Studies show that abuse, neglect or trauma during childhood can lead to lifelong struggles including with mental health. Fortunately research also indicates that solutions and interventions at various stages of life can be developed to help. But even among people who remain resilient or do not experience acute stresses, a lack of opportunity early in life due to poverty or systemic racism can still constrain their ability to realize their full potential. In what ways are health and other outcomes affected by early life difficulty? What can individuals and institutions do to enhance opportunity?
The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory's biennial spring symposium, "Early Life Stress & Mental Health,” will examine these issues. The daylong event will feature talks by neuroscientists, policy experts, physicians, educators and activists as they discuss how our experiences and biology work together to affect how our minds develop and what can be accomplished in helping people overcome early disadvantages.
AGENDA & SPEAKERS:
| 9:00 - 9:10am |
Opening Remarks: Dr. Li-Huei Tsai, Institute Director and Picower Professor, The Picower Institute, MIT Barbara Picower, President, JPB Foundation |
| 9:10 - 9:55am |
Bryan Stevenson, Founder and Executive Director, Equal Justice Initiative True Justice and Opportunities for Equality |
| 9:55 - 10:25am |
Dr. Gloria Choi, Associate Professor, The Picower Institute, MIT Maternal Infection and Offspring Brain Health |
| 10:25 - 10:45am | Break |
| 10:45 - 11:15am |
Dr. Mariana Arcaya, Associate Professor, MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning Bidirectional associations between where we live and health |
| 11:15 - 11:45am |
Jose Antonio Vargas, Founder and Key Strategic Consultant, Define American The Cost of Telling Your Story |
| 11:45am - 12:45pm | Lunch |
| 12:45 - 1:15pm |
Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, Surgeon General of the State of California From research to remedy, applying the science of toxic stress to improve clinical care at scale |
| 1:15 - 2:00pm | Panel Discussion: Outreach and Opportunities in STEM |
| Panelists include: | |
| Moderator Dr. Laura Schulz, Professor and Associate Department Head for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Initiatives in Brain and Cognitive Sciences, MIT | |
| Eboney Hearn, Executive Director, MIT Office of Engineering Outreach Programs (OEOP) | |
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Dr. Héctor De Jesús-Cortés, Postdoc, Picower Institute; Founder and Co-director of Sagrado-MIT Neuroscience Pre-College Program; BCS Postdoctoral Association Chair |
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| Junyi Chu, Graduate Student and Mentor, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, MIT | |
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| Tyler Bonnen, Graduate Student, Stanford University; MIT BCS Postbaccalaureate Research Scholars Alumnus | |
| 2:00 - 2:45pm | Geoffrey Canada, President, Harlem Children’s Zone |
| 2:45pm | Closing Remarks: Dr. Matt Wilson, Sherman Fairchild Professor and Associate Director, The Picower Institute, MIT. |