Cortney Simmons, PhD
About Cortney Simmons, PhD
Cortney Simmons, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Yale University, specializing in adolescent brain development and its implications for juvenile justice policies. She completed her PhD in Psychological Science at the University of California, Irvine, where she also earned a Master's degree in Social Ecology.
Postdoctoral Researcher at Yale University
Cortney Simmons has been serving as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Yale University since 2020. In this role, she investigates the intersection of adolescent brain development and juvenile justice policies. Her research aims to apply findings from neuroscience to inform practices within the juvenile justice system. At Yale, she collaborates with colleagues in the Mechanisms of Disinhibition (MOD) Lab and the Fundamentals of the Adolescent Brain (FAB) Lab, contributing to ongoing studies that address critical issues in adolescent development.
Education and Expertise
Cortney Simmons earned her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychological Science from the University of California, Irvine, where she studied from 2014 to 2020. Prior to her PhD, she obtained a Master of Arts (MA) in Social Ecology from UC Irvine from 2014 to 2016. Her undergraduate studies were completed at Rice University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology and Kinesiology from 2010 to 2014. This educational background provides her with a strong foundation in psychological research and adolescent development.
Research and Publications
In her research career, Cortney Simmons has focused on adolescent brain development, particularly how it relates to juvenile justice policies. She prepares publications and presents her findings at national conferences, contributing to the broader academic discourse on these topics. Her involvement in the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study allows her to analyze data that informs her research and enhances her understanding of adolescent behavior and brain function.
Previous Experience at UC Irvine
Before her current role at Yale University, Cortney Simmons worked at the University of California, Irvine. She served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant from 2014 to 2015, where she supported faculty in delivering course content and assisted students in their learning. Additionally, she has been a Graduate Student Researcher at UC Irvine since 2015, engaging in research projects that align with her academic interests in psychological science and social ecology.