The Systems Neurodevelopment Laboratory (SNL) is part of the Intramural Research Program at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in Bethesda, Maryland.  The Laboratory is composed of four independent research groups studying topics related to basic brain function and the biological basis of mental health disorders.   

David Leopold, Ph.D., Section on Cognitive Neurophysiology and Imaging

James Bourne Ph.D., Section on Cellular and Cognitive Neurodevelopment

Soohyun Lee, Ph.D., Unit on Functional Neural Circuits

Toby Merson, Ph.D., Oligodendroglial Interactions Group

The SNL group was founded in 2024. Each research team within the Laboratory applies methods to investigate the pivotal role of neurodevelopment in the establishment, refinement, and organizational principles of functional brain systems. The research in SNL places particular emphasis on brain systems most relevant for human cognition and neural circuits known to be altered in human disease.  With a focus on neurodevelopment, the group fosters multiple collaborations with other NIH groups, including the Section on Behavioral Neuroscience, Laboratory of Neuropsychology, and the Laboratory of Sensorimotor Research .