Translational Neuroscience
 | Wael Asaad Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery My lab is interested in how the frontal cortex and basal ganglia work together to enable rapid learning and highly-contingent decision making. Our methods involve multi-electrode neuronal recordings as well as neurostimulation in human and nonhuman subjects, in both the operative and laboratory settings. We're interested in developing ways to foster or augment learning to improve recovery from neurologic illness or injury. Read More |
 | Sheila Blumstein Professor My research is concerned with delineating the neural basis of language and the processes and mechanisms involved in speaking and understanding. The research methodologies used include behavioral measures of aphasic patients correlated with structural measures of neuropathology and functional neuroimaging of normal subjects. I am interested in how the continuous acoustic signal is transformed by perceptual and neural mechanisms into the sound structure of language, how the sound structure of language maps to the lexicon (mental dictionary), and Read More |
 | Barry Connors Professor and Chair I study the cellular physiology of the mammalian brain. Most of my work centers on the neocortex, which is responsible for thinking, remembering, processing sensory information, and controlling movement. The neocortex is a vast network of interconnected neurons. My research group studies the properties of these neurons, their synaptic connections, and the characteristics of cortical networks. We are also interested in the mechanisms of epileptic seizures. Read More |
 | Daniel Dickstein Associate Professor; Director PediMIND Program The ultimate goal of my research is to identify bio-behavioral markers--scans and tests--that will make the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders starting in childhood better--more specific, targeted, accurate, and earlier. This same approach has revolutionized the war on childhood cancer. Together, we can make a powerful difference! In particular, we have ongoing projects involving (a) bipolar disorder, ADHD, and anxiety, (b) teen suicide and self-cutting (non-suicidal self-injury), and (c) autism spectrum disorders. To learn more, to participate, or to partner in support our Read More |
 | John Donoghue Professor of Neuroscience Our laboratory investigates how the brain turns thought into voluntary behaviors and how that knowledge can be used to help persons with paralysis. We study how populations of neurons represent and transform information as a motor plan becomes movement. This approach has required the creation of a novel recording array to study neural ensembles. With the knowledge we have gained about movement representation, we have translated our findings to a clinical application in which humans with paralysis can use their Read More |
 | Justin Fallon Professor of Medical Science Our lab has two major interests. Duchenne muscular dystrophy strikes one in 3,000 boys. We are currently working to translate our basic science findings into a novel treatment for Duchenne's patients. Second, how do we learn, and why are we so good at it when we are young? Using Fragile X mental retardation as a model, we seek to understand how ephemeral episodes of experience are transformed into stable changes in synaptic architecture and efficacy. Read More |
 | Michael Frank Associate Profressor Read More |
 | Anne Hart Professor of Biology Anne Hart is a neurobiologist who uses genetic and molecular approaches in the small nematode C. elegans to understand the conserved mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disease and nervous system function. She focuses on delineating cellular and molecular pathways pertinent to Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Dr. Hart also studies how animals respond to sensory stimuli, adapt to environmental stress, and mechanisms of aging. Read More |
 | Edward Hawrot Alva O. Way University Professor of Medical Science We pursue biochemical and pharmacological studies aimed at understanding the fundamental structure-function relationship of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). We also study the molecular basis for the highly specific recognition of muscle-type nAChRs by certain snake venom-derived toxins classified as alpha-neurotoxins. More recently, we have used homologous recombination techniques to construct a knock-in mouse in which the alpha3 gene encoding one subtype of neuronal nAChRs has been minimally mutated to impart pharmacological sensitivity to the classic nicotinic antagonist, alpha-bungarotoxin. These Read More |
 | Leigh Hochberg Associate Professor of Engineering Our Laboratory for Restorative Neurotechnology focuses on developing strategies to restore communication, mobility, and independence for people with paralysis or limb loss. In addition to endeavors related to the pilot clinical trial of the BrainGate2 Neural Interface System, we are interested in understanding human intracortical neurophysiology during the planning and production of voluntary movement, and understanding neuronal ensemble function in a variety of neurologic diseases or injuries. Read More |
 | Diane Hoffman-Kim Associate Professor The goal of the Hoffman-Kim laboratory is to understand axon guidance in complex environments and inform biomaterial and tissue engineering strategies for promoting nerve regeneration. We apply engineering techniques to biological systems in vitro to challenge growing neurons with multiple guidance cues, including diffusible factors, substrate-bound molecules, electrical cues, and topographical surface features. Read More |
 | Julie Kauer Professor My laboratory focuses on understanding molecular mechanisms involved in synaptic plasticity and modulation of neuronal excitability using modern electrophysiological techniques in brain slices. Our work is related to understanding fundamental processes in memory, in drug addiction and in chronic pain. Read More |
 | Barry Lester Professor of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Professor of Pediatrics Barry Lester's research is on the study of developmental processes in children at risk. This includes children at risk because of biological factors and children at risk due to social factors. Read More |
 | Diane Lipscombe Professor of Neuroscience We are interested in the cellular mechanisms used to optimize calcium ion channel function. Calcium ion channels regulate many critical neuronal functions including transmitter release, nerve growth, and synaptic plasticity. Our current research focus is on cell-specific alternative splicing in the mammalian nervous system. We study cellular mechanisms that control calcium channel function in normal as well as in disease states, including chronic pain and mental illness. Read More |
 | Albert Lo Associate Professor of Neurology and Associate Professor of Epidemiology • Stroke Robotic Upper Extremity Rehabilitation, Phase II/III Clinical Trials • Multiple Sclerosis Robot-Assisted Neurorehabilitation for Gait * Brain computer interface for communication in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis * Cortical mechanism of freezing in Parkinson's, near infrared-spectroscopy • Robot interventions for Parkinson's Disease Freezing of Gait • Neuroprotection in Multiple Sclerosis and Animal models • Investigations in Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Epidemiology in Rhode Island • Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Impact on Attention, and Motor Control Read More |
 | Eric Morrow Assistant Professor in Biology and Psychiatry & Human Behavior The Morrow lab investigates the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying disorders of cognitive development, such as intellectual disability and autism. The long-term aim of this research is to establish a basic foundation for improved genetic diagnosis and treatment interventions designed to enhance cognitive and functional gains for patients. Because these disorders are highly genetic and in order to identify core molecular mechanisms, genome-wide "forward genetic" strategies to identify genetic mutations have been a principal focus. In complement Read More |
 | Arto Nurmikko Professor Professor Nurmikko carries out research in neuroenginering/neurotechnology, nanophotonics, experimental laser sciences, and active electronic nanomaterials. Topics of interest range from new approaches to brain interfaces combining neural signal detection and neural stimulation of cortical microcircuits, strong light-matter interaction on subwavelength spatial scales, to the development and application of new optoelectronic devices (such as ultraviolet semiconductor sources. Read More |
 | Jerome Sanes Professor of Neuroscience I study brain mechanisms underlying motor control and learning. Several brain regions, including the frontal and parietal lobes, the basal ganglia, and the cerebellum, have involvement in voluntary movements, and these areas become engaged when humans learn and then consolidate new motor skills. Currently, we study these problems with magnetic resonance imaging technology that assesses focal changes in blood flow and by assessing movement patterns while humans perform various movement tasks. Read More |