Neurodiversity Laboratory
The Neurodiversity Lab is dedicated to studying individual variability in brain and cognitive development during childhood and adolescence. Development is a dynamic process that is continually modified by one's environment and experiences. Our lab uses advanced statistical modeling techniques and cutting-edge neuroimaging to uncover the complex interactions between brain, behavior and environment, with the ultimate goal of producing knowledge that helps families and individuals thrive. Dr. Brittany K. Taylor, Ph.D., is the director of the Neurodiversity Laboratory.
Our Research Team
Brittany K. Taylor, Ph.D., Principal Investigator
brittany.taylor@boystown.org
Dr. Taylor is the director of the Neurodiversity Lab. She received her Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Science from Colorado State University in 2017. From 2017 to 2020, she completed two postdoctoral fellowships focused on functional and structural neuroimaging of dimensional psychiatry and cognitive development in childhood and adolescence.
Over the course of her training, Dr. Taylor acquired skills in functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magneto- and electroencephalography (M/EEG), and advanced statistical modeling techniques. Now Dr. Taylor's work explores the complex interplay between environment, brain and behavior. She is currently studying how common environmental toxins impact brain structure and function, and ultimately shape cognition and behavior in youth.
Monica Clarke-Smith, Research Assistant
monica.clarke-smith@boystown.org
Monica Clarke-Smith is a research assistant in the Neurodiversity Lab. Her roles include participant recruitment, data acquisition, and data analysis. She received a B.S. in Psychology from Brigham young University in 2022. Her plans for the future involve pursuing a PhD in Clinical Child Psychopathology and research related to neurodivergence and neurodevelopmental disorders. When not in the office, she enjoys reading, tabletop games, and music.
Sarah Hunter, Research Assistant
sarah.hunter@boystown.org
Sarah Hunter is a research assistant in the Neurodiversity Lab. Her roles include recruitment of participants, data acquisition, and data analysis. She has a B.S. in Psychology from South Dakota State University and has worked in respite care. She aspires to pursue a Ph.D. in Behavioral or Cognitive Neuroscience. While she plans to continue her present career trajectory in research, she intends to orient her research toward youth with developmental disabilities, such as ASD and ADHD.
Saige Rasmusen, Research Assistant
Saige.Rasmussen@boystown.org
Saige is a research assistant in the Neurodiversity Lab. Her role involves participant recruitment, acquiring data, analyzing data for various research projects. She earned a B.S. in Psychology from Utah Valley University. Her future plans include continuing her education into a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience and research related to decision making processes and neurodiversity disorders. In her free time, she enjoys golfing, playing with her dogs and cat, and any outside activities.
Grace Parolek, Research Assistant
Grace.Parolek@boystown.org
Grace Parolek is a research assistant in the Neurodiversity Lab. Her roles include participant recruitment, data acquisition, and data analysis. She received a B.A. in Psychology and Spanish from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2024. She plans to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology. Outside of work, she enjoys reading and being outside.
