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NIH Record - National Institutes of Health

Cernich Named NICHD Deputy Director

Dr. Alison Cernich

Dr. Alison Cernich is NICHD's deputy director.

Dr. Alison Cernich was sworn in as NICHD’s deputy director on Sept. 3 Since 2015, she has served as director of NICHD’s National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research (NCMRR), overseeing a $72 million research portfolio aimed at improving the health and well-being of people with disabilities. As NCMRR director, she also played a major role in developing the congressionally mandated NIH Rehabilitation Research Plan in 2018, an effort that included coordination with 17 ICs and several external stakeholders.

Cernich is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, with expertise in cognitive neuroscience. Prior to joining NICHD, she served as deputy director of the VA’s Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, where she coordinated prevention, education, research and clinical care efforts for service members and veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injury.

Over the last 2 years, Cernich has been instrumental in the planning and development of NICHD’s strategic plan. She has also represented NICHD on several large trans-NIH programs, including All of Us and the HEAL (Helping to End Addiction Long-term) Initiative.

“I am inspired by the mission of NICHD and look forward to advancing it with our team and our community,” she said.

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