Carissa Cascio

Dr. Carissa Cascio is a Professor at the University of Kansas (2025–present), previously holding faculty positions at Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (2007–2025). She directs the Laboratory for Affective Sensory Research (LASR), focusing on autism spectrum disorders through behavioral, neuroimaging, and electrophysiological methods.

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Emory University
• Postdoctoral training at University of North Carolina

Research Interests: Sensory-affective brain system interactions, somatic sensory processing (touch, interoception, pain, proprioception), and their role in autism characteristics. Her work emphasizes inclusive methodologies for neurodiverse populations.

Publication Trends: Recent studies explore insular connectivity, cortical morphology, and sensorimotor regulation in autism, with interdisciplinary focus on behavioral neuroscience, neuroimaging, and affective systems.

• Slikfa Ritvo Innovation in Autism Research Award (2012)
• Vanderbilt Brain Institute Mentor of the Year Award (2023)

Grants & Service: Principal Investigator on NIH and foundation grants. Served on Vanderbilt Neuroscience Graduate Program Admissions Committee, dissertation committees, and NIH study sections. Mentored students through the KU BBQ Program.