Sepideh Sadaghiani

Sepideh Sadaghiani is an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, holding roles in Psychology, Bioengineering, Neuroscience Program, and the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies. She is affiliated with the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology and the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. Her research focuses on large-scale neurocognitive networks, cognitive control, and intrinsic functional connectivity. She earned her Ph.D. from the International Max Planck Research School in Germany/France and completed postdoctoral training at Stanford University and UC Berkeley.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Neural and Behavioral Sciences, International Max Planck Research School (2007–2010)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Stanford University (2015)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, UC Berkeley (2010–2014)

Research Interests:
Her lab investigates how large-scale brain networks mediate cognitive functions like alertness and attention. Key areas include modulatory roles of cognitive control networks, functional roles of intrinsic neural activity, and integration of techniques like fMRI, EEG, and genetic analyses. Recent work explores how neurotransmitter genotypes and connectome dynamics influence cognition and behavior.

Scientific Contributions:
Her 37+ publications span neuroimaging methodologies, connectome dynamics, and neurogenetics. Notable work includes developing a network correspondence toolbox for neuroimaging and studying Zika virus impacts on brain structure.

Awards:

• NSF CAREER Award (2023)

Labs and Collaborations:
She leads interdisciplinary research teams at the Beckman Institute and collaborates globally on neuroimaging and network analysis. Her lab emphasizes translational studies in healthy and neurological populations.