Neurodiversity Laboratory

The Neurodiversity Lab is dedicated to studying individual variability in brain and cognitive development during childhood and adolescence. Development is a dynamic process that is continually modified by one's environment and experiences. Our lab uses advanced statistical modeling techniques and cutting-edge neuroimaging to uncover the complex interactions between brain, behavior and environment, with the ultimate goal of producing knowledge that helps families and individuals thrive. Dr. Brittany K. Taylor, Ph.D., is the director of the Neurodiversity Laboratory.

Our Research Team

​ Brittany K. Taylor, Ph.D., Principal Investigator
brittany.taylor@boystown.org

Dr. Taylor is the director of the Neurodiversity Lab. She received her Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Science from Colorado State University in 2017. From 2017 to 2020, she completed two postdoctoral fellowships focused on functional and structural neuroimaging of dimensional psychiatry and cognitive development in childhood and adolescence.

Over the course of her training, Dr. Taylor acquired skills in functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magneto- and electroencephalography (M/EEG), and advanced statistical modeling techniques. Now Dr. Taylor's work explores the complex interplay between environment, brain and behavior. She is currently studying how common environmental toxins impact brain structure and function, and ultimately shape cognition and behavior in youth.

Monica Clarke-Smith, Research Assistant
monica.clarke-smith@boystown.org

Monica Clarke-Smith is a research assistant in the Neurodiversity Lab. Her roles include participant recruitment, data acquisition, and data analysis. She received a B.S. in Psychology from Brigham young University in 2022. Her plans for the future involve pursuing a PhD in Clinical Child Psychopathology and research related to neurodivergence and neurodevelopmental disorders. When not in the office, she enjoys reading, tabletop games, and music.

Sarah Hunter, Research Assistant
sarah.hunter@boystown.org

Sarah Hunter is a research assistant in the Neurodiversity Lab. Her roles include recruitment of participants, data acquisition, and data analysis. She has a B.S. in Psychology from South Dakota State University and has worked in respite care. She aspires to pursue a Ph.D. in Behavioral or Cognitive Neuroscience. While she plans to continue her present career trajectory in research, she intends to orient her research toward youth with developmental disabilities, such as ASD and ADHD.

Haley Pulliam, Research Assistant
haley.pulliam@boystown.org

Haley Pulliam is a research assistant in the Neurodiversity Lab. Her roles include participant recruitment, data acquisition, and data analysis. She recently graduated from Creighton University with her B.S. in Neuroscience. She plans to continue her education in a graduate or professional program in the coming years to continue pursuing her research interest in neurodevelopment of children and adolescents.