This past summer, I had the opportunity to intern for Dr. Culotta at NeuroBehavioral Associates. My time at NeuroBehavioral Associates was one of the most enriching educational experiences I have taken part in. NeuroBehavioral Associates is a neuropsychology office in Columbia, Maryland, that works with children, adolescents, and adults who deal with neurobehavioral and other cognitive disorders.

Three days a week over the course of a month, I commuted from Frederick to Columbia to work as an undergraduate intern at the office. My daily tasks included observing clinical assessments with Dr. Culotta and other colleagues, and the administration of neuropsychological testing. Additionally, I attended IEP (Individualized Education Program) meetings in which I observed Dr. Culotta, various therapists, and other school board administrators interact with families to acquire funding for special education programs.
    
Aside from learning about neuropsychology through observing the clinical environment and meetings with patients, I also had the chance to learn about the field by reading through many of Dr. Culotta’s books and PowerPoint presentations. By reading through these presentations, I learned a wide variety of things–from how the dyslexic brain works to neurological changes in the brain during adolescence.

While at NeuroBehavioral Associates, I also had the opportunity to work on a research project to prepare a paper for submission to the Eastern Psychological Association’s annual conference in New York this March. Dr. Griffith and I examined the literature regarding symptom magnification, malingering, and adolescence. This is an important issue given the rates of juvenile crime and emerging research regarding the teen brain.
 
My internship with Dr. Culotta and NeuroBehavioral Associates taught me a lot about the psychological field and helped me further map out my future career plans. By observing and working with families, children, and colleagues, I have gained knowledge, communication skills, and advice that will help me later in my educational and professional career.