Biography
Dr. Maxwell received a B.S. degree in Biology (2003) from St. Ambrose University. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree (2009) from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine. Following her MD degree, she completed her pediatric residency at MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University. After completing her chief residency year, she completed her neonatology fellowship at the University of New Mexico, where she is now faculty. Dr. Maxwell is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in General Pediatrics and by the American Board of Pediatrics in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine.
Personal Statement
As a neonatologist and clinician scientist, I am in a unique position to recognize deficits in our knowledge about the pathophysiology of diseases and treatments of infants in the hospital setting and investigate questions in the laboratory that could help close these gaps. I am dedicated to improving the long-term outcomes of infants born preterm or ill, specifically for infants born with prenatal exposures.
Areas of Specialty
Neonatology
Prenatal exposures including alcohol, opiates, and cannabinoids
Certifications
The American Board of Pediatrics, General Pediatrics
The American Board of Pediatrics, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
Certified Examiner for NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale I and II
Achievements & Awards
Awarded outstanding mentorship for fellow research, Department of Pediatrics, 2020.
Certified examiner in the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale II, 2020.
Selected participant in the American Academy of Pediatrics Advocacy Pilot Initiative, 2020.
Certified examiner in NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale, 2019.
Selected participant in the Society for Pediatric Research Peer Grant Writing Group, 2018 - 2019.
Awarded Distinguished Faculty in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 2018.
Selected participant in the Society for Pediatric Research Young Investigator Coaching Program, 2017-2020.
Selected participant in the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science Workshop, 2017.
Western Society for Pediatric Research Mead Johnson Nutrition Junior Faculty Travel Award, 2017.
Languages
- English
Research and Scholarship
Dr. Maxwell’s primary research interests include the impact of prenatal exposures on the developing brain. Specifically, she investigates the effects of exposure to alcohol and/or opioids in utero on the structure and microstructure of the brain, as well as the impact this has on long-term neurodevelopmental function. Utilizing preclinical models, she is able to employ translational modes of investigation including Touchscreen behavior testing and Magnetic Resonance Imaging to detect subtle changes in cognitive functioning and organization of brain structure. She also investigates dendritic complexity in the frontal cortex, a region known to impact cognitive abilities. Dr. Maxwell is involved in the New Mexico Alcohol Research Center, IDeA States Pediatric Clinical Trials, and is a co-investigator in the Ethanol, Neurodevelopment, Infant and Child Health (ENRICH-2) clinical study. Dr. Maxwell is also the site co-PI for the ACT NOW clinical trials and the director of research for the division of neonatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/jessie.maxwell.1/bibliography/public/