Alison Cernich

Alison Cernich is a renowned neuropsychologist and the current Director of the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research (NCMRR) within the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). She has made significant contributions to the field of neuroscience and rehabilitation medicine, with a particular focus on traumatic brain injury (TBI) and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Early Life and Education

Alison Cernich was born and raised in the United States. She completed her undergraduate studies in psychology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where she developed an interest in the human brain and its functions. She then pursued a doctoral degree in clinical psychology with a specialization in neuropsychology from the University of Houston.

Career

Following her doctoral studies, Cernich worked as a neuropsychologist at the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC), where she focused on the assessment and treatment of military personnel and veterans with traumatic brain injuries. Her work at DVBIC led to the development of several innovative clinical practice guidelines and rehabilitation programs for TBI patients.

In 2015, Cernich was appointed as the Director of the NCMRR at the NICHD. In this role, she oversees the center's research portfolio and initiatives aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of individuals with physical disabilities.

Research and Contributions

Cernich's research primarily revolves around the neuropsychological outcomes of traumatic brain injury and neurodevelopmental disorders. She has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on these topics. Her work has significantly advanced our understanding of the cognitive and behavioral consequences of TBI and has informed the development of effective rehabilitation strategies.

Awards and Recognition

Over the course of her career, Cernich has received several awards and recognitions for her contributions to neuropsychology and rehabilitation medicine. These include the American Psychological Association's Award for Distinguished Contributions to the Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities and the Brain Injury Association of America's William Fields Caveness Award.