our providers offer comprehensive and family-centered care, with a focus on neuroprotection. Team members are involved in a wide range of clinical and translational research projects that seek to optimize long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes among these high-risk infants. Our program offers ample opportunities for trainees: medical students, residents and fellows across a wide variety of specialty fields are welcome to gain expertise with our team, with the ultimate goal to become the next generation of leaders in the field.
RESEARCH PROJECTS
Biomarkers Study
The study will identify early predictors of long-term cognitive disability among at-risk children. Methods include use of MRI, EEG, and behavioral/cognitive assessments to meet study goals.
Language and Brain Development
This study aims to understand the early brain markers associated with optimized language development in the first 12 months of life.
Outreach
The project aims to use evidence-based protocols to improve access to best-medical practices for treating newborns with neurological disorders.
Our Measures
EEG
Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive test that detects electrical activity in your child’s brain using small, metal discs (electrodes) attached to a hat that your child will be asked to wear. Because you and your child’s brain cells communicate via electrical impulses and are active all the time, this activity shows up as brain waves on an EEG recording! Your child’s brain activity will be assessed using EEG while your child is playing and cuddling with you.
Play-based Assessments
Another way to test what children know is by having them play different games that require for them to think, plan and focus. We will play several games with your child, to learn how children develop attentional and memory abilities.
TEAM
 Principal Investigator: Melisa Carrasco McCaul, MD, PhDI am a pediatric neurologist with specialty training in Neonatal Neurology (Johns Hopkins Hospital, 2019-2020) and Pediatric Epilepsy (University of Michigan, 2020-2021). I am also currently an Assistant Professor and Director of Neonatal Neurocritical Care and Rehabilitation at the University of Wisconsin. My research focuses on the long-term executive function and cognitive development of children, following a perinatal brain injury and acute symptomatic neonatal seizures. |  Medical Students:The lab is open to medical student trainees who share our enthusiasm for research and who are interested in making a meaningful impact in the field of cognitive development. Students can collaborate on laboratory and/or community-partnered research aimed at understanding: a) the natural history of executive function development in children with perinatal brain injuries, or b) improving access to an early cognitive intervention for infants at risk for cerebral palsy. Summer and year-round research opportunities provide a unique chance to engage in hands-on research activities, gain valuable experience in patient engagement, and contribute to groundbreaking work that has the potential to positively impact the lives of children with neurological histories. Projects hold significant appeal for medical students contemplating careers in Pediatrics, Child Neurology, Child Psychiatry, or Developmental Pediatrics. |  Jacky Dickman: Senior Medical Student Research FellowJacky is a fourth-year medical student in the Wisconsin Academy for Rural Medicine (WARM) program. Her passion for rural healthcare was first fueled by her experience as a first responder in a rural area and her residence in that same community. As a lab member, Jacky has been highly engaged in addressing disparities in equitable access to healthcare resources and expert care through her research. |
Shapiro Summer StudentsWe are pleased to welcome Gavriella Light, Jacob Ludwig, and Erika Moe as our medical student participants of the summer 2024 Shapiro Summer Research Program. Our lab hosts 1-3 summer medical students annually, offering them immersive experiences in hypothesis-driven research projects across various domains of cognitive development. Under the mentorship of Dr. Carrasco, these students engage in full-time research activities for 8 – 10 weeks during the summer, gaining valuable skills in study design, methodology, analysis, and presentation. |
Clinical Research Coordinator (Maureen Haebig) and Lab Neuropsychologist (Sarah Nigro):Our lab is supported by dedicated professionals, including a Clinical Research Coordinator and a Lab Neuropsychologist. The Clinical Research Coordinator plays a pivotal role in facilitating the execution of research protocols, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and coordinating participant recruitment and data collection efforts. Meanwhile, the Lab Neuropsychologist brings expertise in neuropsychological assessment and analysis, contributing to the comprehensive understanding of cognitive development in our research projects. Together, they form an integral part of our team, enabling the smooth operation and successful implementation of our research endeavors.
From Sarah Nigro: I am a pediatric neuropsychologist who specializes in working with infants and children with various medical, neurological, and neurodevelopmental disorders. I completed my pre-doctoral internship at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and a 2-year fellowship in pediatric neuropsychology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. I have a special interest in understanding the impact of different mechanisms (e.g., early brain injury, cancer) along with lifestyle factors (e.g., sleep and exercise) and environmental factors (e.g., socioeconomic status) on children’s brain functioning. For fun, I enjoy being active, and spending time outside with my dog. | |
Alumni
 Maeve RyanMaeve Ryan will be graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2024 and plans to pursue a career in education. |  Naba RaoNaba Rao graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2023 and is taking a gap year in anticipation of pursuing a career in medicine. |
CONTACT
- Clinical Science Center at the UW University Hospital, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705
- Room K4/358A and B
Lab News
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Undergraduate research assistants Peyton Bender and Ashley Chen were invited to participate at the University of Wisconsin Undergraduate Symposium 2024, as was Andrea Mendez (not pictured here).
Olivia Gibbs was invited to present her data as part of this year’s University of Wisconsin Undergraduate Symposium and did a terrific job during the posterior presentation.
