Center scientists explore the long-term and complex effects of TBI through research that goes beyond clinical settings and into everyday life. They prioritize outcomes that are most important to individuals and families, such as real-world participation, well-being, and recovery across the lifespan.
The Center partners with individuals living with TBI, their families, and the broader community to ensure research is grounded in real‑world experience. This collaborative approach leads to studies that address everyday challenges and findings that are relevant, practical, and meaningful.
Researchers study attention, learning, memory, and executive function, with a focus on how cognitive challenges affect daily activities such as managing responsibilities, maintaining relationships, and returning to school or work. Interventions are designed to translate cognitive gains into meaningful improvements in everyday life.
Traumatic brain injury can affect emotional regulation, motivation, and mental stamina. The Center conducts research on emotional processing, fatigue, and effort to better understand how these factors influence recovery, participation, and quality of life. This work informs interventions that support emotional well‑being and sustained engagement in daily activities.
Beyond symptom reduction, the Center prioritizes research that addresses overall well‑being. Studies examine life satisfaction, resilience, and psychosocial health, including interventions that can be delivered remotely or in community settings to support individuals living with TBI over time.
Traumatic brain injury affects not only individuals, but also families and caregivers. Through collaborative research initiatives, the Center examines caregiver experiences and develops strategies and resources that support long‑term adjustment, coping, and quality of life for care partners.
Center Leadership
Center Leadership
As part of a federally designated Traumatic Brain Injury Model System, the Northern New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury System (NNJTBIS), our scientists contribute to national, multi‑site research and follow individuals with TBI over time to better understand long‑term outcomes. Findings are shared through clinical partnerships, professional education, and accessible publications to ensure that research informs care, services, and decision‑making.
To improve a person’s ability to learn and remember new information, researchers here established a memory retaining treatment protocol using context and imagery. This cost-effective, drug-free, computer methodology is called Kessler Foundation modified Story Memory Technique (KF-mSMT®). Ongoing studies show significant improvement in persons with TBI, especially on memory tasks. KF-mSMT was developed by Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, and team. It is available for clinical use in English and Spanish.
Read or Listen to Brainwaves, Our TBI Newsletter
Applying Exercise to Improve Memory in Traumatic Brain Injury
This study compares the effects of two, 12-week exercise programs (aerobic cycling or stretching-and-toning) combined with memory retraining on cognitive (thinking) performance in people with traumatic brain injury.
More than five million Americans with TBI need long-term help with daily activities, most often provided by family caregivers whose own health and well-being can be negatively affected by the demands of care. Research focused on caregiver needs is helping families manage these challenges, strengthen their resilience, and provide better support for loved ones living with brain injury.
Real-Life Science Connects Our Research to Everyday Life
Center Team
Our Traumatic Brain Injury Scientists in Action
