Research Areas

Invasive Approach to Model Human Cortex-Basal Ganglia Action-Regulating Networks

Action regulation and suppression are key parts of everyday behavior. In this study, we explore the action suppression during selection, conflict and stopping. We take advantage of deep brain stimulation surgery for Parkinson’s disease, to obtain cortical and BG recordings across 3 action suppression tasks (self-paced movement, Eriksen Flanker task, and stop signal).

Motor Network Physiology Characterization during Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery

Through this research, we will take advantage of the unique opportunity provided by awake deep brain stimulation surgery to learn more about how the brain functions in a diseased state and how deep brain stimulation changes these networks to normalize movement.

Imaging Correlates of Thalamic Deep Brain Stimulation Outcomes

The purpose of the study is to understand and assess outcomes of imaging parameters associated with degree of response to DBS.

Imaging Correlates of Depression on Parkinson's Disease Patients

The purpose of the study is to understand and assess imaging correlates of depression in patients with Parkinson's disease that have undergone deep brain stimulation.

Optimizing a Visual Speller

This study aims to optimize a visual speller based on brain computer interface (BCI) technology for people who are physically impaired. The current iteration of the visual speller is still relatively slow, so this research aims to improve information throughput.

Brain Implant for Neural Control of a Computer

The investigators objective is to run human clinical trials in which brain activity recorded through a "brain-chip" implanted in the human brain can be used to provide novel communication capabilities to severely paralyzed individuals by allowing direct brain-control of a computer interface. A prospective, longitudinal, single-arm early feasibility study will be used to examine the safety and effectiveness of using a neural communication system to control a simple computer interface and a tablet computer. Two subjects will be enrolled, each implanted with the NCS for a period of 53 weeks. The study is expected to take two years in total.

Feasibility of Stimulating the Visual Cortex in Blind

The main purposes of this study are to confirm the desired location to implant a device in the visual cortex, determine the amount of energy needed to elicit vision, and assess the nature of the vision that is produced. This information is important to have early in the process of designing a visual cortical prosthesis that could eventually be used for commercial use.

Focused Ultrasound Project

Our goal is to understand the predictive value of probabilistic tractography guided thalamic targeting for MR-guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy for essential tremor by defining how tractography-defined targets, lesion size, location, and clinical outcomes interrelate.

Electroconvulsive Therapy Project

Our goal is to investigate the depression network of major depression patients before and after their Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) treatment (baseline, at the completion of ECT index, and 6 months after ECT). Investigate the structural connectivity of Subcallosal Cingulate Cortex to medial prefrontal cortex, ventral striatum, and anterior cingulate cortex areas. Examine if there is a structural connectivity pattern at baseline that responders to the treatment present. Investigate the alterations on structural connectivity that treatment cause.