Doctors examining a newborn in a hospital crib, with a caregiver standing nearby

How Is The Pediatric Neurotrauma Lab Leading Innovative Research?

The Pediatric Neurotrauma Lab, co-directed by Andrew Reisner, MD and Laura Blackwell, PhD, is a multi-institutional collaboration between Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University. Our mission is to establish a basic science research program focused on pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI). We work to improve the health and quality of life of children living with acute neurological injuries, specifically TBI


Through our large volume of pediatric neurotrauma patients, we use translational research to improve patient care. We collaborate with local and national researchers of all disciplines to advance the understanding and treatment of TBI.

The Pediatric Neurotrauma Lab’s mission

Our Mission is to facilitate research that can improve the treatment and outcomes of traumatic brain injuries in children.


Areas of Study include:

  • Concussions
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Biomarkers from acquired Brain Injury
  • Firearm Injuries
  • Health Disparities & Social Determinants of Health

Dedicated to our patients

Dedicated to students

WFNS 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa

INTS 2024 in Cambridge, UK

NNS 2025 in Philadelphia, PA

Meet the team

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Ongoing Studies
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Publications
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Patients Enrolled
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Collaborating Hospitals & Academic Centers

Patient Stories & Highlights

Nellie's story

Saydee’s story

2015 November Comeback Athlete: Holland Carlton

Read the Latest Research News from PNL

Pediatric Neurotrauma Lab at three neurotrauma meetings in Cartagena, Colombia
By PNL TEAM • November 10, 2026
The Pediatric Neurotrauma Lab delivered 17 scientific contributions and two invited plenary lectures across three top neurotrauma conferences in Cartagena, Colombia.
Pediatric Neurotrauma Lab presenting at the SBNS 100th Anniversary Meeting
By PNL TEAM • November 10, 2026
The Pediatric Neurotrauma Lab gave five talks at the SBNS 100th Anniversary Meeting in London, including an invited lecture on biomarkers in children’s brain injury.
PNL team presents pediatric concussion and traumatic brain injury research at the 2026 conference in
By PNL TEAM • September 15, 2026
The PNL team presented research on pediatric concussion, traumatic brain injury, gunshot wounds and injury detection at the 2026 conference in Atlanta.
Dr. Laura Blackwell speaking at the Pediatric Brain Injury Conference in Calgary
By PNL TEAM • July 23, 2026
Dr. Laura Blackwell spoke at the sixth Biennial Conference on Pediatric Brain Injury in Calgary, presenting on biomarkers in the new TBI classification for children.
Dr. Blackwell and Jai Trivedi at the 2026 Neurotrauma Symposium
By PNL TEAM • July 23, 2026
Dr. Laura Blackwell and Jai Trivedi presented research at the 2026 National Neurotrauma Society Symposium in Milwaukee on pediatric brain injury care and assessment.
Dr Reisner honored Children's Healthcare Atlanta patients staff Braves game
By PNL TEAM • July 23, 2026
Dr. Reisner honored Children's Healthcare of Atlanta patients and staff at Braves on July 21 2026. He stepped onto field during the green out in the 8th inning time.