Safar Center T32 Fellow Dr. Bailey Petersen

Bailey Peterson, PhD received her BS degree in Kinesiology-Biomechanics and a MS from the Pennsylvania State University. She received a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree and a PhD in Bioengineering-Neural Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. She will build upon her mentor, Dr. Treble-Barna’s ongoing study of BDNF DNA methylation in association with neurobehavioral recovery in children with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Bailey will determine associations of physical activity with neurobehavioral recovery, BDNF DNA methylation, and BDNF serum levels during recovery. Her work will inform the design of a randomized controlled trial proposal to evaluate the efficacy of physical activity to promote neurobehavioral recovery in children with TBI.