Overview of Research & Areas of Interest/Outcomes Research 

I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine and the Pediatric Psychologist dedicated to the Comprehensive Brain Tumor Clinic in the Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Broadly, my research program focuses on evaluating and improving outcomes in pediatric neuro-oncology. More specifically, I am interested in better understanding those factors related to patient/family outcomes and the promotion of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in pediatric neuro-oncology, especially in the context of molecularly targeted therapies and long-term survivorship. Youth with a brain tumor often require high-intensity and complex medical treatment that may result in late-effects (e.g., physical, mental, and social problems, other chronic health conditions, second cancers). If the goal of medical treatment is to maximize HRQOL, interventions to improve HRQOL and psychosocial functioning are critical to achieving that goal. Understanding and addressing how best to optimize HRQOL and promote resilience and adaptation following a pediatric brain tumor diagnosis are key objectives within my current research program. 

  • Measurement of patient-reported and neurocognitive outcomes of youth with brain tumors receiving active therapy
  • Long-term outcomes of pediatric brain tumor survivors

PI (Department of Defense, Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program, E01) Long-Term Outcomes after Treatment for Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma. 

 

Co-I (National Cancer Institute, R01) Optimizing Outcomes in AYA Survivors of Pediatric Medulloblastoma (PI: King, Georgia State University). 

 

Co-I (Peach Bowl Legacy Fund) Phase II, Prospective Trial of Poly-ICLC (Hiltonol®) Treatment in Children and Young Adults with Progressive Low-Grade Gliomas (PI: Aguilera).  

 

Co-I (Department of Defense USAMRMC/Office of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs) A Phase II Trial of Poly-ICLC for Progressive, Previously Treated Low-Grade Gliomas in Children and Young Adults with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (PI: Aguilera). 

 

Co-I (National Cancer Institute, R01) Pediatric Trial of Indoximod with Chemotherapy and Radiation for Relapsed Brain Tumors or Newly Diagnosed DIPG (PI: Johnson, Augusta University)

 

Co-I (Rising Tide Foundation) Neurocognitive and QoL Outcomes in Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors in Photon and Proton Treated Cohorts (Emory PI: Eaton). 

 

Co-I (Private Foundation Funded) QOL Monitoring of a Follow-Upon Trial (GCC2020) for Patients on GCC1949 Who Have Tumor Progression (PI: Johnson, Augusta University) 

 

PI (CURE Childhood Cancer) Health Related Quality of Life Outcomes during Molecularly Targeted Therapy for the Treatment of Refractory or Progressive Pediatric Brain Tumors. 

  • Heather Gammel, PhD, Psychologist, Memphis VA Medical Center 
  • Paige Lembeck, PhD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine 
  • Amanda (Rach) Gould, PhD, Neuropsychologist, Semmes Murphey 
  • Gabrielle Banks, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Mississippi Medical Center  
  • Trisha Arnold, PhD, Assistant Professor, Alpert Medical School of Brown University   
  • Lauren Weathers, PhD, Psychologist, Private Practice 
  • Camara Murphy, PsyD, Psychologist, Private Practice 
  • Isra Abugroun, MD, Endocrinologist, Valley’s Children’s Healthcare 
  • Naadira Upshaw, PsyD, Assistant Professor, Emory University 
  • Yelena Johnson, PhD, Psychologist, Ochsner Hospital for Children 
  • Mallory (Schneider) Hughes, PhD, Psychologist, Private Practice 
  • Delilah Ellzey, PsyD, Psychologist, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta 
  • Fellowship Site Training Coordinator, Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center, Emory University Postdoctoral Residency Program in Health Service Psychology
  • Fellow, American Academy of Clinical Health Psychology
  • Editorial Board Member, Pediatrics
  • Member, International Guidelines Harmonization Group for Late Effects of Childhood Cancer
  • Member, Behavioral Science Committee, Children’s Oncology Group
  • Member, Quality of Life Committee, Neurofibromatosis Clinical Trial Consortium

Dr. Ingerski also serves as training director for Aflac Psychology. One to two pediatric psychology postdoctoral fellowship positions are available each year in the Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. These postdoctoral positions are part of the larger Emory University School of Medicine Postdoctoral Residency Program in Health Service Psychology and offer advanced clinical and research training in Hematology/Oncology to individuals who have completed an APA-accredited psychology doctoral program and internship and have interest and have experience in a scientist-practitioner-advocate model of pediatric psychology.