This year, we proudly celebrate the 25th work anniversary of Kelly McLaughlin, a cornerstone of the Jefferson Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Research Program. Since joining the team in 2001, Kelly has made extraordinary contributions that have shaped both the science and the human impact of our work.
In her time with the Institute, Kelly has contributed to dozens of research projects, spanning large-scale longitudinal outcome studies and clinical trials. Her expertise includes conducting semi-structured interviews on sensitive topics—such as trauma history and self-harm behaviors—and administering and scoring neuropsychological assessments with precision and care. Through this work, she has helped advance scientific understanding of TBI while ensuring that each participant is treated with dignity and respect.
Kelly’s impact extends beyond her own work. She has trained and mentored dozens of research assistants, cultivating the next generation of researchers with patience, thoughtfulness, and high standards. Within the Institute and across the national Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems (TBIMS) network, she is widely recognized as a leader. Her colleagues across the country benefit from her deep expertise in engaging individuals years after brain injury and completing complex research follow-ups with this important and often difficult to reach population.
In her current role as Follow-Up Coordinator for The Jefferson Moss TBI Model System, Kelly manages longitudinal follow-up for more than 1,500 participants who received inpatient rehabilitation for moderate to severe TBI. Each year, she conducts hundreds of follow-up interviews, work that requires not only technical skill but deep empathy and commitment.
For many participants, Kelly has been a consistent presence for decades. She is more than a researcher collecting data; she is a trusted connection. Through her compassionate and nonjudgmental approach, she provides support, listens carefully, and helps connect participants and their families to resources that make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Kelly’s contributions have also shaped the direction of our research. Her insights from years of direct participant engagement have informed key study design decisions and helped guide the evolution of our program.
She is an invaluable member of the TBI team, an exceptional mentor, and an exemplary colleague. Her dedication embodies the mission of our Institute—advancing science while improving lives.
“Kelly is truly the heart of our follow-up program and an irreplaceable member of our team. There is no one more thoughtful, conscientious, or effective in working with research participants and their families. She brings a rare combination of expertise, compassion, and unwavering dedication to everything she does. Kelly is a joy to work with and deeply valued by all of her colleagues. Our team—and the hundreds of individuals and families she supports—are incredibly fortunate to have her. We are grateful for her remarkable contributions over the past 25 years and look forward to all that she will continue to accomplish.”
— Amanda Rabinowitz, PhD
As we celebrate this milestone, we thank Kelly for 25 years of exceptional service, leadership, and compassion. Jefferson Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, and the countless individuals impacted by her work, are profoundly fortunate to have her, and we eagerly anticipate her continued contributions in the years ahead.