NACS Seminar: Kate Humphreys (Vanderbilt)

Influences and Consequences of Brain Changes During Period of Rapid Development

Understanding brain development during periods of rapid change is crucial for comprehending the long-term influence of environmental experiences. In this talk, I will present findings from two longitudinal birth cohort studies conducted in the Stress and Early Adversity (SEA) Lab. Utilizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we have studied infants across the first months of life, employing a repeated-measures approach where each child serves as their own control. This methodology allows us to gain an understanding of developmental changes and the extent to which postnatal experiences, such as stress and cognitive stimulation, influence global and circuit-level brain changes.

In addition to our work with infants, another line of work examines brain changes during pregnancy, a relatively overlooked stage of life. Our research indicates that pregnancy induces profound alterations in brain structure, although the implications of these changes for emotion and cognition remain unclear. This line of inquiry is vital for understanding how brain changes during pregnancy may influence mood and behavior across the perinatal period.

Last, I will highlight the promise of the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) consortium project, a large-scale, multi-site study aimed at understanding how early experiences, including stress, adversity, and substance exposure, influence brain development. Through this consortium, we will be able to gather and analyze an unprecedented amount of data, providing a comprehensive picture of how various factors shape the developing brain.

By exploring the how experiences shape the brain during rapid periods of development, and the consequences of those changes, our research aims to better understand the factors that contribute to developmental variability. These insights are essential for developing targeted strategies to support healthy brain development and improve long-term outcomes for children and parents alike.

Dr. Kate Humphreys is an Associate Professor at Vanderbilt University.

Dr. William Hodos NACS Seminars are free and open to the public.