Stephen Nicholas, a fourth-year clinical psychology doctoral student with a concentration in neuropsychology at William James College, while supporting patients as a psychometrist in the Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology Clinic. Stephen gathers the cognitive concerns of the patient and administers a brief test battery designed by Dr. Barrett to score and formulate the patient’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses. These results prepare the treatment team and supervising clinician to assist with diagnostic clarification and further recommendations. Originally from Chicago, IL, Stephen joined UMass Chan as a graduate research intern working under Sohye Kim, PhD, with her innovative Baby Brain Study in October 2022. He is pursuing dual board certifications in clinical neuropsychology and the sub-specialty of pediatric neuropsychology crediting his initial training in cognitive neuroscience for instilling a passion in career options that clinically investigate brain-behavior relationships with an interest in the impact of adverse childhood experiences on executive functioning, neurocognitive late effects from cancer treatment, and interbrain synchrony using functional near-infrared spectroscopy.
He shares, “I have worked in assessment with both children and adult populations with a variety of psychiatric and medical conditions. Currently, I am completing my advanced practicum training at Brown University Health’s Rhode Island Hospital/Hasbro Children’s Hospital. There, I primarily assess children with epilepsy, various types of cancers, and pre-and-post neurosurgery cases, as well as Chiari I malformation cases.”
As a member of the cognitive neurology clinic, Stephen works closely with a team helping him grow as a neuropsychologist, from both administrative and clinical ends. His journey and involvement in the clinic offer the opportunity to support patients in real-time showing patterns of cognitive dysfunction which can include the monitored administration of the FDA-approved medication, Lacanomab, for qualified patient candidates.
Stephen shares, “I think the role of the psychometrist is fascinating because you can test hypotheses regarding neurocognitive function with real-time patient feedback. Depending on the pattern of findings, the clinician’s interpretation of the results can highlight deficits that are associated to specific neurodegenerative diseases or other conditions. Moreover, within the psychometrist role, you are assessing individuals that are situated in a vulnerable space, and I think it is a privilege to share that space with each patient.” He also recognizes the necessary support needed in caregiver burnout, which weighs on those caring for the patients who are living longer with the treatment solutions associated with cognitive rehabilitation by building skills to increase memory-related skills and supporting the deficits and impairments present in cognitive function.
Stephen is grateful for the direction and training he receives from neuropsychiatrists, Taylor Young, MD, and Joshua Claunch, MD, who have been more than generous with their time by discussing and formulating cases and providing literature to review to further aid in his development as a budding neuropsychologist. Clinic coordinator, Dayna Cardinal, NP, is pivotal in organizing their team, Anila Medina, MD, is a valuable resource in terms of understanding what resources are available to the patients, and AM Barrett, MD, has played a vital role in his development with her vision, knowledgebase, leadership, and teambuilding, which have been remarkable in curating his experience.
When Stephen is not working in clinical care, he enjoys spending free time with his wife, Bich-Nhi, who is a 4th-year medical student at UMass Chan, and their dog, “Ego,” a 4-year-old German Shepherd who is extraordinarily goofy. He also enjoys jogging and poorly playing chess.