Jack Hedges has been named as the 2026 recipient of the Dr. Susan Wilson Award. The award will support Jack’s attendance and poster presentations at the 2026 American Clinical Neurophysiology Society (ACNS) annual meeting.
Jack joined the Neurosciences Clinical Trials Unit (NCTU) in 2025 as a Clinical Research Coordinator after completing his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at UNC, where he gained experience in both clinical psychology and neuroscience laboratories. In his current role, he works closely with Dr. Clio Rubinos coordinating studies focused on acute symptomatic seizures, status epilepticus, continuous EEG monitoring and Global health neurology and with Dr. Julia Carlson, in acute brain injury and post-traumatic neuropsychiatric outcomes. His work contributes to advancing our understanding of how neurological injury affects epileptogenesis, neuropsychology outcomes and long-term recovery.
At the American of Clinical Neurophysiology Society, Jack will present two posters that reflect his growing commitment to global neurophysiology research and equitable access to care. His first project, Global Survey of EEG Access and Practice in Spanish-Speaking Regions, examines disparities in access to continuous EEG monitoring, practice patterns, and barriers to standardized interpretation across Spanish-speaking countries. His second project, Exploring Neurodiagnostic Training Across the Globe: Results of an International Survey, highlights international variability in technologist training and certification, underscoring the need for standardized education and workforce development to support high-quality neurophysiology care worldwide. Furthermore, he will be attending the Critical Care Monitoring Research Consortium to meet with collaborators to further strengthen international and national collaborations with institutions and investigators working towards similar goals in global neurology and neurodiagnostic capacity-building.
In addition to his work in the NCTU, Jack is a trainee in UNC’s PRISM (Postbaccalaureate Research Intensive in Science and Medicine) program, which prepares recent graduates for entry into competitive biomedical PhD programs. Through PRISM and his clinical research experience, Jack continues to build a strong interdisciplinary foundation that integrates neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral science.
Jack’s long-term goal is to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology or cognitive neuroscience, focusing on cognitive health across conditions such as addiction, brain injury, trauma, and behavioral change in general. He is particularly interested in how neurobiological and psychological approaches, ranging from neuromodulation and pharmacology to cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based interventions, can be combined to improve patient outcomes. He is also deeply committed to promoting equitable access to high-quality neurological and mental health care across diverse socioeconomic and global contexts.
Jack is grateful to be part of the NCTU and appreciates the mentorship and support of his colleagues and leadership. He is especially thankful for the legacy of Dr. Susan Wilson, whose commitment to professional development continues to create opportunities for early-career researchers. Receiving the Dr. Susan Wilson Award is both an honor and a meaningful investment in Jack’s continued growth as a clinician-scientist dedicated to improving brain health and access to care worldwide.