Union County Commission honors KF scientist with Women of Excellence Award

Neuropsychologist Helen Genova, Ph.D, a scientist in Neuropsychology & Neuroscience Research at Kessler Foundation, recognized for excellence in health sciences by Union County Commission

Helen Genova, PhD, research scientist at Kessler Foundation, received a Women of Excellence Award in Health Sciences from the Union County Commission on the Status of Women. In the Foundation's Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Laboratory, she investigates the effects of multiple sclerosis (MS) and traumatic brain injury on cognitive function with grant funding.

"It feels wonderful to win the award," said Dr. Genova. "Professional women have so many roles to play. They have to balance motherhood, careers, home life, etc., so I'm excited to be a recipient of an award that celebrates women and values what they do."

With her first research grant from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Dr. Genova is studying cognitive fatigue in individuals with MS. With cognitive fatigue, individuals tire easily when performing tasks that involve thinking and learning, which can adversely affect their ability to work and perform the usual activities of daily life. "For years, scientists have had to relay solely on subjective reports of fatigue," said Dr. Genova. "We're hoping that with our innovative approach of using functional MRI to study brain function, we will come closer to a better and more effective way of studying this debilitating symptom."

A second grant funds a pilot study using diffuser tensor imaging to identify whether damage to the brain's white matter correlates with cognitive decline in individuals with MS. Dr. Genova's aim is to develop more effective strategies for maintaining cognition and quality of life.