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John E. DesmondView profile

Professor

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Neuroimaging
• Cerebellar Function
• +10 more

John E. Desmond, Ph.D. , is a Professor of Neurology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , where he serves as the Director of the Neuroimaging and Modulation Lab (NIMLAB) within the Department of Neurology and the Division of Cognitive Neuroscience . His research integrates advanced neuroimaging and neuromodulation techniques to explore the neural basis of cognition. Education: Ph.D. in Psychology , University of Massachusetts, Amherst (1985) M.S. in Psychology , University of Massachusetts, Amherst (1982) B.A. in Psychology, Summa Cum Laude , University of South Florida, Tampa (1978) Research Interests: Dr. Desmond’s research lies at the intersection of cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging. He investigates: The role of the cerebellum and cerebro-cerebellar circuits in cognition, particularly in verbal working memory . The impact of chronic alcohol consumption on brain structure, functional connectivity, and cognition. Aging effects on associative learning and neural systems involved in awareness, focusing on classical eyeblink conditioning and parietal lobe function. The integration of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with functional MRI (fMRI) to study brain connectivity and causal neural relationships. His work has significantly advanced understanding of non-motor cerebellar functions and the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive disorders. Publication Trends: His recent publications (2019–2024) reflect a sustained focus on cerebellar contributions to cognition , with increasing emphasis on alcohol use disorders, aging, internet gaming disorder, and neuromodulation (TMS/tDCS) . The integration of fMRI with stimulation techniques remains a central methodological theme. His work frequently appears in high-impact journals such as Cerebral Cortex , Human Brain Mapping , and Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research . Scientific Awards: No specific awards mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Dr. Desmond mentors numerous graduate students and researchers, as evidenced by consistent co-authorship on publications. His lab, NIMLAB, is actively funded and produces high-impact research in cognitive neuroscience, neuroimaging, and addiction science. He collaborates with researchers across institutions and disciplines, particularly in studies involving fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and neuromodulation. Labs and Teams: He leads the Neuroimaging and Modulation Lab (NIMLAB) , which specializes in fMRI and TMS methodologies. The lab investigates brain function in health and disease, with a focus on cerebellar networks, cognitive control, and the effects of substance use and aging. NIMLAB is affiliated with the Kennedy Krieger Institute and the Kirby Center for Functional Brain Imaging , enabling access to advanced neuroimaging resources.

• Cognition
• Schizophrenia
• Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders
• +4 more

Toral Surti is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine, specializing in cognitive aspects of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. Her research focuses on understanding cognitive impairments in schizophrenia, sleep disorders in psychotic conditions, and the effects of cannabis on mental health and sleep patterns. Dr. Surti's educational background includes a BS in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry from Yale College (1998), followed by an MD and PhD from the University of California at San Francisco (2007). She completed her residency at Yale University School of Medicine (2012) and a research fellowship at Yale University School of Medicine and VA Connecticut Healthcare System (2014). Her primary research interests include cognition in schizophrenia, sleep disorders among individuals with psychotic disorders, and the intersection of cannabis use and mental health. Dr. Surti employs both clinical and neurobiological approaches to investigate cognitive training interventions, neuroplasticity, and novel pharmacological targets for cognitive enhancement in schizophrenia. Her work often examines how sleep disturbances impact cognitive function in psychotic disorders, and she has conducted significant research on cannabis effects on sleep architecture and cannabinoid receptor availability. Dr. Surti's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on translational research bridging basic neuroscience with clinical applications. Her work spans from molecular studies of receptor availability to clinical trials testing cognitive interventions. Several publications examine the relationship between cannabis use and mental health outcomes, while others focus on sleep disorders in schizophrenia. Her research often involves interdisciplinary collaboration across psychiatry, neuroscience, and biomedical engineering, as evidenced by her work on radar-based vital sign monitoring in clinical settings. Sleep apnea research showing the impact of respiratory disorders on cognition in schizophrenia Clinical trials of glycine transporter inhibitors for cognitive enhancement Studies on dopamine receptor stimulation as a pro-cognitive target Investigations of cannabis effects on sleep architecture Research on illness phase as a critical window for psychosis intervention Dr. Surti serves as Principal Investigator for the 'Sleep Dependent Learning in Schizophrenia and Psychosis Risk Syndrome' study and is a Sub Investigator for multiple clinical trials investigating schizophrenia spectrum disorders, cannabis effects, and adolescent brain development. Her research program demonstrates a commitment to understanding the biological mechanisms underlying cognitive deficits in psychosis and developing targeted interventions.

Craig ColderView profile

Professor

• Developmental Psychology
• Adolescent Substance Use
• Child and Adolescent Aggression
• +8 more

Craig Colder is a SUNY Distinguished Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Psychology at the University at Buffalo, part of the State University of New York system. He is based in the College of Arts and Sciences and leads the Child and Adolescent Family Development Laboratory. His work integrates developmental, clinical, and cognitive perspectives to understand risk and resilience in youth. His research focuses on the development of adolescent substance use and aggression, examining influences at multiple levels: individual (e.g., temperament, personality), family (e.g., parenting styles, parent-adolescent communication), and community (e.g., neighborhood disadvantage). He employs advanced longitudinal modeling techniques, including bifactor models and within-person analyses, to disentangle complex developmental pathways. Colder’s recent publications span topics such as the validation of new assessment tools like the Parenting Styles Circumplex Inventory (PSCI), neurocognitive correlates of executive functioning in adolescence, and the role of effortful control in mitigating alcohol-related consequences. His work frequently appears in high-impact journals in developmental psychology, addiction science, and cognitive neuroscience. SUNY Distinguished Professor He mentors graduate students as Director of Graduate Studies and has been involved in numerous clinical and community-based studies, including interventions targeting hazardous drinking during the transition to parenthood and bystander approaches to reduce sexual assault risk. His research often incorporates ecological momentary assessment and multi-informant designs to capture dynamic processes in real time.

Dimitri Van De VilleView profile

Professor

• Signal Processing
• Image Processing
• Functional Neuroimaging
• +9 more

Dimitri Van De Ville is a Full Professor of Bioengineering at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and the University of Geneva (UniGE), affiliated with the School of Engineering at EPFL and the Faculty of Medicine at UniGE. He leads the Medical Image Processing Laboratory (MIP:Lab) at Campus Biotech in Geneva and is a key figure at the CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging. His work bridges signal processing, computational neuroscience, and clinical neuroimaging. Education: M.S. and Ph.D. in Computer Science, Ghent University, Belgium (1998, 2002) Post-doctoral Fellow, Biomedical Imaging Group, EPFL (2002–2005) His research focuses on advancing non-invasive brain imaging through methodological innovations in signal and image processing. He investigates the dynamic and network aspects of brain function using fMRI and EEG, with a special emphasis on dynamic functional connectivity, graph signal processing, and real-time neurofeedback. His work has demonstrated that EEG microstate sequences exhibit scale-free dynamics, linking fast electrophysiological events to slow hemodynamic changes. He pioneered connectivity decoding and contributed to the development of sparsity-based deconvolution methods for fMRI. The recent articles reflect a strong trend toward modeling brain function as a dynamic network process. Key themes include graph signal processing on brain connectomes, decomposition of transient brain activity, and the use of machine learning to decode brain states. His work increasingly integrates structural and functional data to understand brain organization at multiple scales. Scientific Awards: Technical Achievement Award, IEEE EMBS (2024) Fellow, EURASIP (2023) Distinguished Lecturer, IEEE Signal Processing Society (2021–2022) Fellow, IEEE (2020) Leenaards Award (2016) NARSAD Independent Investigator Award (2014) NeuroImage Editors' Choice Award (2013) Pfizer Research Award (2012) Van De Ville has secured substantial research funding through grants such as the SNSF Professorship and has advised numerous researchers. He plays a major role in the scientific community as founding chair of the EURASIP BISA SAT and former chair of the IEEE BISP TC. He has held editorial roles in top journals including IEEE Transactions on Signal Processing , SIAM Journal on Imaging Sciences , and Imaging Neuroscience . He leads the Medical Image Processing Laboratory (MIP:Lab) at Campus Biotech, which specializes in developing advanced signal processing tools for neuroimaging. The lab is part of a broader collaborative ecosystem involving EPFL, UniGE, and the CIBM, fostering interdisciplinary research in biomedical imaging and brain science.

• Stroke Neurology
• Cerebrovascular Disease
• White Matter Disease (Leukoaraiosis)
• +4 more

Johanna Anneli Helenius, MD, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology at University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, with clinical practice at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, MA. Her academic appointments include positions at both the UMass Chan Medical School and the T.H. Chan School of Medicine, where she contributes to neurological research and patient care. Dr. Helenius received her MD and PhD from the University of Helsinki in Helsinki, Finland, establishing a strong foundation in both clinical medicine and scientific research. Her educational background has positioned her as a physician-scientist with expertise spanning clinical neurology and translational stroke research. Her research focuses primarily on cerebrovascular diseases with particular emphasis on stroke mechanisms, white matter disease (leukoaraiosis), and brain imaging. Dr. Helenius has made significant contributions to understanding how white matter disease affects stroke presentation, outcomes, and neurological assessments. Her work explores the complex relationships between structural brain changes, stroke severity, and patient prognosis. Through advanced neuroimaging techniques, she investigates how conditions like leukoaraiosis modulate the clinical expression of stroke and influence recovery trajectories. Analysis of her publication record reveals consistent research themes centered around stroke subtypes, particularly cardioembolic stroke and its relationship to atrial fibrillation. Her work demonstrates how cardiac conditions manifest in specific brain imaging patterns and clinical presentations. The publications also highlight her interest in stroke recurrence risk, treatment windows, and how white matter disease impacts neurological assessment tools like the NIH Stroke Scale. Dr. Helenius has established productive research collaborations with prominent stroke researchers including Nils Henninger, Richard Goddeau, Majaz Moonis, and others. Her network extends across multiple institutions, reflecting the collaborative nature of modern stroke research. Her clinical work at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center focuses on neurological care with specialization in stroke and cerebrovascular disorders. While specific details about her laboratory or research team aren't provided in the available information, her extensive publication record suggests active involvement in clinical stroke research initiatives.

Andrew GallView profile

Associate Professor

• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Sleep and Circadian Rhythms
• Neural Mechanisms
• +3 more

Dr. Andrew Gall serves as Associate Professor of Psychology at Hope College, where he has been a faculty member since fall 2015. He specializes in behavioral neuroscience within the Department of Psychology and actively contributes to the institution's growing neuroscience program, focusing on the intricate relationship between brain function and behavior. His educational foundation includes: Postdoctoral Fellowship, Psychology & Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University (2015) Ph.D. in Psychology, University of Iowa (2011) M.A. in Psychology, University of Iowa (2006) B.S. in Psychology, University of Iowa (2003) Dr. Gall's research centers on neural mechanisms of sleep and circadian rhythms , with particular emphasis on light-induced responses and species differences between diurnal and nocturnal animals . Using the Nile grass rat as a primary model organism, he investigates how specific brain nuclei regulate circadian functions, bridging behavioral observations with neuroanatomical structures. His work reveals fundamental principles about environmental adaptation in timekeeping systems. Analysis of his 2013-2018 publications shows consistent focus on circadian regulation in diurnal rodents, with recurring themes of neural circuit dissection through lesion studies and behavioral assays. Key brain regions examined include the suprachiasmatic nucleus, intergeniculate leaflet, and olivary pretectal nucleus, demonstrating their critical roles in light processing and rhythm generation. His significant scientific recognition includes: Towsley Research Scholar, Hope College (2018–2021) Caplan Foundation grant as Co-PI for preschool sleep research NRSA Postdoctoral Fellowship (F32) from NINDS (2013–2015) NIH T32 Institutional Training Grant (2012) Society for Research on Biological Rhythms Merit Award (2012) Dr. Gall is deeply committed to mentoring students and advancing neuroscience education at Hope College. His externally funded research program, housed in the A. Paul Schaap Science Center, examines how environmental factors like light and temperature shape circadian behaviors through specific neural pathways. He actively participates in grant-funded projects investigating sleep development and circadian disruptions. As a core faculty member in the neuroscience program, he collaborates with colleagues to expand research capabilities and educational opportunities, maintaining active laboratory operations focused on diurnal rodent models and circadian neurobiology.

Ole AndreassenView profile

Professor

• Psychiatric Genetics
• Schizophrenia Research
• Bipolar Disorder
• +5 more

Ole Andreassen is a Professor at the Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, where he leads significant research initiatives at the intersection of psychiatric genetics, neuroimmunology, and brain imaging. His work primarily focuses on severe mental disorders, particularly schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, examining their genetic architecture, inflammatory components, and brain structural correlates. His research interests span psychiatric genetics, neuroimmunology, and brain imaging, with particular emphasis on understanding how immune system dysregulation contributes to the pathophysiology of severe mental illnesses. He has pioneered approaches examining composite immune marker scores, inflammasome activation, and the relationship between inflammatory processes and cognitive impairment in mental disorders. His work frequently employs large-scale genetic analyses, longitudinal study designs, and multimodal assessment strategies. Analysis of his recent publications reveals consistent focus on the immune-genetic interface in mental illness, with growing attention to longitudinal trajectories, sex differences, and transdiagnostic approaches. His research demonstrates how inflammatory markers interact with genetic risk factors to influence clinical presentation and course of severe mental disorders. Dr. Andreassen has received significant research funding supporting his investigations into the biological mechanisms underlying severe mental illnesses, though specific awards aren't detailed in the available information. His work has established important connections between immune system function and psychiatric conditions. His laboratory utilizes advanced methodologies including genome-wide association studies, inflammatory biomarker profiling, brain imaging analysis, and longitudinal clinical assessments to investigate the complex interplay between genetic, immune, and neural factors in severe mental illness. Current research directions appear to be focusing on inflammatory subgroups, treatment response prediction, and developmental aspects of immune-brain interactions in mental disorders.

Qisheng ZhangView profile

Associate Professor

• Lipid Signaling
• Small GTPases
• Phosphatidylinositides (PIs)
• +4 more

Qisheng Zhang is an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Chapel Hill, affiliated with the School of Pharmacy and the Department of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry. He is also a Member of the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. His research focuses on lipid signaling, small GTPases, and phosphatidylinositides (PIs), aiming to understand their roles in cell signaling linked to normal development and diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Education: PhD from the University of Pittsburgh. Research Interests involve three main approaches: (1) synthesizing PIs and identifying interacting proteins for drug target discovery, (2) developing sensors and inhibitors for PI metabolic enzymes, and (3) investigating synergistic actions of PIs with small GTPases in protein trafficking and signaling. His lab also extends to drug discovery for diseases with dysregulated phospholipid enzymes. Publications span lipid metabolism, cell signaling, and drug development, with recent work on phospholipase C dynamics, allosteric inhibitors, and antiparasitic compounds. He mentors graduate and undergraduate students, including rotation students and RASP participants. Labs & Teams include the Zhang Lab at UNC, with current postdocs and past members contributing to multidisciplinary projects. He collaborates across pharmacology, cancer research, and virology, maintaining a focus on precision medicine and molecular diagnostics.

Prabir PatraView profile

Professor

• Nanomaterials
• Biomedical Engineering
• Tissue Engineering
• +3 more

Prabir Patra is a Professor and Founding Department Chair of Biomedical Engineering at the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, Marshall University . He holds the Jerome A Gilbert Endowed Chair and focuses on biophysical science processes at the nanoscale, with applications in biomedical engineering. Research areas include multifunctional polymer-nanomaterials, biologically inspired nanomaterials, computational bioengineering, and synthesis-structure-property-function relationships in biomaterials. He teaches courses in biomedical engineering, biomaterials, nanofabrication, tissue engineering, bioelectronics, and research methods for graduate students. His work combines computational modeling, machine learning, and wet lab experiments to study cellular assembly formation, particularly brain organoids and microvasculature development in tissues. Dr. Patra has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters and holds a U.S. Patent. He is deeply committed to mentoring students and faculty, promoting STEM education, and conducting K-12 outreach to inspire future scientists and engineers.

Jerome SanesView profile

Professor

• Motor Neuroscience
• Brain Mechanisms of Voluntary Movement
• Motor Learning
• +7 more

Jerome Sanes is a Professor of Neuroscience at Brown University, where he also serves as the Director of MRI Research. His academic career spans several decades, beginning with graduate studies at the University of Rochester and post-doctoral work at the National Institute of Mental Health. From 1997-2000, he directed the Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory at Foundation Santa Lucia in Rome, Italy. He has published over 90 peer-reviewed papers and served on editorial boards of major neuroscience journals including the Journal of Neuroscience and NeuroImage. Dr. Sanes received his PhD in 1979 and MA in 1977 from the University of Rochester, and his BA in 1974 from the State University of New York at Binghamton. His educational background laid the foundation for his research career focused on understanding brain mechanisms underlying movement and cognition. Dr. Sanes' research initially focused on brain mechanisms of voluntary movement and motor learning, with particular interest in how multiple brain regions including the frontal and parietal lobes, basal ganglia, and cerebellum coordinate to produce skilled movements. More recently, his research has expanded to investigate non-image forming visual pathways and their influence on human behavior and cognition. His laboratory employs advanced neuroimaging techniques including functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Electroencephalography to study these questions. His recent publications demonstrate a continued focus on motor neuroscience while expanding into new areas including the effects of light on mood and cognition, neural mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease, and social neuroscience examining neural responses to peer interactions. This evolution reflects both the maturation of his research program and the interdisciplinary nature of modern neuroscience. United States Public Health Service Trainee Rush Rhees Fellow, University of Rochester National Research Service Award Honorary Master of Arts, Brown University Dr. Sanes has secured substantial research funding throughout his career, currently serving as PI on an NIH COBRE Center for Central Nervous System Function grant totaling approximately $7.5 million. He also serves as Co-PI on an NIH grant for developing Quantum Magnetic Tunneling Junction Sensor Arrays for Brain MEG, and as Co-I on a US Veterans Administration Center for Neurorestoration and Neurorehabilitation grant. His past funding includes significant awards from the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, and DARPA, demonstrating the breadth and impact of his research program. As Director of the Brown University MRI Research Facility, Dr. Sanes oversees a major neuroimaging resource that supports numerous research projects across the university. His laboratory has been at the forefront of investigating brain mechanisms of voluntary movement, motor learning, and action intention, contributing significantly to our understanding of how the brain controls skilled behavior.

Cory MillerView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• +6 more

Cory Miller is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where he leads the Cortical Systems & Behavior Laboratory. His research focuses on understanding the cortical basis of behavior with an emphasis on species-typical natural behaviors in marmoset monkeys. Dr. Miller's work spans the continuum of sensory to motor processes, investigating sensory recognition, categorization, sensory-motor interactions, and decision-making through integrated approaches combining field and laboratory experiments with neural techniques such as single-unit neurophysiology. Dr. Miller's research program is organized around three primary projects: Social Communication, which examines the co-evolution of brain and behavior in marmoset vocal communication systems; Navigating Social Space, which investigates how primates represent both spatial position and social identity through medial temporal lobe structures; and Natural Vision, which explores active vision by studying marmosets as they hunt insects in naturalistic conditions. His lab leverages the unique advantages of the marmoset model, including its highly similar visual and oculomotor system to humans, recent development of transgenic lines, and smooth lissencephalic brain that facilitates neural recording. This approach provides novel platforms to examine the complex interplay between social, ecological, and neurobiological factors that contribute to primate behavior. Dr. Miller's publication record demonstrates a strong focus on naturalistic approaches to studying brain function, with recent work emphasizing active vision in freely moving marmosets, neural basis of vocal communication, and spatial navigation in primate hippocampus. His research shows a clear trajectory toward more ecologically valid paradigms that bridge the gap between controlled laboratory experiments and natural behavior, with increasing emphasis on cross-modal integration, social cognition, and ethologically relevant neural mechanisms. Dr. Miller's research is supported by multiple grants from prestigious funding sources: National Institute of Health grant R01 DC012097 Air Force Office of Scientific Research grant 19RT0316 National Institute of Health grant R01 NS109294 National Institute of Health grant U01 NS116377 National Institute of Health grant R01 NS118457 National Institute of Health grant U24 MH123423 Dr. Miller actively mentors the next generation of neuroscientists, currently advising graduate students Brendan Prendergast (researching the Cocktail Party Paradigm in marmosets) and Tim Tyree (studying computational efficiency of the visual system), along with postdoctoral fellows Vikram Pal Singh, Dori Grijseels, Jingwen Li, and Arthur Lefevre. His laboratory has trained numerous successful alumni who have gone on to academic and research positions, demonstrating his commitment to comprehensive scientific training and professional development. The Cortical Systems & Behavior Laboratory maintains strong collaborative relationships with researchers at The Salk Institute, particularly Ed Callaway and John Reynolds in Systems Neurobiology. The lab is affiliated with both the UCSD Psychology Graduate Program and the Neurosciences Graduate Program, providing interdisciplinary training opportunities for students interested in the neural basis of natural behavior. Dr. Miller's team of neuroscientists is dedicated to advancing our understanding of how cortical circuits support complex behavior in ecologically relevant contexts.

• Neuroplasticity
• Neural networks
• CNS damage and repair
• +5 more

Axel Sandvig is a Professor at the Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). He leads the Integrative Neuroscience Group and is actively involved in clinical-academic research through the Translational Neuroscience Clinical-Academic Research Group (CARG) and the Translational Neuroscience Clinical-Academic Group (CAG) for Alzheimer's Disease. His research focuses on neuroplasticity mechanisms in central nervous system (CNS) damage and repair, investigating structure-function relationships in neuronal assemblies under healthy and pathological conditions. Key themes include adaptive/maladaptive plasticity in CNS injuries, neurodegenerative diseases, and engineered neural networks using 3D interfaces. Recent publications highlight his work on: ALS patient-derived motor neuron networks and synaptic transcript dysregulation Microfluidic systems for neuromodulation studies Criticality in neural networks 3D neural interface engineering Neuroplasticity in Alzheimer's and tauopathy models Microglial interactions in stroke recovery

Ilia ValovView profile

Professor

• Memristive Materials
• Nanoelectrochemistry
• Resistive Switching
• +12 more

Prof. Dr. Ilia Valov is a leading scientist at Forschungszentrum Jülich, affiliated with the Peter Grünberg Institute (PGI), specifically within the Electronic Materials (PGI-7) department. He heads the Nanoelectrochemistry research group, where his work focuses on the intersection of materials science, electrochemistry, and next-generation information technologies. His research interests span a wide range of cutting-edge topics, including memristive materials and systems, resistive switching mechanisms in ReRAM devices, and the development of neuromorphic functionalities using random nanowire networks. He also investigates the nanobattery effect and the fundamental relationship between material properties, electrochemical processes, and device functionalities. In the energy domain, his group studies electrochemical water splitting for green hydrogen production, focusing on electrocatalytic materials for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and their degradation under real operating conditions, including structural amorphization, chemical transformations, and dissolution. Prof. Valov's work has significant implications for sustainable energy technologies and brain-inspired computing. His research integrates experimental characterization with application-oriented development, contributing to both fundamental understanding and technological innovation. He actively collaborates within the Helmholtz Association and international research networks. While no specific scientific awards or listed publications are detailed in the provided text, his leadership role and research scope suggest active participation in high-impact projects, likely involving external funding and supervision of early-career researchers. His group is situated in Building 04.6 at the Jülich campus, a hub for advanced materials and nanotechnology research.

Etienne de Villers-SidaniView profile

Associate Professor

• Neural Circuits
• Brain Plasticity
• Sensory Processing
• +5 more

Dr. Etienne de Villers-Sidani serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery at McGill University and practices as a neurologist specializing in cognitive disorders at The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital), a bilingual academic healthcare institution operating under McGill's Neuroscience Mission within the McGill University Health Centre. His research program examines the fundamental relationship between sensory experience and brain plasticity, with emphasis on auditory processing mechanisms. Key focus areas include: Neural circuit reorganization in response to sensory training Age-related changes in cortical flexibility and sensory-motor integration Electrophysiological signatures of memory and decision-making pathways Translational applications for dementia and traumatic brain injury Structural-functional dynamics of neuronal networks Therapeutic development for cognitive impairment remediation As principal investigator of the Neural Circuits Research Group at The Neuro, he employs advanced electrophysiological techniques to investigate how sound-based interventions reshape cortical architecture and influence cognitive outcomes across neurodegenerative and age-related conditions.

Julien DoyonView profile

Professor

• Neuroimaging
• Motor Skill Acquisition
• Sleep and Memory Consolidation
• +3 more

Julien Doyon, PhD, serves as the Director of the McConnell Brain Imaging Centre at the Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital (The Neuro), a bilingual academic healthcare institution and McGill University research and teaching institute. He holds leadership positions including Scientific Director of the Unité de Neuroimagerie Fonctionnelle at the Centre de recherche, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, and Director of the Quebec Bio-Imaging Network. As a Killam Scholar and core faculty member of the Neuroimaging and Neuroinformatics Research Group, Doyon represents one of Canada's leading neuroimaging researchers with international recognition. His educational background includes a BA and Masters in Psychology from Université Laval, followed by a PhD in Psychology from McGill University in 1988 under the supervision of renowned neuroscientist Brenda Milner. This foundational training established his career trajectory in cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging. Doyon's research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying motor skill acquisition and the critical role of sleep in memory consolidation processes. His laboratory employs multimodal neuroimaging techniques to investigate how neural networks change during motor learning in both healthy aging populations and neurological disorders. A significant portion of his work targets Parkinson's disease, specifically developing biomarkers for early diagnosis and evaluating interventions to improve patient outcomes. His approach integrates behavioral assessments with advanced imaging to uncover the relationship between brain structure, function, and motor performance. Analysis of Doyon's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on sleep-dependent memory consolidation, particularly how sleep spindles facilitate motor memory processing. His work demonstrates sophisticated integration of transcranial stimulation techniques with neuroimaging to manipulate and observe memory consolidation processes. The publications show a progression toward clinical applications, especially in aging populations and Parkinson's disease, with increasing emphasis on rehabilitation strategies and biomarker development. 2011 Canadian Society for Brain Behavior & Cognitive Sciences (CSBBCS) – Richard C. Tess Award Fellow of CSBBCS (2017) 2012 ACFAS ‐ Léo Pariseau prize highlighting international impact Elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (2017) Doyon has secured substantial research funding supporting his investigations into motor learning and neurodegenerative disorders. His leadership extends to directing the McConnell Brain Imaging Centre and previously serving as Scientific Director of the Unité de Neuroimagerie Fonctionnelle. He mentors numerous researchers in the Neuroimaging and Neuroinformatics Research Group, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations that bridge cognitive neuroscience, clinical neurology, and advanced imaging methodologies. His work on cycling interventions for Parkinson's disease demonstrates translational research impacting clinical practice. As Director of the McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Doyon oversees one of the world's premier neuroimaging facilities. His team collaborates extensively with the Quebec Bio-Imaging Network and international partners including INSERM-Université de Montréal through the Laboratoire international de neuroimagerie et modélisation. Recent developments include implementation of Canada's first whole-body 7T MRI, positioning his center at the forefront of imaging technology for both research and clinical applications.