Research

Research Projects

A large disconnect remains between how neuromodulation approaches affect single cells and how these perturbations translate to network function and ultimately to behavior. To meet these challenges, significant efforts are needed in: (1) identification of biomarkers of disease and therapy (i.e. knowing where, what, and how to stimulate); (2) development of technologies that deliver more spatial, temporal, cell-type, and patient-specific stimulation; (3) development of techniques to perform functional readouts with neuromodulation therapy; (4) improvement in device-tissue interfaces with the goal of making neuromodulation therapies safer, less invasive, and more stable over time.

Translational research projects will be designed by the trainee in consultation with her/his co-mentors. Project aims are expected to have a basic neuroscience or neuroengineering component that can be conducted in preclinical animal models or cell lines, and a translational component that involves participation in a clinical study. The latter will be facilitated through a clinical immersion in which trainees will be able to shadow our clinical program faculty in the operating room and in post-operative settings as part of their clinical studies, as well as in many cases help lead aspects of an ongoing or future clinical study evaluating a new neuromodulation approach in humans.

While each trainee will likely research a different nervous system disorder and different neuromodulation modalities (e.g. electrical stimulation, optogenetics, focused ultrasound, etc.), the cohort will be unified in their goals of addressing the four challenges stated above. Our training plan is structured to provide integrated hands-on educational experiences as a cohort of trainees and individualized mentorship tailored to each trainee’s career goals.

Research Topics