Terry Jernigan

American neuroscientist

Terry Jernigan, neuroscientist

Terry L. Jernigan is a prominent American neuroscientist known for her extensive research in the field of cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging. She is a professor at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and serves as the Director of the Center for Human Development. Her work primarily focuses on understanding the development of the human brain and its implications for behavior and cognition.

Education and Early Career

Terry Jernigan received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Duke University. She went on to earn her Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). During her early career, Jernigan was involved in pioneering studies that utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to explore the structure and function of the human brain.

Research Contributions

Jernigan's research has significantly advanced the understanding of brain development across the lifespan. Her work often employs advanced neuroimaging techniques to investigate the relationship between brain structure and cognitive function. She has contributed to numerous studies examining how genetic and environmental factors influence brain development and how these factors relate to mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Neuroimaging and Brain Development

Jernigan has been at the forefront of using neuroimaging to study brain development in children and adolescents. Her research has provided insights into how the brain's structure changes during critical periods of development and how these changes are associated with cognitive and behavioral outcomes. She has also explored the impact of early life experiences on brain development.

Collaborative Projects

Terry Jernigan has been involved in several large-scale collaborative projects, including the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD Study), which is the largest long-term study of brain development and child health in the United States. This project aims to understand how childhood experiences, including substance use, screen time, and sleep, affect brain development and other outcomes.

Professional Affiliations and Honors

Jernigan is a member of several professional organizations, including the Society for Neuroscience and the Cognitive Neuroscience Society. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to neuroscience, including recognition for her mentorship and leadership in the field.

Personal Life

Terry Jernigan is known for her dedication to mentoring young scientists and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Outside of her professional work, she is an advocate for science education and public engagement with neuroscience.

Related Pages

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive neuroscience
• Neuroimaging
• Brain development
• Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study