Publications
Alcohol Use and Brain Connectivity in Youth
This study used nine years of fMRI data. It examined how recent alcohol use affects salience network connectivity in adolescents and young adults. The study revealed age- and sex-specific patterns of brain development.
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I advised on historical data use and guided measure selection across nine years of longitudinal data. I coordinated the study behind this analysis. I led participant retention through strong relationships and thoughtful environment design. I ensured consistent, high-quality data collection through staff training. I also supported final edits and quality checks for the presentation.
Stress, Control, and the Adolescent Brain
This study used fMRI to examine how perceived control over stress affects brain responses in adolescents. It revealed that feeling in control may buffer the impact of stress on brain development.
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I helped guide data selection by clarifying past study protocols and identifying which measures to use for analysis. I retained participants over multiple years by building strong rapport and creating user-friendly, supportive research spaces. I also assisted with final manuscript edits to ensure clarity and consistency.
Cognitive Control and Substance Use in Adolescence
This study explored how teens with better cognitive control were less likely to begin using substances. It also found that lower sensitivity to reward contributed to this outcome. This offers insight into early risk factors for addiction.
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I refined and edited the manuscript to improve clarity and accessibility for early-career researchers. I ran MRI sessions and advised on historical measures. I helped ensure consistency across longitudinal data. This was done by conducting regular quality assessments and training staff vigorously. To support retention, I built strong participant relationships and maintained a welcoming, user-friendly study environment.
Developmental Disruption: Binge Drinking and White Matter Maturation
This project examined how binge drinking during adolescence affects brain development. It focused on the white matter, which helps different parts of the brain communicate. We used MRI scans and found that teens who started binge drinking had different brain growth patterns. These differed from those who didn’t start binge drinking. This could mean that alcohol delays healthy brain development.
See my contribution
I ran MRI sessions, substance use interviews, and supported participant follow-up. I processed all diffusion imaging data using AFNI and custom Linux scripts. I also contributed to writing and editing the final scientific poster presented at the Research Society on Alcohol (RSA) conference.
Kalene Savage 