My NeuroParenting Origin Story

Being a mom is super important to me.

Way back in college (“in the 1900’s” as the kids say), I had the privilege to work with the amazing Dr. Kelly Lambert and Dr. Craig Kinsley on a project that got published in Nature: Motherhood Improves Learning and Memory. (maiden name Lowry if you’re looking for me) It was awesome. They got interviewed by all sorts of press and even Leno made a joke on Late Night television about whether motherhood makes you smarter. It was inspirational to work long hours in the lab on projects that the general public was interested in. It launched my lifelong passion for everyday neuroscience.

Years later, I returned to Kelly’s lab as a postdoctoral researcher studying the effects of parenting on the brain (this time in fathers!). I later shifted back to my main research agenda on stress, but meanwhile my husband worked with Kelly and Craig on motherhood - research he continues to this day. My mentors -my “science parents”- became his, and subsequently improved the lives of the hundreds of students my husband teaches.

Dr. Franssen and her daughter; image published in Richmond Family Magazine with Franssen's article “You are special… but just like everyone else”

And for those of you keeping score… yup, that’s right: my developmental biologist husband and I are supposedly experts on parenthood. And let me tell you… the universe likes to laugh at experts. Let’s just say that we both are still learning! Our two daughters have presented any number of challenges over the years. Academic adjustments, athletic pursuits, medical adventures, visible and invisible differences, and so much more. Because of all this, my family weaves itself into my writing and speaking. More than just anecdotes, these stories give me an opportunity to reflect on the neuroscience, psychology, and biology that underlie everyday life.

Being a mom inspires me to be a neuroscientist for everyone.