Karin Schon

Dr. Schon received her doctorate from the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Boston University in 2005. Her dissertation focused on functional neuroimaging studies of working memory and long-term memory formation under the mentorship of Prof. Chantal Stern. She then continued her work with Prof. Stern as a Postdoc. In 2010 she received a Pathway to Independence Career Development Award from the National Institute on Aging to investigate the effects or cardio-respiratory fitness and exercise on the function and structure of the medial temporal hippocampal memory system, and since then has expanded her research to focus on chronic stress.

Dr. Schon’s research interests are centered on brain plasticity and modulators of the medial temporal hippocampal and prefrontal systems in humans across the lifespan. Currently, her research focuses on the role of aging, chronic psychosocial and physiological stress, physical activity and cardio-respiratory fitness as modulators of cognitive function and brain integrity across the lifespan. She uses functional and structural MRI, biomarker assays, surveys, neuropsychological assessments, and exercise physiology methods.

Click here to read a BU Today feature from April 2016 about Dr. Schon’s research on exercise and brain function in aging.

Lab: Brain Plasticity and Neuroimaging Laboratory

CV: Karin Schon, PhD– CV