Robyn Howarth

About Robyn Howarth

Clinical science and brain health executive with 15+ years of experience leading complex neuroscience and rare disease programs at the intersection of patient care, translational research, and systems strategy. I am a dual board-certified neuropsychologist with a rare bedside-to-boardroom vantage point—having supported individuals and families through the most vulnerable phases of neurologic illness and guided them across recovery, reintegration, and long-term follow-up.Across my career, I have led high-performing multidisciplinary teams, developed scalable clinical and translational programs, and translated real-world patient and family experience into enterprise-level strategy, research priorities, and quality improvement initiatives. My leadership spans rare disease, neuroimmunology, neuro-oncology, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and disorders of consciousness across inpatient, outpatient, and clinic (consultation) settings.What differentiates my leadership is the integration of:• Scientific rigor with human-centered decision-making• Knowledgeable, assertive, and empathetic communication• Agility and clear thinking in fast-paced, high-stakes environments• Cross-functional alignment across clinical, scientific, and operational teams• Program and systems development grounded in lived clinical experience• Culture building, talent development, and psychological safetyI have served as a Department Director (Chief) within a large pediatric health system, Associate Professor of Pediatrics (Neurology), and Senior Pediatric Neuropsychologist on the nation’s largest pediatric inpatient rehabilitation unit. In parallel, I lead and collaborate on multi-site NIH and foundation-funded translational research focused on outcomes, biomarkers, recovery trajectories, and regulatory-relevant endpoints in rare neurologic disease.I am energized by mission-driven work that values culture, clarity, cross-functional collaboration, and meaningful patient impact—especially at the intersection of science, clinical care, and innovation.

Experience

1. Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics

   Emory University School of Medicine

   Jan 2023 — Present

   Translational clinical scientist providing scientific and clinical leadership across multi-site NIH and foundation-funded studies in rare disease, neuroimmunology, and brain injury. Mentor clinicians and trainees in outcomes design, translational research, and interdisciplinary collaboration.Highlights:• Lead/partner on multi-site studies focused on outcomes, biomarkers, and recovery• Translate real-world patient experience into research strategy and quality improvement• Develop clinically meaningful, regulatory-aligned endpoints• Mentor clinicians and early-career scientists across neurology and rehabilitation

Education

• University of Iowa

  Ph.D., Counseling Psychology, Pediatric Neuropsychology

  2005 — 2010

• Indiana University Bloomington

  B.A., Psychology/Studio Art

  1995 — 1999

• Teachers College, Columbia University

  Ed.M., Counseling Psychology, Learning dis/Abilities

  2003 — 2005

• University of Denver

  M.A., Education

  2000 — 2002