Developing novel interventions for psychiatric disorders, personalizing the use of currently available treatments, and bringing these scientific discoveries to clinical practice.

The Schaffert Lab advances understanding of cognitive decline and recovery mechanisms by investigating (1) idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus, focusing on cognitive, neurobiological, and pathophysiological processes that shape impairment and postoperative recovery, and (2) long-term cognitive impairment and dementia following traumatic brain injury, with emphasis on identifying factors associated with persistent deficits, accelerated cognitive aging, and later-life neurodegenerative diagnoses.

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.

The central goal of Dr. Asch's research is to uncover the mechanistic underpinnings of how stress and trauma affect brain function, with a particular emphasis on how these experiences shape mental health outcomes with the aim to contribute to the development of novel interventions designed to mitigate the harmful effects of stress and trauma, foster resilience, and ultimately improve overall 
health and well-being.

Dr. Brunoni's research focuses on developing innovative therapeutic strategies using transcranial direct current stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and other neuromodulation techniques for treating major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, OCD, schizophrenia, and post-COVID cognitive symptoms.

The Ortiz Lab develops advanced mathematical models and AI-driven approaches to understanding mood disorders as dynamic biological systems, works on nonlinear analysis of mood regulation, and integrates wearable technology with personalized treatment frameworks.

The Cullum Lab, led by Dr. Munro Cullum, has three lines of research in the areas of concussion, aging and dementia, and neuropsychological assessment. The lab aims to capture comprehensive longitudinal data on sports-related concussions and other mTBI across the lifespan, with an emphasis on adolescent sport-related injuries. The lab also collaborates with research groups investigating early detection of cognitive impairment later in life as well as sport and military-related traumatic brain injury. 

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.