Autism Research Mini Summit

Cholesterol in Brain Development and Disease 

8:00am Grand Rounds / Keynote Speaker 

Eric Peeples, MD, PhD 

Neonatologist, Children's Nebraska 

Associate Professor, UNMC Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology 

Co-Champion, Genetics, Development, Exposures & Injuries Area of Emphasis, CHRI 

9:00-9:30am Participant Mini Introductions

9:30am  

Genetics of Autism: Past, Present, and Future

Carolyn Maxwell, MS, MPH, CGC 

Certified Genetic Counselor, UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute, Department of Genetic Medicine 

9:50am 

Personalizing Medication Management in Autism: The Role of Pharmacogenetic Testing 

Beth Conover, MS, APRN, CGC 

Friedland Family Professor; Associate Professor; Pediatric Nurse Practitioner; Certified Genetic Counselor, UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute, Department of Genetic Medicine 

10:10am 

Astrocytic Contributions to Behavioral Impairments in a Mouse Model of Autism

Anna Dunaevsky, PHD 

Professor, UNMC Department of Neurological Sciences 

10:30 Break 

10:45am 

Beyond the Clinic: Current Research & Innovations

Patricia Zemantic, PhD, LP, BCBA-D, LBA 

Director of Autism Diagnostic Clinic; Assistant Professor, UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute, iCASD; Licensed Psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst 

11:05am 

From Virtual to Reality: Enhancing Pedestrian Safety for Autistic Children through Immersive VR Training 

Nicole Rodriguez, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA 

Professor, MMI iCASD; Director, MMI Doctoral Applied Behavior Analysis Program; Director of Early Intervention, MMI iCASD:Board Certified Behavior Analyst 

11:20-11:45 Discussion & Networking