Sharon Helene O'Neil

Sharon Helene O'Neil, PhD, serves as an Associate Professor of Clinical Neurology and Pediatrics at the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine and directs the Neuropsychology Core at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). Board certified in clinical neuropsychology (ABPP-CN) and pediatric neuropsychology (ABPdN), she integrates clinical practice with research on pediatric neurological conditions.

Her research program investigates neuropsychological sequelae across multiple pediatric populations, with primary emphases on brain cancer survivors, preterm infants, congenital heart disease patients, autism spectrum disorders, and sickle/non-sickle anemia syndromes. She employs advanced neuroimaging techniques including diffusion tensor imaging and functional MRI to correlate structural brain changes with cognitive outcomes, particularly focusing on white matter integrity and neurodevelopmental trajectories in high-risk pediatric cohorts.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals consistent methodological rigor across multi-institutional studies, with growing emphasis on hematological conditions like sickle cell disease and neuro-oncology applications. Her work demonstrates strong translational focus, bridging neuroimaging biomarkers with clinically relevant neuropsychological assessments to inform treatment protocols for vulnerable pediatric populations.

As Director of CHLA's Neuropsychology Core, Dr. O'Neil oversees a multidisciplinary team conducting both clinical evaluations and research initiatives. She actively trains doctoral students in neuropsychological assessment methodologies, emphasizing evidence-based practice for children with complex medical conditions, though specific grant funding details and named trainees are not documented in available sources.