Bridge Lab: Brain and Behavior in Children with RASopathies

01/21/2026

We’re proud to share this powerful reflection from Penny’s Flight Foundation following the RASopathies Research Summit we hosted a few months ago.

This convening brought together scientists, clinicians, foundations, and families around a shared question: How do we move the needle for meaningful interventions in NF and other RASopathies? From basic science to clinical care, the day centered collaboration, urgency, and most importantly, the children and families at the heart of this work.

We’re deeply grateful to Penny’s Flight Foundation for their partnership and for opening the summit by sharing Penny’s story.

Read the full blog here:

Reflections from Stanford University School of Medicine: Penny’s Flight at the RASopathies Research Summit On September 17th, I represented Penny’s Flight Foundation at Stanford University School of Medicine where the BRIDGE Lab (Brain Imaging, Development, Genetics) group hosted the RASopathies...

01/07/2026

Remote study opportunity for children with Noonan Syndrome!

Would you like to participate in a study from the comfort of your own home? Join our study, which focuses on children with Noonan Syndrome, aged 5-16, and their parents.

The study involves a non-invasive saliva test for the child and both parents, as well as a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation for the child.

You can conveniently participate from the comfort of your own home. We offer a $50 honorarium and a thorough neuropsychological evaluation for your participation.

Learn more and check your eligibility here: http://redcap.link/nf1_study

12/18/2025

As we close out the year, we’re reflecting on the progress made through collaboration, careful science, and shared commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. We’re grateful to our research participants, community partners, trainees, and colleagues who contributed their time, insight, and trust. Looking ahead to building on this work in the year to come.

10/22/2025

We were honored to have Dr. Tamar Green represent the BRIDGE Lab at the Banbury Center at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory this week. The meeting focused on Cognition and Behavior in Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) and brought together leading researchers and clinicians to discuss recent advances and future directions in the field.

Thank you to The Banbury Center for fostering thoughtful dialogue and collaboration aimed at improving understanding and care for individuals with NF1.

08/27/2025

BRIDGE Lab’s Julia Plank, PhD recently presented her poster, “Functional brain networks predictive of cognitive function in children with Noonan Syndrome” at the 2025 Summer Conference on The Changing Brain.

We’re proud of Julia for sharing this important work with the scientific community!

08/25/2025

Missed our recent BRIDGE Lab webinar on Managing Parent Burnout in Rare Genetic Populations? You can now watch it anytime: https://youtu.be/eQ7n3rPMXME

Featuring Dr. Philip Fisher and Dr. Alan Atkins, this session shares research insights and practical tools to support parents and caregivers of children with rare genetic conditions.

BRIDGE Lab hosted Dr. Philip Fisher and Dr. Alan Atkins for a webinar discussing current data and available tools to managing parent burnout, focusing on on ...

08/14/2025

If you haven’t already seen it, we have an on-demand webinar for parents and caregivers of kids with RASopathies focused on navigating the challenges and opportunities of adolescence.

Dr. Sara Pardej from BRIDGE Lab shares a brief presentation, followed by answers to questions about fostering independence, emotional well-being, and the transition to adulthood.

Watch anytime here:

This webinar is for parents and caregivers of children with RASopathies, focusing on the challenges and opportunities of adolescence. Dr. Sara Pardej, a post...

08/12/2025

Join Stanford Bridge Lab: Brain and Behavior in Children with RASopathies on Monday, August 19 from 1 to 2 p.m. for a free webinar, Managing Parent Burnout in Rare Genetic Populations.
In this informative and supportive session, attendees will explore current data on parental stress as it relates to household demographics and access to resources.
Click the link below to register:
https://bit.ly/47oP73Y

08/12/2025

Two weeks ago, members of the BRIDGE Lab had the privilege of attending the RASopathies Network Conference in Florida. This conference is a special gathering of families, clinicians, and researchers dedicated to advancing understanding and care for individuals with RASopathies.

We heard directly from families about their experiences, shared our own research updates, and connected with colleagues.

Thank you to RASopathies Network, the speakers, and all the families who welcomed us and shared their stories.

08/05/2025

Do you want to see your child's brain and gain further insights into your child's development?
Stanford University invites families with children ages 5-17, diagnosed with Noonan Syndrome to be part of the study.
Participate in this research and your child will receive a complimentary, in-depth neuropsychological evaluation. Plus, as a token of appreciation, receive an honorarium for contributing to the advancement of knowledge.
Check your eligibility by filling out this form: https://redcap.link/6dtgeu5z

08/04/2025

Parent Burnout for Children with Rare Genetic Disorders Webinar

Join BRIDGE Lab on Monday, August 19 at 1 PM PST / 4 PM EST for an informative and supportive session.

Dr. Fisher will present current data on parent stress in relation to household demographics, resource access, and more. Dr. Atkins will follow with practical tools parents can use to reduce burnout.

Please come with questions and curiosity—we’re looking forward to an open and straightforward discussion.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV5GYx6NsqHE25gfwCOxfcojkhshA-0DN1quQxZnYcDfZwSQ/viewform

07/18/2025

BRIDGE Lab is conducting a new fully online study (via Zoom) exploring how teens with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) think, feel, and prepare for adulthood.

We’re looking for teens ages 12–17 with a confirmed genetic diagnosis of NF1 (via genetic testing) to participate. Participants will complete neuropsychological testing.

Families will receive a personalized report summarizing results plus, a $50 gift card as a thank you! Check your eligibility here: https://redcap.link/bridge_studies