We use neuroimaging, neuromodulation, and behavioral experimentation to elucidate the brain circuits and mechanisms that support language and cognition, and to understand how these circuits differ in neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism. We are particularly interested in the role of cerebro-cerebellar circuits in language and cognition across development and disorders.
Dr. Rajji focuses on improving cognition in older adults with or at risk for dementia through brain stimulation, with cognitive, functional, and pharmacological modalities.
Dr. Coughlin's Brain Health Program research focuses on molecular neuroimaging techniques, particularly the use of novel radiotracers with positron emission tomography (PET). Her team aims to inform the molecular understanding of neuropsychiatric conditions, and identify novel, precision therapies guided by imaging results.
The Lin Lab studies the transformation of brief experiences into enduring memories, their impact on behaviors, and the differing responses seen in both healthy and diseased conditions. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, our research explores how experience-induced genetic programs establish connections between experiences and synaptic modifications within neural circuits, ultimately driving persistent behavioral changes.
Interventional psychiatry is treatment that combines brain stimulation with medication for difficult-to-treat mental health disorders. At UT Southwestern Medical Center, our psychiatrists have advanced training and expertise in caring for people with treatment-resistant mental health disorders.
We specialize in the latest advances in brain stimulation to bring relief to people who haven’t had success with traditional treatments.
The Gospocic group studies how epigenetic pathways and gene expression regulate brain plasticity in the context of social behavior and aging by working with a unique ant species Harpegnathos saltator. We take a multidisciplinary approach and combine functional genomics, biochemistry, and behavioral assays in H. saltator, as well as the conventional Drosophila and mouse models to expedite genetic screening and provide evolutionary context to identified epigenetic pathways.
Specialty Areas: epigenetics, chromatin biology, gene regulation, social behavior, aging, neurodegeneration
Dr. Chalak’s lab focuses on improving neonatal neurologic care and outcomes for vulnerable babies through the NeuroNICU clinical program, Neonatal Neurology Fellowship, and NIH research program.
The Concussion, Acquired Brain Injury, and Neurodegeneration (CABIN) Laboratory, led by Kristin Wilmoth, Ph.D., investigates best practices for assessment and treatment of concussion and more severe traumatic brain injury, other acquired brain injuries such as stroke, and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. LoBue's BRAIN lab, short for Brain Aging, Injury, and Modulation Lab, has two lines of research in the area of aging and neurodegenerative diseases. The lab investigates the later-in-life effects of traumatic brain injury, which involves understanding the potential risk associated with developing dementia and the underlying biological pathways. The lab also studies the effects of noninvasive brain stimulation in Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders with the goal of informing the development of new treatments.
We investigate how the immune system and gut microbiota influence brain function and behavior. We use molecular, behavioral, anatomical, and immunological approaches in the lab. In parallel, we collaborate with clinical groups to examine the role of inflammatory and gut-brain mediators in psychiatric illness.
The Foster Lab research program represents a “best in class” translational research approach in an enriched, multidisciplinary environment. Foster's academic activities include a strong translational research program, a comprehensive teaching portfolio, science outreach, contribution to local, national, and international peer review and knowledge translation.
