Karin Schon

Boston University School of Medicine

Dr. Karin Schon, PhD, is a cognitive neuroscientist at the Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology at the Boston University School of Medicine where she directs the Brain Plasticity and Neuroimaging Laboratory. Dr. Schon’s research examines the impact of positive and negative modulators of the brain’s medial temporal hippocampal memory system across the adult lifespan. This brain system has a tremendous potential for plasticity, as evidenced by exercise studies, but is also vulnerable to the effects of aging and psychosocial stress. The long-term goal of Dr. Schon’s research program is to understand the neurobiological impact of social, environmental, and societal factors on the human brain as well as the brain mechanisms underlying resilience and coping. A primary research focus is on understanding the neurobiological impact of experiences of racism on brain health in Black/African American and Afro-Caribbean older adults. Her research is funded by NIH and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Areas of Expertise

• Health and Medicine
• Cognitive and Translational Neuroscience

Methodology

• Clinical
• Experimental
• Interviews
• Quantitative Methods
• Randomized Control Trials (RCTs)
• Survey Methods and Questionnaires
• Exercise physiology
• Functional MRI