Professor Stephen Hooper

Professor Hooper’s interests revolve around pediatric neuropsychology, with specific activities devoted to outreach, research and clinical endeavors. For 26 years, he directed a long-standing Child and Adolescent Neuropsychology Service at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine where he saw children and their families with a wide variety of neurodevelopmental and acquired neurological disorders.

What are you most excited by when it comes to child development?
I am most excited about the potential that exists in young children and the malleability of their brain maturity with positive influences.

What is the best way for parents to make learning fun for their children?
One strategy here is to create a positive, supportive environment where curiosity can flourish and to facilitate the development of all kinds of social, cognitive, and academic skills. Indeed, if the fun is missing, then learning is at-risk by becoming a burden.

What is the most rewarding part of your research?
I truly enjoy asking scientifically-based questions and advancing the science. I also enjoy working with my faculty, staff, and students to promote their own development.

UTM-EM-055-APR-21