Bridge Lab: Brain and Behavior in Children with RASopathies

09/03/2026

Stanford University’s BRIDGE Lab is recruiting children with NF1, ages 2–8, who are about to begin treatment with the MEK inhibitor selumetinib, for the NF114 Brain and Behavior Study.

This research study aims to better understand brain development and behavior in young children with NF1, including how the brain and behavior may change over time as children begin MEK inhibitor treatment. The BRIDGE Lab is dedicated to improving our understanding of neurodevelopment in children with genetic conditions and identifying opportunities to support children’s mental health and development.

Participation includes a brief virtual visit and an in-person visit to our lab at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. During the in-person visit, your child will complete age-appropriate assessments and an MRI scan. The full study takes approximately 1.5 days.

Travel and accommodation costs for eligible families will be covered. Participating families will also receive a $100 honorarium and a full neuropsychological research report.

Learn more: http://redcap.link/bridge_studies

08/25/2026

BRIDGE Lab is hosting a live webinar this Thursday, September 17 at 4pm PST / 7pm EST, bringing together three incredible researchers who study neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and its connections to sleep and brain development:

Dr. James Walker — Harvard Medical School
Dr. Natalie Pride — Children's Hospital at Westmead
Dr. Richa Saxena — Harvard/Mass General Hospital

This is a relaxed, open-hearted conversation so please come with your questions! Can't join live? We'll send a recording afterward.

Save your spot and share with anyone in the NF1 community who might be interested: https://forms.gle/rD4qbEqBQBUMtQ8m7

08/06/2026

We're growing our Community Advisory Board and we want to hear from you!

Stanford University is expanding the Community Advisory Board (CAB) for a new study adapting FIND, a video-coaching program, for young children (ages 2–4) with RASopathies (like Noonan syndrome, NF1, Costello syndrome, or CFC syndrome).

We're looking for caregivers of younger children with a RASopathy diagnosis, especially families in rural or underserved areas whose voices and experiences aren't yet well represented on our board.

As a CAB member, you'd help guide how this program is adapted, how we recruit and support families, and how we communicate with the community your lived experience directly shapes the research.

Time commitment: About 4 meetings in the first year, then about 2 meetings a year after that (roughly 6 meetings total over 2 years).
Compensation: $75/hour for your time.

If you're interested or know someone who might be a great fit, we'd love to hear from you. Reach out:

Thank you for your interest in becoming a community advisory board member in our Stanford University research study adapting FIND (Filming Interactions to Nurture Development) for young children with RASopathies. This form is not an enrollment form — it simply lets our study team know you're inter...

08/05/2026

BRIDGE Lab tabled at Ravenswood Family Health Network's Community Health & Resource Fair this past Saturday, August 1st.

Grateful for the chance to connect with neighbors and share what we're working on.

Thanks to Ravenswood Family Health Network for putting together such a great event for the community!

07/24/2026

This year's NF Conference sparked an important new collaboration to strengthen NF care across the western United States.

Clinicians from across the region came together to launch the West Coast Clinicians Affinity Group, organized by researchers from Bridge Lab: Brain and Behavior in Children with RASopathies at Stanford University and led by Tamar Green, MD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, and Naomi Fuhrmann, Community Engagement Leader at Stanford University. Their shared goal: build stronger connections among NF providers serving patients across a geographically vast region where access to specialized care can be challenging.

The discussion focused on the realities of delivering NF care in the West, including referral pathways, access to clinical trials, multidisciplinary care, and an honest exchange about what's working—and where there are opportunities to do better.

The momentum won't end with the conference. The group plans to establish an ongoing listserv for sharing resources and expertise, and to reconvene at next year's NF Conference to continue growing this regional network.

One of the most valuable outcomes of the NF Conference is the connections it creates—bringing clinicians together to learn from one another, support one another, and strengthen the network of care for the NF community.

07/13/2026

We're excited to spotlight Jourdin, our incredible Administrative Associate, who helps keep the BRIDGE Lab running behind the scenes every day!

Jourdin graduated from the University of San Diego with a BA in Behavioral Neuroscience, where she developed a strong interest in how the brain shapes behavior. She currently serves as an admin in the BRIDGE Lab, supporting the day-to-day operations that keep research running smoothly. In her role, Jourdin manages a range of administrative, financial, and HR-related responsibilities. She supports recruiting and onboarding for students and staff, oversees lab finances, and coordinates travel and conference logistics for the PI. She is also involved in grant and compliance processes, including maintaining IRB protocols and supporting data use and research agreements.

Outside of the lab, Jourdin enjoys spending time with her cat and dog, playing the violin, and attending pilates or hot yoga classes. She also loves riding her scooter around San Francisco and exploring new parts of the city.

07/10/2026

We're so excited to welcome Esther to the BRIDGE Lab family as our new Assistant Clinical Research Coordinator! 🎉

Esther brings a B.S. in Psychological and Brain Sciences from UCSB and spent the last three years living in the Czech Republic, where she taught English to children and adults. We're thrilled to have her energy, curiosity, and experience on the team. Welcome, Esther!

07/09/2026

07/08/2026

🔬 Meet our summer student, Sasha! 🔬

Sasha is an undergraduate student at Pomona College interning with BRIDGE this summer! A Cognitive Neuroscience major, she's interested in using neuroimaging to study neurological and genetic disorders. This summer, she's working on an fMRI analysis pipeline and helping run the lab's social media (so say hi next time you see a post!) 👋

Outside of research, Sasha loves running, hiking, singing, and pretty much anything outdoors. 🏃‍♀️⛰️
Welcome to BRIDGE, Sasha! We're thrilled to have you!

07/08/2026

🧠 Meet our summer student, Riya! 🧠

Riya (she/her) is a second-year Neuroscience student at the University of Washington with a passion for research involving individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). This summer at BRIDGE, she's developing strategies for MRI preparation in young patients, along with other research operations. When she's not in the lab, you can find her traveling and exploring new places! Welcome to the team, Riya! We're so excited to have you with us this summer.