Bridge Lab: Brain and Behavior in Children with RASopathies

You're invited! The Stanford BRIDGE Lab is hosting a free virtual webinar this summer and we'd love to see you there.

Topic: Musculoskeletal Abnormalities in NF1
Speaker: Dr. David A. Stevenson
Date: Wednesday, July 22
Time: 1 PM PST | 2 PM CT | 4 PM EST

This is a community-focused event and we want to hear from you. Submit your questions at registration and we'll address them live during the session.

Please note: This is a live event only and will not be recorded, so mark your calendars!

Free, virtual, and open to all. Please share with anyone in your community who might benefit.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/14piKZz_kS_KYp1k91HuuIB9SwfqHH6yhLeYps-f_zTI/edit

New research from the BRIDGE Lab has been published!

“Effects of neighborhood level health and environment quality on academic and executive abilities in youth with Noonan syndrome spectrum disorder”

Led by postdoctoral scholar Sara Katharine Pardej, this study explored whether community resource deprivation is associated with neurocognitive outcomes in youth with NSSD.

Findings suggest:
• Working memory may be more vulnerable in resource-deprived communities
• Academic difficulties remain elevated across youth with NSSD regardless of neighborhood resources

These findings underscore the importance of accessible executive functioning supports and ongoing academic monitoring for youth with NSSD.

Read it here:

Effects of neighborhood level health and environment quality on academic and executive abilities in youth with Noonan syndrome spectrum disorder | Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society | Cambridge Core Effects of neighborhood level health and environment quality on academic and executive abilities in youth with Noonan syndrome spectrum disorder

Help us plan our talk series for this summer!

We are planning a series of webinars and talks for the summer and would love input from families, clinicians, and community members. If you have ideas for topics you’d like to see, please feel free to share them with us.

Happy Spring from BRIDGE Lab 🌸

We're hiring! BRIDGE Lab is looking for an Associate Clinical Research Coordinator (6-month temp) to help run studies on how genetics affects brain development and neuropsychiatric conditions in children.

This role involves coordinating study visits, working closely with families, managing research data, and assisting with pediatric MRI acquisition. It’s a great opportunity for someone organized, technically inclined, and excited to work with children and neurodiverse populations.

Details:
6-month fixed-term position (non-benefited)
$29.25–$35/hour
Background in neuroscience, psychology, engineering, biology, or related field preferred
Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
If you’re interested in clinical research and translational neuroscience, we’d love to hear from you!
(Feel free to share with anyone who might be a great fit.)

If you're interested, please email your resume to [email protected].

Excited to share BRIDGE Lab's Dr. Sara K. Pardej newly published work.

We investigated differences in the structure of the cerebellum in youth with NF1 compared to unaffected youth. We found that white matter volume in the cerebellum was larger in youth with NF1, and differences in white matter microstructure were also observed. We also implemented a support vector model to better understand which factors (e.g., cerebellum neuroimaging metrics, neurocognitive) contribute most to distinguishing youth with NF1 from unaffected youth and found that the top three weights were white matter volume, ratings of child mobility, and the neurite density index. These may be underlying mechanisms of cerebellum-mediated neurocognitive deficits in NF1 and should be explored further.

Read it here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12311-026-01961-z

This week, Dr. Tamar Green's Genetics-First Psychiatry course had the privilege of hosting Lisa Schoyer, founder of RASopathies Network USA.

Lisa shared her personal journey as the mother of Quin, her son Costello syndrome, a rare RASopathy. She shared the challenges families face when navigating complex medical systems and the resilience required to advocate for children with rare genetic conditions. Following Quin's passing, Lisa founded RASopathies Network USA, an organization that now serves as a vital resource for families and researchers working to understand these related genetic conditions.

Thank you, Lisa, for your generosity in sharing Quin's story and for the incredible work you continue to do through RASopathies Network. You have inspired the next generation of researchers and clinicians. RASopathies Network

Behind every data point is a real family, a real child, and a real story. At BRIDGE Lab, we’re constantly reminded that research is about people first. We’re grateful to our community partners who help keep our work grounded in what actually matters.

If you’re interested in learning more about our studies or how to get involved, feel free to reach out or visit our lab page!

https://med.stanford.edu/bridge-lab.html

February is Noonan Syndrome Awareness Month!

At BRIDGE Lab, we study how genetic differences impact brain development and mental health. This month, we honor individuals with Noonan Syndrome and their families, raising awareness of the unique challenges they face.

We’re proud to share this powerful reflection from Penny’s Flight Foundation following the RASopathies Research Summit we hosted a few months ago.

This convening brought together scientists, clinicians, foundations, and families around a shared question: How do we move the needle for meaningful interventions in NF and other RASopathies? From basic science to clinical care, the day centered collaboration, urgency, and most importantly, the children and families at the heart of this work.

We’re deeply grateful to Penny’s Flight Foundation for their partnership and for opening the summit by sharing Penny’s story.

Read the full blog here:

Collaboration in Action: Driving Research and Awareness for NF Reflections from Stanford University School of Medicine: Penny’s Flight at the RASopathies Research Summit On September 17th, I represented Penny’s Flight Foundation at Stanford University School of Medicine where the BRIDGE Lab (Brain Imaging, Development, Genetics) group hosted the RASopathies...

Remote study opportunity for children with Noonan Syndrome!

Would you like to participate in a study from the comfort of your own home? Join our study, which focuses on children with Noonan Syndrome, aged 5-16, and their parents.

The study involves a non-invasive saliva test for the child and both parents, as well as a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation for the child.

You can conveniently participate from the comfort of your own home. We offer a $50 honorarium and a thorough neuropsychological evaluation for your participation.

Learn more and check your eligibility here: http://redcap.link/nf1_study