معرفی
Dr. Sarah Mattson Weller is a Professor of Psychology at San Diego State University (SDSU), affiliated with the College of Sciences and the Department of Psychology. Her research focuses on understanding the neurobehavioral and neurodevelopmental impacts of prenatal alcohol exposure, particularly in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). She leads the Mattson Lab, investigating brain structure-function relationships using advanced neuroimaging techniques like MRI and fMRI. Dr. Weller’s work emphasizes identifying neuropsychological deficits, behavioral outcomes, and effective screening tools for FASD. She holds a PhD from the SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, with a focus on neuropsychology.
Her academic roles include teaching courses in clinical psychology and directing graduate research. Key research areas include fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, visuospatial processing, executive functioning, and psychiatric outcomes associated with prenatal exposures. Dr. Weller has contributed to over 200 peer-reviewed publications and actively participates in international conferences on FASD and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Her lab collaborates on projects involving neuroimaging, behavioral assessments, and genetic studies to map the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. She emphasizes translating research into clinical practice through validated screening tools and diagnostic criteria like the ND-PAE (Neurobehavioral Disorder Associated with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure). Dr. Weller’s work also addresses comorbid conditions such as ADHD and explores interventions for affected populations.
Recent studies include validation of diagnostic tools, analysis of sleep patterns in FASD, and genetic correlates of cognitive deficits. Her research highlights the need for early identification and tailored support for children with prenatal alcohol exposure. She mentors students in psychological and neuroscience disciplines, fostering the next generation of researchers in developmental disabilities.
