Harvard Catalyst Profiles

Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA	M.D.	05/2006	medicine
Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge, MA	M.P.P.	2006	public policy

I have dedicated my professional energies toward children with cognitive and developmental disabilities. My interests have resulted in research in top-tier medical journals, national and international speaking engagements, and frequent media appearances.

My most important contributions have been made studying how physicians deliver a prenatal and postnatal diagnosis of Down syndrome. My publications in the multi-disciplinary journals, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, and American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, have received national and international media attention, resulting in frequent opportunities to speak at grand rounds presentations around the globe.

My second most important contribution has been in outreach to families who have children with Down syndrome. My two nationally-award winning books were published for the primary audience of mothers, father, brothers, sisters, and other family members. My ongoing research on family attitudes also intends to further clinical understanding of the dynamics of the family life. I further volunteer for several non-profit organizations, including the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress.

My third area of contribution is in the field of memory and aging. My work with the legendary amnesic patient, H.M., has resulted in publications in top-tier neuroscience journals and received the attention of scientists around the country.

• Down syndrome
• trisomy 21