Assessment of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Using Novel Web-Based Tools - Diversity Supplement C. Estrada

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Project Summary Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are one of the most common developmental disabilities but are often overlooked by clinicians. FASD is associated with alterations in facial characteristics, cognitive and behavioral functioning, and in brain structure. The aim of the parent grant is to deploy web-based tools in efforts to improve FASD detection accuracy. One such tool is BRAIN-online, a test of cognition and behavior that was developed by Dr. Mattson, the PI of the parent grant. This supplement will support the trainee, Celeste Estrada, as she acquires skills in both web-based and in-person neuropsychological assessments and contributes to the goals of the parent award. With mentorship from the PI, Ms. Estrada will learn about experimental design, neuropsychological assessment, and data analysis. She will conduct an independent research project that is consistent with the aims of the parent grant. In this project, she will compare performance on BRAIN-online in individuals who are Native English speakers to those who are multilingual English/Spanish speakers. Participants with FASD and controls will be included. She will present the results of her study through poster presentations (e.g., at the Research Society on Alcoholism (RSA) an/or International Neuropsychological Society (INS) conferences) and peer-reviewed papers. She will also utilize her advanced biliteracy skills to further investigate language spoken and FASD in additional studies if warranted by her initial project. As part of her training plan, Celeste will complete a series of training courses corresponding to research ethics and development, including SDSU’s Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) educational offerings. Celeste’s ultimate goal is to gain admission into an APA-accredited doctoral program in clinical psychology. As part of the research and career development plan proposed in this application, she will learn alongside current doctoral students which will both broaden her experience in the lab and provide peer mentorship from students who have recently and successfully navigated the application process for doctoral programs. The support of this supplement will allow Ms. Estrada to complete career development and research activities as she earns her master’s degree and pursues a research career investigating the impacts of prenatal alcohol exposure.