Valerie Burgess is a Staff Research Associate at the UCLA Brain Mapping Center. Valerie graduated from the University of Southern California with a dual Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Science and English. She coordinates the GENDAAR ACE multisite study investigating sex differences in the brain development of autistic individuals through adolescence and early adulthood. Her research and clinical interests include developing interventions to support healthy identity formation in underserved adolescents and resilience against early life stressors throughout the lifespan. Outside of the lab, she volunteers as a Behavioral Coach for the UCLA PEERS Clinic and enjoys writing, yoga, and exploring Southern California.