Laura Chaddock-Heyman, PhD

Laura Chaddock-Heyman, PhD is a fitness enthusiast and neuroscientist who studies how aerobic fitness and physical activity relate to the brain and cognition across the lifespan. She was the #1 singles tennis player and one of the top scholar-athletes at Haverford College. She completed her PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience at the Beckman Institute at the University of Illinois.

She has published many research articles in scientific journals, and her work has made significant contributions to the fields of brain development, brain plasticity, and cognitive neuroscience. For example, using magnetic resonance imaging and behavioral techniques, she has shown that aerobic fitness relates to cognition, brain structure, brain function, and white matter microstructural integrity in children. She has also explored the effects of a 9-month physical activity program on the cognitive and brain health of preadolescent children and the relationship among aerobic fitness, physical activity, and brain health across the lifespan.

Laura is passionate about health and science—and being a mom to her eight-year-old daughter, Lexi. Laura and Lexi love to run and play outside, and they love to swim! Laura writes her research papers and articles on her walks. She personally and professionally believes in the importance of movement for the body and brain.

To contact Laura Chaddock-Heyman, e-mail her at laurachaddockheyman@gmail.com or connect with her on Linkedin.