Maya Rosen

Maya Rosen is an Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Smith College, specializing in developmental cognitive neuroscience. Her research explores how childhood environmental experiences—including socioeconomic status, cognitive stimulation, and violence exposure—shape cognitive and neural development, impacting academic achievement, socio-emotional outcomes, and mental health.

• Ph.D., Boston University (Psychological and Brain Sciences)
• B.A., Skidmore College (Neuroscience & Spanish)

Rosen's work integrates longitudinal fMRI studies and behavioral analyses to uncover mechanisms linking early adversity to brain function. Recent projects examine socioeconomic disparities in prefrontal cortex development, memory-guided attention, and pandemic-related stress impacts on youth mental health.

Her publications focus on developmental neuroscience, cognitive stimulation, and socioemotional development. Articles highlight neural correlates of executive function, threat/deprivation effects on psychopathology, and environmental influences on brain plasticity.