One of the greatest strengths of the Tarjan Center is the expertise of our diverse faculty. Many faculty members also conduct research at the renowned UCLA Mental Retardation Research Center. They take an active leadership role in the development, implementation and evaluation of new ideas and promising practices in community and clinical settings. Their research, in the biological, behavioral, and social sciences provides essential knowledge about human development. In addition, Tarjan Center faculty members teach graduate students and mentor Tarjan Center trainees in specific areas related to developmental disabilities and dual diagnosis.
If you are interested in learning more about the Clinical Trials that Tarjan Center faculty conduct and would like to participate, please visit the Clinical Trials page or Contact Us for detailed information.

Dr. Eileen Fowler evaluates children and adults at the UCLA/Orthopedic Hospital Center for Cerebral Palsy in weekly clinics and in the Gait Analysis Laboratory. Dr. Fowler's research evaluates the effect of exercise and pharmacological agents on spasticity in persons with cerebral palsy and prosthetic gait in persons with congenital disabilities. New treatments aimed at diminishing spasticity and other movement disorders such as BOTOX and interthecal baclofen are provided through the clinic. She also contributes to the Duchennes Muscular Dystrophy Research and Treatment Center, a joint program with Physiological Science and Pediatrics.

Dr. James McCracken, M.D., investigates the biological aspects of major psychiatric illnesses in children and adolescents. One approach is the application of brain imaging techniques to examine changes in brain structure and function in children and adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Currently, Dr. McCracken and colleagues are investigating the safety and efficacy of a variety of treatments for children and adolescents with autism and ADHD. He also carries out research in the area of pediatric psychopharmacology.

Dr. Mary O'Connor is engaged in research designed to assess the cognitive and socioemotional development of children from high risk pregnancies. Specifically, Dr. O'Connor conducts research on the prevention of prenatal alcohol exposure and on the socioemotional sequelae of such exposure. Dr. O'Connor has a NIAAA grant to train nutritionists at WIC to identify and intervene with pregnant women who are drinking. She also has done extensive research on psychiatric disturbance, mother child interaction, and attachment relations in children with exposure to alcohol in utero.