Researcher | Research Overview
Dr. Christine Mrakotsky studies the impact of neuroendocrine and neuroimmune factors on brain health and development in pediatric chronic illness. Her lab utilizes neurobehavioral assessment as well as structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Dr. Mrakotsky’s current research focuses on cognitive and brain development in pediatric Crohn’s disease, in particular, the effects of inflammation on white and gray matter development and neuropsychological function (i.e. memory, executive functions and mood). Further studies also include the neurotoxic effects of treatment for inflammatory bowel disease, as well as the acute and long term outcome of pediatric stroke. The Mrakotsky Lab employs advanced neuroimaging tools, neuropsychological assessment, and multiplex cytokine assays in both cross-sectional and longitudinal designs, and collaborates closely with the Boston Children’s Hospital Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Department of Neurology Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disorders Program, as well as the Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging Developmental Science Center.
Researcher | Research Background
Dr. Mrakotsky is an Assistant Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Attending in Pediatric Neuropsychology at Boston Children’s Hospital, Cerebrovascular Disorders and Stroke Program, Department of Neurology.
She received her PhD from the University of Vienna, Austria, and completed a postdoctoral clinical fellowship in pediatric neuropsychology at Boston Children's Hospital, followed by research training and career development awards from both Boston Children’s Hospital and the NIH. She is the recipient of the NIH Mitchell Max Award for Research Excellence and Harvard Medical School Shore Scholar. Dr. Mrakotsky is also a licensed psychologist and health service provider in both the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and in Austria.
Researcher | Media
Caregiver Profile
Meet Dr. Christine Mrakotsky