Research Assistant Positions: Neurodevelopment in Children and Adolescents with Complex Medical Conditions
Prof. Caitlin Rollins, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital
fall 2022


This clinical research program addresses neurologic sequalae of complex medical conditions with a focus on congenital heart disease, extreme prematurity, and COVID-19, including multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). The ELGAN-ECHO Study is a multi-site NIH-funded project that examines long-term neurodevelopment and medical outcomes of Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborns (ELGANs). This project is the third phase of a longitudinal study of adolescents previously evaluated at birth, two years, ten years, and fifteen years. In addition to neurobehavioral measures, the student will have exposure to broader pediatric clinical and epidemiologic research through participation in the ECHO consortium. The Fetal Heart and Brain Project is an NIH-funded clinical research study examining fetal brain development and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children born with heart defects, using brain MRI and neuropsychological evaluation measures. This study affords the opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary team of neurologists, neuropsychologists, cardiologists and MRI physicists. The NeuroMISC study is part of the large Overcoming COVID-19 consortium addresses pediatric complications associated with hospitalization for COVID-19 and MIS-C. Responsibilities: Students will gain exposure to all aspects of clinical research by assisting clinical research coordinators in carrying out logistical aspects of a study including recruiting, conducting study visits, and entering and cleaning data. In addition, students will participate in team meetings with the PI and co-investigators focused on analysis. Students will have the opportunity to assist in writing up studies for presentation/publication. Requirements: The student must be available for at least 5, preferably 10 hours per week, to allow sufficient time for a meaningful experience. Additional Information: Positions could be paid or for course credit. Dr. Rollins is a former MBB undergraduate. To Apply: If interested, please email Dr. Rollins (Caitlin.Rollins@childrends.harvard.edu) a brief cover letter describing your interest in the research as well as a copy of your CV (resume). (posted 8/2022)