Stephen R. Hooper
Academic Affiliation
Biographical Statement
The interests of Stephen Hooper, PhD, revolve around training and expertise in child neuropsychology, with specific activities devoted to outreach, research, and clinical endeavors. For more than 25 years, Hooper directed a long-standing Child and Adolescent Neuropsychology Service through the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities where he evaluated and treated children and their families with a wide variety of neurodevelopmental, neurological, neuropsychiatric, and genetic disorders. He currently serves as the Associate Dean and Chair of the Department of Allied Health Sciences in the School of Medicine. The department comprises seven major divisions, and Office of Research, and numerous programs devoted to the broad area of rehabilitation science. His research has focused on increasing the understanding of the neurobiological bases of childhood disorders, with a particular emphasis on phenotypic neurocognitive functioning. To date, he has engaged in numerous research efforts to examine the neurocognitive abilities of children with genetic disorders (Turner Syndrome, 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome), neurodevelopmental disorders (Reading Disabilities, Writing Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder), neuropsychiatric disorders (Early Onset Childhood Schizophrenia, Pediatric Bipolar Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Child Maltreatment, Adolescent Substance Abuse Disorders-Cannabis and Alcohol), neurological disorders (Traumatic Brain Injuries), and chronic health conditions (Low Birth Weight, Chronic Kidney Disease, Pediatric Hypertension). Hooper's research efforts also have led to working on dedicated interventions for improving the phenotypic weaknesses presented in many childhood disorders and using neurocognitive measurement to determine moderation effects and overall treatment effectiveness across pharmacological, cognitive, social-behavioral, and educational interventions. These efforts also have contributed to his teaching of graduate students in the area of pediatric neuropsychology, working with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and Early Childhood Branch of Maternal and Child Health around policies and programs for children with brain injuries, and serving on numerous state and national boards and committees pertaining to children's health.