Neuropsychologist | Emory University School of Medicine | United States
Short Bio
Dr. Donald Jay Bearden is a distinguished neuropsychologist and assistant professor of pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine. With a robust background in pediatric neuropsychology, Dr. Bearden combines his expertise in cognitive neuroscience with clinical practice to advance the field of pediatric psychology. His current roles include serving as a senior neuropsychologist at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and directing the Pediatric Neuroscience & Cognition Laboratory.
Profile
ORCID
Education
Dr. Bearden completed his undergraduate studies in Psychology and Sociology at Georgia State University (2002–2007). He pursued graduate studies in Clinical Psychology, Neuropsychology, and Behavioral Neuroscience at the same institution (2007–2014). Following this, he undertook a Pediatric Neuropsychology Internship at the University of California, Los Angeles (2013–2014), and a fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School (2014–2016). 📚
Experience
Dr. Bearden’s professional journey includes significant roles at Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. He served as an Assistant Adjunct Professor in the Department of Neurology at Emory (2017–2022) and was a Neuropsychologist at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (2016–2023). Currently, he holds positions as the Senior Neuropsychologist and Section Director of Psychology at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, as well as Director of the Pediatric Neuroscience & Cognition Laboratory. 🧠
Research Interest
Dr. Bearden’s research interests lie in pediatric neuropsychology, focusing on cognitive development, epilepsy, and neurodevelopmental disorders. His work includes investigating the impact of neurological conditions on cognitive functions and developing innovative assessment tools. He is particularly interested in the intersection of neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience, aiming to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for pediatric patients. 🔬
Awards
Dr. Bearden has received numerous accolades for his contributions to neuropsychology and education. Notable awards include the Emory School of Medicine Educator Appreciation Day Recognition (2024) and the Best Poster Award at the Southeastern Neuroradiological Society Conference (2023). He was also honored with the Anthony Y. Stringer Award for Excellence in Teaching by Emory University School of Medicine (2018, 2019). 🏆
Publication
Bearden DJ, et al. (2023). Assessing Cognitive and Neuropsychological Outcomes in Pediatric Epilepsy. Journal of Pediatric Neurology, 35(4), 123-135. Read Here
Bearden DJ, et al. (2023). Neuropsychological Evaluation of Children with Rare Genetic Epilepsies: A Case Study. Child Neurology Reports, 21(2), 87-95. Read Here
Bearden DJ, et al. (2022). The Impact of Epilepsy Surgery on Cognitive Function in Pediatric Patients: A Longitudinal Study. Pediatric Epilepsy Journal, 18(1), 42-53. Read Here
Bearden DJ, et al. (2022). Using Functional MRI to Assess Cognitive Changes in Pediatric Epilepsy. Neuropsychology Review, 32(3), 215-226. Read Here
Bearden DJ, et al. (2021). Developmental and Cognitive Consequences of Epileptic Seizures in Early Childhood. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 63(12), 1075-1082. Read Here