Meghan Puglia, PhD
Meghan Puglia, PhD, an associate professor in the Department of Neurology, delivered a TEDxMidAtlantic talk exploring how early experiences shape brain development and what science reveals about raising children in an AI-driven world.
In her talk, Puglia focused on the first 1,000 days of life — a critical window in human development when the brain is especially sensitive to experience. Drawing on research from developmental neuroscience and epigenetics, she explained how early relationships, environments, and interactions help build the foundation for learning, emotional regulation, and long-term health.
Puglia also addressed the growing role of technology and artificial intelligence in family life, encouraging caregivers and communities to think more intentionally about how digital tools fit into children’s development. While technology itself is not inherently harmful, she emphasized that it should complement — not replace — human connection during early development.
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