Affiliation: University of New Mexico

Jessie Maxwell, MD, MBA, as Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Neurosciences, is a neonatologist and clinician scientist. Her primary research interests including the impact of prenatal exposure on the developing brain. Specifically, she investigates the effects of exposure to alcohol, cannabinoids, and/or opioids in utero on the structure and microstructure of the brain, as well as the impact this has on long-term neurodevelopmental function. Utilizing preclinical models, she is able to employ translational modes of investigation including Touchscreen behavior testing and Magnetic Resonance Imaging to detect subtle changes in cognitive functioning and organization of brain structure. She also investigates dendritic complexity in the frontal cortex, a region known to impact cognitive abilities. Dr. Maxwell is the director of research for the division of neonatology at the University of New Mexico.