Christine C. Cloak

Christine C. Cloak, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine at the University of Maryland. She serves as Site Coordinator for the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study at the Maryland Site since 2017.

• B.S. (Biology, 1993) and B.A. (Psychology, 1993) from University of California, Irvine
• Ph.D. (Neuroscience, 2002) from University of California, Los Angeles
• Postdoctoral Fellowship at Brookhaven National Laboratory (2002-2004)

Dr. Cloak's research focuses on substance use effects on neurodevelopment, particularly methamphetamine, marijuana, and prenatal exposures impacting child and adolescent brain development. Her work integrates neuroimaging (fMRI, 1H MRS, DTI) with immunological and endocrine analyses.

Key publication trends include neurotoxic effects of prenatal substance exposure (1999-2009), longitudinal brain development studies (2009-2012), and HPA axis/marijuana interactions (2006-2015). Her 2016 JAMA Psychiatry study revealed sex-specific white matter alterations in prenatally exposed infants.

• Society for NeuroImmune Pharmacology Young Investigator Award (2002, 2004)
• ACNP Faculty Research Fellowship (2008-2010)
• CPDD NIDA Women & Sex/Gender Travel Award (2003)
• ISNV Investigator in Training Travel Award (2003)

Dr. Cloak has been a Principal Investigator for NIH/NIDA-funded projects (1999-2007) and continues as Co-Investigator in multi-institutional studies. She contributes to neuroimmune pharmacology research through her roles in ABCD Study and NIH grants.