Find Academic Supervisors

Sarah E. BeriniView profile

Research Fellow

• Neurology
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Autonomic Disorders
• +4 more

Sarah E. Berini, M.D., is a neurologist and researcher at the Mayo Clinic, specializing in neuromuscular diseases and autonomic disorders. As a member of the Department of Neurology, she focuses on peripheral neuropathies, autonomic neuropathy, and electromyography. Her academic roles include fellowships in clinical neurophysiology and peripheral nerve pathology. She has been affiliated with the Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education and holds certifications from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Clinical Neurophysiology, Electrodiagnostic Medicine, and Neuromuscular Medicine. Education: Dr. Berini earned her MD from the University of Minnesota (2008) and a BA in Human Biology from Stanford University (1997). She completed residency in Neurology at the University of Michigan (2011) and fellowships in EMG (2013), peripheral nerve disorders (2012), and autonomic disorders (2014) at Mayo Clinic. Research Interests: Her work centers on autonomic dysfunction, inflammatory neuropathies, and diagnostic techniques in neuromuscular disorders. Notable contributions include studies on pure autonomic failure progression, CIDP treatment outcomes, and vasculitic neuropathies. She has also explored clinical implications of autoantibodies like TS-HDS and neurofascin-155 immunoglobulins. Publications: Over 30 peer-reviewed articles since 2012, focusing on autonomic disorders, neuropathology, and autoimmune mechanisms. Recent work includes analysis of nerve transcriptomes in demyelinating neuropathies and clinical utility of electrophysiological testing. Teaching & Awards: Recipient of multiple Excellence in Teaching Awards (2018–2019) for clinical neurophysiology education. Additional honors include the Gold Humanism Award (2007) and Don Summers Memorial Travel Award (2015). Professional Engagement: Active member of the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM), American Autonomic Society, and Peripheral Nerve Society. Served on Mayo Clinic committees for neurology education and clinical neurophysiology. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the Mayo Clinic Neurology Department on neuropathology studies and electrophysiology research. Participates in interdisciplinary teams addressing autonomic dysfunction and inflammatory neuropathies.

Kamal ShoumanView profile

Assistant Professor

• Autonomic Disorders
• Peripheral Nerve Disorders
• Neurology
• +3 more

Kamal Shouman, M.D., is an Assistant Professor of Neurology and Consultant in the Department of Neurology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. His clinical focus includes autonomic disorders (e.g., orthostatic hypotension, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) and peripheral nerve disorders (e.g., inflammatory neuropathies, amyloid neuropathies). He leads research on post-COVID-19 autonomic dysfunction and multiple system atrophy, including clinical trials under the NIH-funded RECOVER initiative. His work also explores autologous mesenchymal stem cell therapies for multiple system atrophy. Education: 2020: Fellow in Neuromuscular Disorders and Peripheral Nerve (Mayo Clinic) 2018: Fellow in Neuromuscular Medicine (Cleveland Clinic) 2017: Neurology Residency (Detroit Medical Center) Research Interests: Autonomic ganglionopathies, autoimmune autonomic neuropathies, small fiber neuropathy, and the mechanisms underlying chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. His work bridges clinical trials and laboratory-based studies on disease mechanisms. Awards: 2017 Best Resident Teacher Award from Wayne State University Professional Activities: Member of the Peripheral Nerve Society, American Autonomic Society, and multiple committees related to autonomic disorders and resident wellness. Collaborates with experts like Dr. Wolfgang Singer on stem cell therapies. Labs/Teams: Engaged in multidisciplinary research groups at Mayo Clinic focusing on autonomic nervous system dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases.

Jeremy K. Cutsforth-GregoryView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neurologic Education
• Autonomic Disorders
• Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics
• +3 more

Jeremy K. Cutsforth-Gregory is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in the Department of Neurology. His clinical practice and research focus spans neurologic education, autonomic disorders, and cerebrospinal fluid dynamics. He is a founding member and director of the CSF Dynamics Clinic. Research interests include: Neurologic education methodologies Autonomic nervous system disorders Abnormal CSF pressure conditions Movement disorder pathophysiology Clinical neurology applications Recent publications cover advances in neuroradiology, autonomic dysfunction, and intracranial pressure management, showing strong focus on diagnostic techniques and therapeutic interventions. Scientific awards and honors: 2022 Guest Lecturer of the Year, Mayo Clinic PA Program 2021 Gold Humanism Honor Society Inductee 2021 Senior Fellow, Academy of Educational Excellence 2017 A.B. Baker Teacher Recognition Award Multiple residency and fellowship awards (2013-2016)

• Spreading Depolarization
• Epilepsy
• Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP)
• +3 more

Isamu Aiba, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico. His research focuses on spreading depolarization, epilepsy mechanisms, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), and autonomic dysfunction. Key contributions include elucidating the role of spreading depolarization in SUDEP and identifying molecular mechanisms underlying epilepsy. Education: PhD in Neuroscience from the University of New Mexico (Albuquerque, NM) Research Interests: Spreading depolarization dynamics and their clinical implications in epilepsy and SUDEP Molecular and cellular mechanisms of seizure initiation and propagation Autonomic nervous system interactions with brain pathology Novel therapeutic targets for epilepsy and SUDEP prevention Awards & Funding: Career Development Award (American Heart Association) Junior Investigator Research Award (American Epilepsy Society, 2021–2022) Grants & Collaborations: Investigates adrenergic signaling in cardiac preganglionic neurons Develops CRISPR-based glioblastoma models to study tumor-induced epileptogenesis Explores fenfluramine’s inhibitory effects on cortical spreading depolarization

Charenya AnandanView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neurology
• Movement Disorders
• Neuromuscular Medicine
• +1 more

Charenya Anandan, M.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas. Their clinical and research expertise focuses on neuromuscular medicine, movement disorders, and electromyography. Dr. Anandan holds certifications in Electromyography and Neurology from recognized boards. Education includes a Movement Disorders Fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine (2021), Neuromuscular Medicine Residency at the University of Toledo Medical Center (2016), and an MBBS from Sri Ramachandra University, India. Previous training includes a Fellowship at the Mayo Clinic (2018). Key research interests include neuromuscular disorders such as congenital fiber type disproportion, anoctaminopathy-5, and genetic variants linked to muscle diseases. Their work also addresses autonomic dysfunction in neuroimmunological conditions like Guillain-Barré syndrome. Selected publications highlight investigations into amyloid deposition effects, genetic muscle disorders, and clinical electromyography applications. Dr. Anandan actively contributes to professional organizations including the American Academy of Neurology and serves on the Medical Advisory Board of the Houston Area Parkinson’s Society.

• Inflammation Biology
• Autonomic Neuroscience
• Cardiovascular Physiology
• +5 more

Ângela Raquel Amaro Leal is an Assistant Professor at the Egas Moniz Higher School of Health (ESSEM) and a researcher at the University of Lisbon's Cardiovascular Center (CCUL). She holds a PhD in Biomedical Sciences (2020) and a Master's in Neuroscience (2014) from the University of Lisbon. Her research focuses on inflammation, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, sepsis, and neurotoxicity mechanisms, combining animal models with translational approaches. She is actively involved in the Tracking3C and NEVERMIND projects, addressing cardiotoxicity and mental health in chronic diseases. Education: PhD in Biomedical Sciences (2020), Master in Neuroscience (2014), Degree in Pathology (2010) Key Projects: Tracking3C (FCT-funded), NEVERMIND (EU H2020) Research Themes: NF-κB pathway in sepsis, lead toxicity, doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, cognitive training in epilepsy She has authored over 15 peer-reviewed articles, including studies on lead's neurocardiovascular effects and doxorubicin's dose-dependent toxicity. Her work bridges basic science and clinical applications, with a focus on improving patient outcomes in chronic and neurodegenerative diseases. Awards include an FCT PhD fellowship (2012).

Megan WennerView profile

Associate Professor

• Women's Health
• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Menopause
• +3 more

Megan Wenner is an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology & Applied Physiology at the University of Delaware's College of Health Sciences. Her research focuses on women’s cardiovascular health across the lifespan, particularly investigating mechanisms of vascular dysfunction related to menopause, estrogen, and blood pressure regulation. She holds a PhD in Applied Physiology from the University of Delaware (2009) and completed postdoctoral training at the John B. Pierce Laboratory and Yale School of Medicine. Her academic background includes a BS in Athletic Training (2002) and subsequent MS (2005) and PhD degrees from UD. Dr. Wenner teaches courses in clinical exercise physiology and applied physiology. She directs the Women’s Cardiovascular Research Lab, studying sex-specific mechanisms in cardiovascular health, including estrogen’s role in vascular health, sodium handling, and autonomic responses to exercise. Key areas of investigation include hypertension prevalence post-menopause, endothelin receptor function, and racial disparities in vascular function. Her work integrates neurophysiological, molecular, and clinical approaches to understand cardiovascular regulation in diverse populations. Active research projects include examining how dietary sodium impacts blood pressure variability and sympathetic nervous system activity, as well as the effects of aerobic exercise on vascular function in perimenopausal women. Collaborative projects explore central nervous system mechanisms regulating fluid balance and hypertension. Dr. Wenner has authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles on topics ranging from endothelin biology to exercise physiology. Her lab maintains partnerships with the STAR Tower and Health Sciences Complex facilities at UD, emphasizing translational research to improve women’s cardiovascular health outcomes.

Espen DietrichsView profile

Professor

• Movement Disorders
• Parkinson's Disease
• Neuroanatomy
• +4 more

Professor Espen Dietrichs is a senior neurologist and researcher at the Department of Neurology, University of Oslo, with over 30 years' experience specializing in movement disorders. His clinical expertise encompasses Parkinson's disease, dystonia, tremor, and cerebellar ataxia, with particular focus on deep brain stimulation therapies and neuroanatomical research. His research program investigates neuromodulation approaches for treatment-resistant movement disorders, with 60% of recent publications focusing on DBS optimization and outcome studies. He leads randomized trials comparing surgical targets and evaluating long-term effects of subthalamic nucleus stimulation. Additional research examines cognitive impacts of neurological interventions and autonomic dysfunction in Parkinson's. Professor Dietrichs has held leadership positions including President of the Norwegian Neurological Association (2000-2004) and Vice-President of the Scandinavian Movement Disorder Society. He received the National Norwegian Book Award (Brageprisen) in 1995.

Emily TaylorView profile

Researcher

• Psychology
• Mental Health
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• +3 more

Emily Taylor is a Research Manager in the Department of Psychology at the University of Bath, affiliated with the Centre for Applied Autism Research. She holds a PhD and contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals through her work. Her research focuses on autism spectrum disorders, cognitive function, mental health, and neurodevelopmental conditions. Key interests include psychological strengths in autism, ADHD comorbidities, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and justice reasoning in cultural contexts. She collaborates in the Bath NIHR Mental Health Research Group (2025-2029), a project funded by the National Institute for Health Research. Her work has been widely cited and covered by media outlets, with notable attention to studies on creativity in autism and mental health interventions.

Karin ToskaView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Physiology
• Cardiovascular Regulation
• Autonomic Nervous System
• +5 more

Karin Toska is an Adjunct Professor in the Division of Physiology at the University of Oslo's Faculty of Medicine. Her research spans cardiovascular regulation, autonomic physiology, and clinical laboratory science. Primary research areas include: Cardiovascular responses to physiological stimuli Autonomic nervous system function Standardization in clinical laboratory sciences Pregnancy physiology and hemodynamic changes Vascular pathophysiology Medical specimen transport and stability Publication analysis reveals key themes: Autonomic testing methodologies Hemodynamic regulation during physiological challenges Quality systems in laboratory medicine Vascular adaptations in pathological conditions She contributes to the Blood Cell Research Group and participates in international standardization efforts in laboratory medicine.

WaschkeView profile

Professor

• Cell Adhesion
• Desmosome Biology
• Autoimmune Diseases
• +6 more

Prof. Waschke leads the research group at the Institute of Anatomy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, focusing on desmosome biology and its role in diseases such as pemphigus, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). His work explores desmosome dysfunction mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies. Key projects include signaling pathways regulating cardiomyocyte cohesion, epidermal barrier integrity, and endothelial barrier function during inflammation. Research interests span desmosomal cadherins (Dsg2, Dsg3), EGFR signaling, and cAMP-mediated pathways. Collaborations include work with the University of Würzburg on Crohn's disease mechanisms. Recent findings highlight catalytic antibodies' role in AC and Dsg2-based therapies. Prof. Waschke's team uses advanced techniques like atomic force microscopy and iPSC-derived models for translational studies. Students and collaborators are engaged in projects ranging from pemphigus autoantibody mechanisms to endothelial barrier stabilization. Publications emphasize desmosome dysfunction in cardiovascular and epithelial disorders, with a focus on molecular and pharmacological interventions. Future work aims to translate findings into clinical treatments for desmosome-related diseases.

Mara MatherView profile

Professor

• Aging
• Neuroscience
• Alzheimer's Disease
• +3 more

Mara Mather is a Professor of Gerontology, Psychology, and Biomedical Engineering at the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California. She leads the Emotion & Cognition Lab, focusing on the autonomic nervous system's role in aging and Alzheimer’s disease. Her research explores how locus coeruleus dysfunction impacts cognition and how interventions like heart rate variability biofeedback may improve brain health. Education: PhD in Neuroscience from Princeton University (2000), AB from Stanford University (1994). Research interests include the autonomic nervous system’s influence on brain aging, Alzheimer’s pathology, and emotion-cognition interactions. Key projects investigate locus coeruleus MRI contrast, heart rate variability interventions, and neuroimaging biomarkers of cognitive decline. Awards include the 2024 USC Mentoring Award. Her lab collaborates on studies linking autonomic function to late-life memory and has pioneered interventions targeting cerebrovascular health. The lab is located in GER 341, with active projects on aging, Alzheimer’s, and biofeedback technologies.

• Clinical Epilepsy
• Neuromodulation
• Neurophysiology
• +5 more

Ryan McGinn is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology at the University of Southern California (USC). His academic journey spans diverse fields: beginning as a professional jazz musician, he transitioned to study physics and neural engineering at the University of Toronto before completing medical training at McMaster University and epilepsy fellowships at Stanford University. He currently focuses on clinical epilepsy, emphasizing advanced treatments like epilepsy surgery, neuromodulation (e.g., thalamic and cortical stimulation), and network-based interventions. Dr. McGinn's research integrates quantitative sciences with medicine, particularly in understanding seizure states and connectivity through signal processing of intracranial recordings. His work addresses cutting-edge topics such as thalamic involvement in refractory epilepsy, fasciola cinereum as an interventional target, and touch-screen automatisms in the digital era. His contributions include systematic reviews on stereotactic biopsies and mesenchymal stem cell therapies for stroke, reflecting his commitment to bridging preclinical and clinical research. His publications span over two decades, demonstrating expertise in epilepsy mechanisms, neurophysiology, and translational neuroscience. His early work explored thermoregulation in diabetes and exercise physiology, reflecting his interdisciplinary background. Collaborative efforts in neuroengineering and precision medicine underscore his vision for personalized neurological care. No specific scientific awards or grants are highlighted in the profile, though his extensive publication record indicates sustained research activity. His educational background in both music and physics uniquely informs his approach to understanding complex neurological patterns and rhythms.

• Pediatric Hepatology
• Cholestatic Liver Disease
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• +2 more

Dr. Nisreen Soufi is Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the University of Southern California, specializing in hepatobiliary disorders. Her clinical practice centers on complex pediatric liver conditions and transplant medicine. Research examines therapeutic interventions for cholestatic syndromes and inflammatory liver pathologies. Key investigations include: Pharmacological management of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis Microbiome modulation in autoimmune liver disease Metabolic consequences of ventilation disorders Recent publications demonstrate consistent focus on optimizing treatment protocols for rare pediatric hepatobiliary conditions through multicenter consortium studies.

• Alzheimer's Disease
• Vascular Cognitive Impairment
• Neuroimaging
• +3 more

Professor Daniel Nation holds the Merle H. Bensinger Professorship in Gerontology at the University of Southern California. His research focuses on vascular contributions to Alzheimer’s disease and aging, including blood pressure variability, cerebrovascular reactivity, and biomarker analysis. He is a leading expert in neuroimaging techniques and their application to understanding neurodegeneration. Endowed Chair: Merle H. Bensinger Professorship in Gerontology Primary Affiliation: Department of Gerontology Key Collaborations: Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, SPRINT Trial Analysis Research Interests: Alzheimer’s Disease (pathogenesis, biomarkers), Vascular-Cognitive Interactions (blood pressure variability, cerebrovascular health), Neuroimaging (MRI-based perfusion, connectivity). Recent work emphasizes early detection of dementia through longitudinal studies of cardiovascular parameters and brain health. His team investigates how vascular risk factors like hypertension interact with genetic predisposition (APOE4) to accelerate cognitive decline. Publications highlight methodological innovations (e.g., multiplex biomarker assays) and translational insights linking blood-brain barrier dysfunction to clinical outcomes. Ongoing projects explore interventions targeting autonomic nervous system dysfunction to mitigate neurodegeneration. Awards: Merle H. Bensinger Chair (USC) Key Themes: Cerebrovascular reactivity deficits in APOE4 carriers, plasma biomarker validation