Bernat to run marathon to benefit pediatric epilepsy research organization 

West Virginia University School of Medicine Assistant Professor D.J. Bernat, Ph.D., is ready to run beyond his normal duties of teaching and caring for his patients to raise money for an organization that will benefit the world around him. 

Dr. Bernat is set to run in the 2026 Boulderthon in Boulder, Colorado, later this September to raise money for the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium (PERC), an organization he’s been a part of for about two years. PERC contributes to continuing pediatric epilepsy research to help improve the lives of children living with epilepsy. 

Bernat said he heard about PERC through his fellowship at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and decided to join the organization to increase his ability to conduct and participate in research and maintain his focus on his clinical duties. 

“I don’t have a ton of dedicated research time, so being able to have easy access to data and collaborate with other people is really helpful,” Bernat said. 

Bernat added that he believes in the work that PERC does to increasing knowledge around pediatric epilepsy, and specifically in how it helps him in his role as a neuropsychologist at WVU Medicine treating children and adolescents with different medical conditions that affect their thinking and learning skills.  

That’s the reason he decided to participate in the marathon to give back to the organization that gives him and patients so much, teaming up with 10 other runners and raising money for the PERC organization. 

“PERC has a really great mentorship program where they pair you with a more experienced mentor and they help you learn how to incorporate research into your clinical work,” Bernat said. “It’s just a really great group of people I enjoy working with.” 

Bernat has been involved in running since his cross-country days in high school. Since moving to Morgantown, he has been involved in running to be active and meet people, joining WeRun Morgantown, a running group. Now he’s run a couple of half-marathons and one full marathon, the Boulderthon will be his second. 

The 2026 Boulderthon takes place September 27, 2026, in Boulder, Co., and the PERC team can raise money until October 31, about a month after the event takes place. Those interested in supporting Bernat can reach out to him for their options.