Brad Ferguson MA, PhD

Brad Ferguson, PhD, is an assistant research professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Missouri School of Medicine. His research focuses on co-occurring conditions in autism spectrum disorder, with particular emphasis on gastrointestinal symptoms, anxiety, autonomic regulation and the physiological stress response. Dr. Ferguson is involved in multiple clinical trials focused on autism and is especially interested in identifying objective biomarkers that can improve understanding of symptom heterogeneity and treatment response.

Dr. Ferguson uses a multimodal research approach that includes heart rate variability, skin conductance, MRI/fMRI, salivary- and blood-based biomarkers, ELISA, wearable technologies, behavioral questionnaires and ecological assessment methods. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of neuroscience, physiology, clinical research and digital health tools to better understand real-world functioning in neurodevelopmental conditions.

Dr. Ferguson is also a research collaborator at the University of Missouri Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment, a faculty member in the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program at MU and a faculty member in the MU Honors College. His research has been supported by the United States Department of Defense, Autism Speaks, the Autism Treatment Network, the Autism Research Intervention Network on Physical Health, the National Academy of Neuropsychology, the Autism Research Institute and the MU Coulter Biomedical Accelerator Program.

He enjoys interdisciplinary collaboration, teaching and mentoring trainees at all stages of their educational and professional development.

Outside of his academic work, Dr. Ferguson enjoys volunteering with Cub Scouts, fly fishing, hunting, camping and spending time outdoors in the Missouri Ozarks.