The Center for Translational Cognitive Neuroscience welcomes advanced doctoral students in psychology seeking comprehensive experience in clinical neuropsychology. Our center provides exceptional training opportunities through our affiliated programs including the Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (BU ADRC) and Memory Disorders Clinic at the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System (Jamaica Plain and Brockton Campuses). Our interdisciplinary team brings together clinical specialists\u2014including neuropsychologists, neurologists, and neuropsychiatrists\u2014alongside researchers in experimental psychology, experimental neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience, and behavioral neuroscience. Trainees from multiple disciplines work within both our clinical and research divisions, creating a collaborative environment that advances our dual mission of providing comprehensive, evidence-based patient care and conducting cutting-edge research into brain-behavior relationships. This integrated approach allows us to translate the latest scientific findings directly into clinical practice while simultaneously generating new knowledge that advances the field and improves outcomes for patients with neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions.<\/p>\n
Our practicum will allow you to develop expertise in all aspects of neuropsychological evaluation and intervention. However, students are not required to have a neuropsychology concentration to be successful. Students will gain hands-on experience working with a diverse patient population, including:<\/p>\n
Students will work with individuals between the ages of 55-95 who are referred by clinicians or self-referred for memory concerns. Opportunities include Veteran and Non-Veteran patients. In addition, students will encounter a wide range of presentations and presenting problems:<\/p>\n
Neurological Conditions:<\/strong> Alzheimer’s disease dementia, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, traumatic brain injury, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, stroke, hydrocephalus, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, and other neurological conditions<\/p>\n Medical Conditions: <\/strong>Medication side effects, sleep disturbances, Lyme disease, neurosyphilis, HIV, B12 deficiency, hypothyroidism, and other medical causes of cognitive impairment<\/p>\n Psychiatric Conditions:<\/strong> Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and other psychiatric disorders<\/p>\n Students are strongly encouraged to obtain the 3rd edition of “Memory Loss, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Dementia: A Practical Guide for Clinicians”.<\/p>\n Motivated students may participate in additional activities based on schedule, interest, demonstrated competence, and availability:<\/p>\n Clinical and Research Activities<\/strong><\/p>\n Experimental Research Experience<\/strong><\/p>\n Students making significant time and effort contributions may earn authorship on research publications. Highly motivated and competent students may conduct their doctoral project within our laboratory, enabling them to complete an experimental psychology project from initial concept through manuscript preparation, with expected authorship opportunities.<\/p>\n This practicum emphasizes clinical training in neuropsychological assessment while offering robust research opportunities for interested students. The program is designed to provide well-rounded clinical training through intensive patient interaction, expert supervision, and exposure to cutting-edge research in translational cognitive neuroscience.<\/p>\nCore Clinical Activities<\/h3>\n
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Educational Components<\/h2>\n
Supervision and Training Structure<\/h3>\n
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Clinical Education Sessions<\/h3>\n
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Reading and Curriculum<\/h3>\n
Advanced Training Opportunities<\/h2>\n
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Publication and Research Opportunities<\/h3>\n
Program Structure and Requirements<\/h2>\n