Atlanta VAHCS Neuroimaging Leader Inspires Future Researchers at The Lovett School
By Gregory Kendall, Public Affairs Specialist
On March 13, 2026, the Atlanta VA Health Care System continued strengthening its ties with the local community when Mark Vernon, Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation (CVNR) Neuroimaging Core Manager, visited The Lovett School to speak with students.
Vernon’s presentation offered an inside look at how advanced brain imaging technologies are being used to better understand and treat conditions affecting Veterans, including traumatic brain injury, stroke, and other neurocognitive disorders. Students learned how the CVNR integrates cutting-edge imaging tools with clinical research to develop interventions that improve quality of life for those who have served our nation.
“The purpose of my presentation was to encourage high-achieving students who will be attending local universities like Morehouse College, Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Georgia State University to consider Atlanta VA undergraduate internships,” Vernon said. “We want them to see that they don’t have to leave Atlanta to engage in world-class research that directly benefits Veterans.”
Students said the presentation not only expanded their understanding of neuroscience but also opened their eyes to meaningful career paths close to home.
“I didn’t realize that this level of neuroimaging research was happening right here in Atlanta,” said one Lovett senior. “It was inspiring to see how science and service come together to help Veterans, and it definitely made me interested in pursuing research in college.”
Another student added, “Mr. Vernon showed us how research isn’t just about data, it’s about real people. Hearing how these projects directly impact Veterans made the work feel urgent and important.”
In addition to encouraging future internships, Vernon emphasized the broader impact of community engagement.
“I hope this event brought attention from the Atlanta community to the incredible research benefitting Veterans at the Atlanta VA,” he said. “There is groundbreaking work happening here, and it’s important for the community to understand the direct impact it has on those who have served.”
Vernon also noted that outreach efforts like this play a vital role in strengthening research participation.
“We hope the event increased the recruitment pool of potential Veteran participants in the Atlanta community,” he said. “By connecting with families and students, we can spread the word about opportunities for Veterans to participate in studies that provide helpful interventions while also enabling the successful completion of our research projects.”
Finally, Vernon underscored how events like the Lovett presentation help build the next generation of researchers and public servants.
“This event highlighted the Atlanta VA undergraduate internships as a pathway to attract new talent from local universities to work in research and other departments at the Atlanta VA,” Vernon said. “By investing in students here in Atlanta, we’re investing in the future of innovation and in better care for our nation’s Veterans.”
Through continued partnerships with local schools and universities, the Atlanta VAHCS remains committed to advancing scientific discovery while inspiring young scholars to serve Veterans through research, innovation, and community engagement.