Carper pic-2.fw Ruth Carper, Ph.D
Research Associate Professor

Office or Lab:6363 Alvarado Court, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92120

Email: rcarper@sdsu.edu

Research Interests:   Brain bases of autism from early development through aging. Methods include anatomical MRI and structural connectivity MRI (diffusion MRI) in combination with cognitive measures and other imaging modalities. Particular interest in the brain and cognitive changes that occur in middle age and aging in adults with autism.

Brain Development Imaging Lab – The BDIL studies functional and anatomical brain development in neurotypical children and those with developmental disorders (especially autism). Research applies multimodal magnetic resonance imaging techniques (functional and functional connectivity MRI, anatomical volumetrics, diffusion tensor imaging and tractography, MR spectroscopy), as well as behavioral and neuropsychological measures. My work within BDIL primarily utilizes anatomical MRI and structural connectivity MRI (diffusion MRI) in examining the neurobiological bases of ASD. I have a particular interest in the brain and cognitive changes that occur as adults with autism age, and am coordinating a BDIL study to track adults ages 45-60 years.