Developmental & Behavioral Neurosciences
The Division of Developmental and Behavioral Neurosciences is housed within the Department of Neurology of the Jacobs Neurological Institute. The Division, founded and currently directed by Dr. David Shucard, consists of a Research section and a Clinical section, both focused on the relationship between the brain and cognition. The Clinical section includes Neuropsychological and Psychotherapy services. Neuropsychology is incorporated into many of the research projects conducted within the Division. The Division is also closely affiliated with the Department's Sleep Medicine Centers of Western New York.
Members of the Division conduct research in neuropsychology, and cognitive and behavioral neurosciences. Specific research interests include: diseases that affect cognitive function (e.g., multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, sleep disorders/sleep apnea, posttraumatic stress disorder), neuropsychological test development, working memory, attention, sex differences in brain function, cognitive development, and quality of life in neurological diseases such as MS. Although much of the Division's research is disease oriented, normative studies are also conducted. Research personnel use the following techniques: neuropsychological assessment and cognitive measurement, electrophysiological measurement, and imaging (PET and quantitative MRI). Animal studies are also conducted to explore disease processes similar to those studied in humans. For example, animal models have been used to study the effects of sustained hypoxia on learning and memory. Much of the research is multidisciplinary and relies on collaboration among members of the Division, within the Department (e.g., MRI and PET), and across various Department of the University (e.g., Physiology and Biophysics, Educational and Counseling Psychology, Medicine). The Division's research is recognized nationally and internationally.
Research and clinical training are major functions of the Division. Faculty train undergraduate, graduate, and medical students as well as medical residents and neuropsychology postdoctoral fellows/residents. The neuropsychology residency program enjoys a national reputation and attracts outstanding residents form a nation-wide pool of applicants. In addition, members of the Division are active in the training of highly-qualified undergraduate students and graduate students in both research and clinical areas. For example, in the past ten years, eight Ph.D.s and three M.A.s have been awarded to students who have conducted their research in the Division.
The psychotherapy service within the Division provides mental health treatment for patients with neurological disorders and chronic medical illness such as MS. Service is also provided for patients with PTSD and insomnia. Much of the research conducted with the Division is closely related to these clinical services.
Personnel:
David W. Shucard, PhD - Division Director
Ralph H.B. Benedict, PhD - Residency Director
Janet L. Shucard, PhD - Associate Division Director
