Jane Roberts

Jane Roberts is a Carolina Distinguished Professor and Executive Director of the Carolina Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research Center at the University of South Carolina. She holds a Ph.D. in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has been affiliated with the Department of Psychology since 2008. Her research focuses on neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, fragile X syndrome, and AD/HD, emphasizing physiological mechanisms and genetic contributions to cognitive and behavioral functioning.

Roberts has held leadership roles including Associate Dean for Natural Sciences (2022–present), Department Chair (2019–2022), and Interim Chair (2018–2019). She has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and secured significant grants, including NIH funding for studies on autonomic dysfunctions in FMR1 conditions and aging symptom trajectories in FXS carriers. Her work has been recognized with awards like the Carolina Distinguished Professor title and the UofSC Rising Star Faculty Research Award.

Her research interests include developmental trajectories in neurodevelopmental disorders, genetic and psychosocial contributions to mood disorders in FXS carriers, and physiological arousal in children. She mentors numerous students and leads interdisciplinary initiatives, including the USC Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Center of Excellence. Roberts collaborates with institutions globally, such as Monash University, and serves on editorial boards for journals like Frontiers in Developmental Psychology.

• Educations:
  • Ph.D., Early Childhood Special Education, UNC Chapel Hill, 1998
  • Ed.S., School Psychology, University of Connecticut, 1990
  • M.A., School Psychology, University of Connecticut, 1988
  • B.A., Psychology, Asbury College, 1986
• Grants & Funding:
  • NIH R01 HD106652 (2022–2027) – $3.2M
  • NIH R01 AG073374 (2022–2027) – $3.5M
  • USC Provost Office Excellence Initiative – $4.8M
• Labs & Teams:
  • Director, Carolina Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research Center
  • Principal Investigator, USC Neurodevelopmental Disorders Lab
  • Collaborator, Institute for Mind and Brain