About Our Lab

Child at doctor's appointment measuring height

The CogNEATO Lab's primary research focuses are:

Understanding the impact of pediatric obesity on neurocognitive functioning
Identifying biological, behavioral, and environmental drivers of obesity and eating behavior
Extending and developing methods to study pediatric obesity in ecologically valid and rural contexts
Advancing the rigor and reproducibility of research

Past studies

Mother hand holding child hand who have IV solution in the hospital with love and care

Effect of Pediatric Bariatric Surgery on Brain and Cognition

This project was focused on understanding the effect of bariatric weight-loss surgery on adolescent neurocognitive functioning. Adolescents completed cognitive assessments and functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging before and after weight-loss surgery. This study had two control groups: adolescents with healthy weight and adolescents who qualified for surgery but had surgery postponed due to insurance delays.

School children enjoying their school dinners

Cognitive Function in Pediatric Obesity

This project was focused on characterizing cognitive deficits associated with pediatric obesity. While the core focus was on executive functioning, implicit learning and associative learning were also measured.

A student wearing a lab coat and hairnet weighs cookies on a scale in a kitchen lab.

Past studies

Effect of Pediatric Bariatric Surgery on Brain and Cognition

Cognitive Function in Pediatric Obesity

Students who are interested in our research and student lab opportunities should contact us to learn more.