Find Academic Supervisors

Nikolas FrancisView profile

Assistant Professor

• Auditory Neuroscience
• Cortical Processing
• Perceptual Decision-Making
• +2 more

Nikolas Francis is Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at University of Maryland and member of the Brain and Behavior Institute. His research investigates neural mechanisms of auditory perception and decision-making using in vivo electrophysiology, 2-photon imaging, and automated behavioral paradigms in mice. He develops computational approaches to analyze cortical network dynamics during sensory-guided behavior. Education: PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2011) BA, University of Iowa (2003) His lab examines how auditory cortex represents and transforms sound information during perceptual tasks, focusing on neural coding principles, attention mechanisms, and decision processes. Recent work explores how psilocybin modulates cortical processing while preserving basic auditory representations. He has developed automated home-cage systems for longitudinal behavioral monitoring that reveal circadian patterns in task engagement. Analysis of his publications shows emphasis on information coding strategies across cortical layers, with recent work examining network-level information transfer and psychedelic modulation of sensory processing. His NIH-funded research combines neurophysiological recordings with computational modeling to understand neural sequence generation during decision-making. He teaches courses in neurobiology and mentors graduate students through UMD's Neuroscience and Cognitive Science program. His lab maintains collaborations with machine learning researchers developing novel analysis methods for neural ensemble data.

Tatiana BezdudnayaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neurobiology
• Respiratory Physiology
• Spinal Cord Injury
• +3 more

Tatiana Bezdudnaya, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy at Drexel University College of Medicine. She teaches Gross Anatomy, Microanatomy, and Neuroscience to first-year medical students. Her research focuses on respiratory neuroplasticity following spinal cord injury and therapeutic interventions such as electrical stimulation and cell therapy. She holds current funding from the NIH NINDS and Pennsylvania Health Department Spinal Cord Research Program. Education: MS in Biology (Rostov State University, 1996) MS in Applied Mathematics (Rostov State University, 1999) PhD in Neuroscience (Research Institute for Neurocybernetics, 2000) Research Interests: Her work explores neuronal circuits controlling respiration, assessing neuroplasticity potential after cervical spinal cord injury, and enhancing recovery through electrical stimulation, rehabilitation, and drug interventions. Key areas include respiratory circuit modulation, limb muscle afferent effects, and neural progenitor transplantation. Publications Trends: Her articles emphasize spinal cord injury recovery mechanisms, respiratory circuit dynamics, and cell-based therapies. Recent work highlights locomotor training's role in enhancing respiratory plasticity and anatomical interactions between locomotor and respiratory systems. Lab & Collaborations: Lab members include David Giacobbo (research assistant) and Patrick McGinnis (MS student). Collaborations involve interdisciplinary approaches like transcranial magnetic stimulation and computational neuroscience modeling.

Kimberly DoughertyView profile

Professor

• Neurobiology
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Neuronal Circuits
• +5 more

Kimberly Dougherty, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy at Drexel University College of Medicine. Her research focuses on spinal locomotor network organization, rhythm generation mechanisms, and spinal circuit plasticity following injury. She leads the Dougherty Lab, which uses optogenetic, electrophysiological, and computational approaches to study spinal circuits. Education: BS in Biochemistry and Psychology (Boston College, 2000); PhD in Neuroscience (Emory University, 2006); Postdoctoral training at Karolinska Institute. Research interests include spinal interneuron subtypes, spinal cord injury recovery mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies for functional restoration. Current projects involve investigating how epidural stimulation and exercise training affect spinal networks post-injury. Key awards: Mid-Career Basic Science Investigator Award (Drexel University, 2024). Funding sources include NIH NINDS and Wings for Life Foundation. Labs/Teams: Dougherty Lab (affiliated with Computational Neuroscience Center and Neuroscience Program). Current lab members include postdocs, PhD students, and technicians. Former members have contributed to studies on Shox2 neurons and spinal cord injury plasticity.

Leonardo Garcia RamirezView profile

Lecturer

• Spinal neuronal circuits
• spinal cord injury
• plasticity
• +3 more

Dr. Leonardo Garcia Ramirez is an Instructor in the Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy at Drexel University College of Medicine. His research focuses on spinal neuronal circuits, spinal cord injury, and neuroplasticity. He investigates how these circuits adapt to injuries and therapeutic interventions through electrophysiological experiments. His research interests include spinal cord injury mechanisms, neuronal plasticity, sensory processing, and descending modulation of spinal circuits. Key areas of focus are spinal neuronal circuit dynamics, functional recovery post-injury, serotonergic modulation, and translational applications for neurological rehabilitation. Recent work has explored RORβ neuron roles in SCI recovery, effects of epidural stimulation on locomotor circuits, and postnatal development of serotonergic pathways. His studies emphasize electrophysiological approaches to understand spinal physiology and plasticity. Collaborating with Dr. KJ Dougherty's lab, he focuses on spinal circuitry research without listed formal advisees or grant details. No scientific awards are mentioned in the text.

Kathryn LenzView profile

Associate Professor

• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Neuroimmunology
• Developmental Psychology
• +3 more

Dr. Kathryn Lenz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at The Ohio State University. She holds affiliations with the Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research (IBMR), the Chronic Brain Initiative (CBI), and serves as Director of the Neuroscience Undergraduate Program and Co-Director of the Neuroscience Graduate Program (NGP). Her research focuses on the interplay between the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems in shaping brain development and behavior, with a particular emphasis on innate immune cells like microglia and mast cells. Key projects investigate how early life stress, allergic inflammation, maternal care, and hormonal contraceptives influence neurodevelopmental trajectories and sex differences in neuropsychiatric disorders. Education: BA in Psychology, Kalamazoo College (2003) and Northwestern University PhD in Psychology and Neuroscience from Indiana University (2009) Postdoctoral training at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (2009–2013) Research Interests: Her lab explores how immune cells and hormones modulate brain circuits related to autism, anxiety, and mood disorders. Techniques include rodent models, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, and behavioral assays. Current funded projects address pediatric TBI, maternal immune activation, and hormonal contraceptive impacts on adolescent brains. Grants & Collaborations: NINDS and Department of Defense grants for TBI research with Dr. Niki Kokiko-Cochran NSF grant (co-PI with Dr. Benedetta Leuner) on pregnancy neuroimmune changes NICHD grant on hormonal contraceptives and adolescent brain development Scientific Awards: Early Career Alumni Award (Indiana University, 2021) Early Career Faculty Excellence Award (OSU, 2020) Fred Brown Research Award (OSU Psychology, 2018–2019) NARSAD Young Investigator Award (2015) Labs & Teams: The Lenz Lab fosters interdisciplinary research with postdocs (e.g., Marissa Smail) and graduate students (e.g., Michaela Breach, Courtney Dye). The lab emphasizes neuroimmune plasticity and translational studies linking developmental experiences to lifelong brain health.

Sheila Schindler-IvensView profile

Associate Professor

• Neural Control of Movement
• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Locomotion Biomechanics
• +2 more

Sheila Schindler-Ivens, PT, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Marquette University's College of Health Sciences. She directs the Neuromuscular Control of Movement Laboratory , focusing on neurophysiological mechanisms of locomotion recovery post-stroke through electromyography (EMG) and functional MRI (fMRI) studies. B.S. in Physical Therapy (1989), Marquette University M.S. in Kinesiology (1997), Simon Fraser University Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science (2001), University of Iowa Her research investigates cortical and spinal control of locomotion , particularly how direction-dependent phase shifts reveal altered sensory integration post-stroke. Key findings include reduced brain activation volume during locomotor tasks impaired biarticular muscle adaptation phase-advanced uniarticular muscle activity She has developed a patented fMRI-compatible pedaling device and novel rehabilitation strategies targeting interlimb coordination and paretic limb activation . Current projects examine global brain network function and cortical retraining approaches. Research team members include clinicians, engineers, and scientists at various academic levels. Collaborations exist with Drs. Brian Schmit, John LaDisa, and institutions like the Stroke Rehabilitation Center of SE Wisconsin . Funding sources include NIH's NICHD, American Heart Association, and Foundation for Physical Therapy Research.

Timothy D. FawView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuroscience
• Neurorehabilitation
• Spinal Cord Injury
• +5 more

Timothy D. Faw, DPT, PT, PhD, serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, with a secondary appointment in Neurobiology. His dual expertise as a board-certified neurologic physical therapist and neuroscientist drives translational research targeting spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and stroke recovery through neuroplasticity mechanisms. His academic credentials include: BS in Exercise Science, Pfeiffer University (2005) DPT, Duke University (2009) Certificate in Neurologic Physical Therapy, University of Southern California (2010) PhD in Neuroscience, The Ohio State University (2019) Postdoctoral Research, Duke University (2024) Dr. Faw's research integrates cellular/molecular neuroscience with rehabilitation science to investigate CNS damage responses and therapeutic strategies for functional recovery. His work emphasizes white matter plasticity , myelin repair , and locomotor retraining using clinically relevant rodent models, with behavioral outcomes directly translatable to human rehabilitation protocols. Current projects examine eccentric rehabilitation paradigms, neuroprotective peptides, and inflammatory modulation post-injury. Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on spinal cord injury mechanisms (75% of recent work), with growing emphasis on traumatic brain injury modeling and stroke therapeutics. Key trends include translational biomarker development (e.g., MRI correlates of recovery) and combinatorial therapies pairing rehabilitation with molecular interventions to enhance plasticity. His scientific recognition includes: NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein F31 Predoctoral Award (2016) Foundation for Physical Therapy Promotion of Doctoral Studies Scholarships (Levels I/II, 2014-2017) Specialization Academy of Content Experts Induction (2015) Multiple International Symposium on Neural Regeneration Travel Awards (2015, 2017) Ohio State University Research Day Award (2016) Supported by NIH and Foundation for Physical Therapy grants, Dr. Faw directs a multidisciplinary lab examining cellular responses to CNS injury using genetic, imaging, and behavioral approaches. His MSTF building facilities (rooms 6-22, 6-23, 6-34B) enable parallel rodent-human studies, with active collaborations across neurosurgery, radiology, and rehabilitation departments. Professional engagement includes APTA (2006-present), American Spinal Injury Association (2024-present), and Society for Neuroscience (2014-present).

Judith L. SchotlandView profile

Associate Clinical Professor

• Sensorimotor Integration
• Spinal Coordination of Movement
• Educational Technology
• +3 more

Judith L. Schotland is a Clinical Associate Professor at Boston University College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College , where she teaches Gross Human Anatomy and Neuroanatomy & Neurophysiology . She holds a PhD in Neuroscience from Northwestern University and an MS in Library and Information Science from Simmons College. Her research focuses on sensorimotor integration and spinal coordination of movement . Education : BS (Zoology), Oklahoma State University; PhD (Neuroscience), Northwestern University; MS (Library and Information Science), Simmons College Schotland's scholarly work explores how spinal networks organize motor primitives and how monoamines like serotonin and dopamine modulate locomotor circuits. Her research spans comparative neurophysiology , using models like lampreys and frogs to understand fundamental motor control mechanisms. Her publications highlight collaborations with leading neuroscientists and emphasize neural network dynamics , neuromodulation , and reflex coordination . Key findings include insights into neurotransmitter interactions in spinal circuits and the role of propriospinal systems in motor patterning. Scientific Awards & Fellowships : Whitney R. Powers Teaching Excellence Award (2005) Fogarty International Fellow (1992) National Research Service Awards (NIH, 1987-1990, 1993-1995) MacArthur Fellow (1987-1990) Schotland has received NSF grants for research on spinal network dynamics and systems of oscillators. She has presented at major conferences such as Neural Control of Movement and Winter Conference on Brain Research, and contributed to educational technology innovations.

• Neuroscience
• Motor Systems Neuroscience
• Spinal Cord Circuits
• +2 more

Maelle Claire Valentine Bertho serves as a Guest Researcher in the Department of Neuroscience within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. Her work is conducted through the Integrative Neuroscience research group, with contact based at Blegdamsvej 3B in Copenhagen. Her research focuses on neural mechanisms of locomotion and neurodegenerative disease models. Key areas include: Spinal interneuron circuitry in motor control Real-time dynamics of mammalian locomotor networks Development of Parkinson's disease mouse models targeting non-motor symptoms Analysis of her publications reveals a concentrated expertise in spinal cord circuit mapping using advanced mouse models, with recent work emphasizing translational approaches to Parkinson's disease. Her studies integrate electrophysiology, behavioral analysis, and circuit-level interventions. No scientific awards or formal student advisement are documented in available sources. Her collaborative network prominently features Professor Ole Kiehn across all publications, indicating a core research partnership within UCPH's neuroscience ecosystem.

• Neuroscience
• Spinal Cord Research
• Locomotor Networks
• +4 more

Li-Ju Hsu is a Guest Researcher in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. Their research program focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying locomotion and postural control across multiple animal models. Dr. Hsu's research interests center on spinal cord circuitry and neural control of movement. Their work investigates how specific neuronal populations in the spinal cord generate and modulate locomotor patterns, with particular emphasis on the organization and dynamics of spinal networks. This research spans comparative neurobiology, examining both evolutionary conserved mechanisms (using lamprey models) and mammalian-specific circuitry (using mouse and rabbit models). Their approach integrates neurophysiological recordings, behavioral analysis, and spinal cord preparations to unravel the cellular and circuit basis of motor control. Analysis of Dr. Hsu's publication record reveals a consistent trajectory of high-impact research in motor systems neuroscience, with recent publications in top journals like Nature Communications and Journal of Neuroscience. Their 2023-2024 work has particularly advanced understanding of specific interneuron populations that modulate locomotor frequency and the real-time dynamics of spinal networks. The research demonstrates both methodological sophistication and conceptual innovation in the field of motor control. Dr. Hsu maintains active collaborations with Professor Ole Kiehn's research group at the University of Copenhagen, as evidenced by multiple co-authored publications. Their work has garnered significant attention in the scientific community, with several publications being widely shared on academic social media platforms and referenced in scholarly discussions. The 2020 cancer research paper also demonstrates their ability to contribute to interdisciplinary research beyond their primary neuroscience focus.

Samuel PfaffView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Motor Neuron Development
• Spinal Cord Circuitry
• +8 more

Samuel Pfaff is a Professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, where he leads the Gene Expression Laboratory and holds the Benjamin H. Lewis Chair in Neuroscience. He has been a principal investigator at the Salk Institute since 1996 and is widely recognized for his groundbreaking work in motor neuron development, spinal cord circuitry, and gene regulation. His research integrates genetics, biochemistry, optogenetics, and bioinformatics to understand how neural circuits control movement and how disruptions lead to neurodegenerative diseases. BA in Biology, Carleton College PhD in Molecular Biology, University of California, Berkeley Postdoctoral training at Vanderbilt University and Columbia University Dr. Pfaff’s research focuses on the characterization of spinal circuits that control limb movements and the development of RNA-based strategies for treating genetic diseases. His lab investigates how the spinal cord integrates brain commands with sensory feedback to coordinate precise movements. They also explore how intrinsic RNA-processing machinery can be harnessed to reprogram gene expression for therapeutic purposes. Key questions include the composition of spinal neuron types, coordination of multi-joint movements, causes of motor neuron degeneration, and targeted gene therapy. The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on spinal circuitry, motor control, and gene therapy. Articles span topics from ultraflexible neural electrodes and Schwann cell-mediated nerve repair to RNA-based treatments for ALS and spinal muscular atrophy. The research employs cutting-edge techniques including single-cell RNA sequencing, viral tracing, and in vivo imaging, often in genetically modified mouse models. Collectively, these works demonstrate a trajectory toward understanding fundamental neural mechanisms and translating them into therapies for neurodegenerative conditions. Scientific Awards: Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), 2021 Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, 2008 Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award McKnight Scholar Award Pew Scholar Award Basil O'Connor Award Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow Award Dr. Pfaff mentors a diverse team of postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and research scientists, fostering a collaborative environment where trainees pursue independent yet interrelated projects. His lab has received major funding, including a $14.3 million NIH grant to map movement circuitry and a $10.8 million CIRM award for ALS therapy development. He also leads the Goldman Laboratory for Neural Circuit Dynamics and holds adjunct appointments in Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences, Biology, and Bioengineering programs. The Pfaff Lab maintains active research in spinal neuron connectivity, autonomic circuitry, and RNA systems for gene control, with a strong translational focus on diseases like ALS, spinal muscular atrophy, and peripheral neuropathy. Their innovative approaches, such as RNA end-joining technology, aim to overcome limitations in gene therapy vector capacity.

Doris WangView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuroscience
• Neurosurgery
• Deep Brain Stimulation
• +5 more

Dr. Doris Wang (MD, PhD) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine . She specializes in pediatric neurosurgery and movement disorders , particularly Parkinson's disease and dystonia, using deep brain stimulation (DBS) technologies. Education: PhD in Neuroscience (UCSF 2009), MD (UCSF 2011) Training: Neurosurgery Residency (UCSF 2017), Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery Fellowship (UCSF 2018) Her research focuses on neural network dynamics during motor learning and DBS optimization for gait disorders. She leads NIH-funded studies on cortical-basal ganglia interactions and has developed adaptive neurostimulation systems for Parkinson's patients. Scientific awards include: Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Scholar (2024-2029) Burroughs-Wellcome Fund Career Award (2019-2024) Weill Pilot Award (2020-2021) Dr. Wang directs the Doris Wang Lab which develops implantable neural interfaces and investigates neuroprosthetic applications for locomotor deficits. Her work bridges clinical neurosurgery with translational neuroscience research.

• Sensory control of locomotion
• Active sensing in insects
• Insect sense of touch
• +3 more

Volker Dürr is a Professor of Biological Cybernetics at Bielefeld University , Faculty of Biology, and a member of the Center for Cognitive Interaction Technology (CITEC) . His work focuses on sensory control of locomotion , active tactile sensing in insects , and biomimetic modeling of movement systems. Education : Habilitation in Zoology (University of Cologne, 2008; Bielefeld, 2005), PhD in Biology (Bielefeld, 1998), Diploma in Biology (Tübingen, 1994) Academic Career : Professor at Bielefeld (2009-present), Junior Research Group Leader (University of Cologne, 2007-2009), Research Assistant (Bielefeld, 1998-2006) His research investigates how insects use antennal mechanosensory systems and proprioception to control locomotion in complex environments. Key themes include goal-directed movements , sensorimotor integration , and biomimetic robotics . Publications emphasize tactile sensing (15/23 articles), neural control of movement (9/23), biomechanical modeling (7/23), and cross-species locomotion analysis (4/23). Recent work explores virtual reality paradigms for locomotion studies and spiking neural networks for proprioceptive modeling.

David Paul Drucker WoldbyeView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuropsychiatry
• Neuropeptides
• Animal models of neuropsychiatric disorders
• +9 more

David Paul Drucker Woldbye is an Associate Professor at the Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, where he leads the Laboratory of Neural Plasticity at the Mærsk Tower. His research focuses on neuropeptides, particularly neuropeptide Y (NPY), and their therapeutic potential in epilepsy, addiction, and neuropsychiatric disorders through gene therapy approaches. His primary research interests include neuropsychiatry, neuropeptides, animal models of neuropsychiatric disorders, addiction, gene therapy, viral vectors, epilepsy, affective disorders, and electroconvulsive treatment. Woldbye's work combines molecular neuroscience with translational approaches, utilizing viral vector-mediated gene therapy, chemogenetics (DREADDs), behavioral rodent models, and advanced neuroanatomical techniques. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on neuropeptide systems (particularly NPY and somatostatin) in seizure modulation, anxiety, pain, and addiction. His research spans molecular mechanisms to behavioral outcomes, with significant contributions to understanding how neuropeptide-based therapies can modulate neural circuits involved in neurological and psychiatric disorders. Recent work has expanded into Alzheimer's disease modeling, collagen VI in epilepsy, and dopamine transporter mechanisms. Grethe and Hans Lundbeck Scholarship (1990-1991) Gold medal in Essay Competition of University of Copenhagen in Medicine (1991) The Ole Rafaelsen Award in Biological Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology (2000) Dana Glue annual prize for ADHD research (2018) Communicator of the month at the Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology (2013) Woldbye has supervised 17 PhD students (9 as main supervisor) and has served as evaluator for 17 PhD theses. His research is currently funded by the Lundbeck Foundation, NOVO Foundation, and Innovation Foundation. He has co-founded three biotech companies (CombiGene, Panion, and RetiPharma) translating his research into clinical applications. His laboratory includes 2 post-docs, 5 PhD students, 2 research assistants, and 5 master students. The Laboratory of Neural Plasticity focuses on gene therapeutic regulation of neuropeptides in experimental models of epilepsy and other neuropsychiatric disorders. The lab has expertise in viral vector delivery, behavioral phenotyping, in situ hybridization, receptor autoradiography, and functional binding assays. Woldbye's translational work has led to multiple patent applications and collaborations with industry partners.

Hugues LeblondView profile

Professor

• Spinal Cord Injury
• Locomotion
• Neurovascular Coupling
• +3 more

Hugues Leblond serves as Professor and Department Director of Anatomy at the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières (UQTR), concurrently holding the position of Graduate Program Committee Director for Biomedical Sciences. His academic home resides within UQTR's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, where he maintains an active research program and teaching portfolio across multiple biomedical disciplines. His educational foundation includes: Ph.D. in Neurological Sciences (2000) from University of Montreal M.Sc. in Biological Sciences (1995) from University of Montreal B.Sc. in Biological Sciences (1993) from University of Montreal Dr. Leblond's research centers on spinal cord injury mechanisms and locomotor recovery , with particular emphasis on neurovascular coupling during nociceptive processing. His laboratory investigates how spinal microglia, astrocytes, and pharmacological agents like buspirone modulate sensorimotor reflexes and pain pathways using rodent models. Key methodologies include neurophysiological recording, functional imaging, and behavioral analysis of locomotion in spinalized animals. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on spinal cord neurophysiology, with emerging trends in bilateral nociceptive integration and metabolic influences on neurovascular coupling. His work bridges basic spinal cord mechanisms with translational applications for chronic pain and spinal injury rehabilitation. His scientific recognition includes: Prix d’excellence en enseignement (2016) - UQTR's highest teaching honor Team Excellence Award for Human Anatomy Laboratory (2016) Dr. Leblond has supervised doctoral candidates Renaud Jeffrey-Gauthier (2019) and Thierry Paquette (2021), along with master's student Yann Develle (2016). His service extends to 30+ institutional committees since 2011, including Anatomy Department Executive Committee (2015-present), Graduate Studies Subcommittee (2015-2019), and multiple thesis evaluation panels. He regularly serves as external evaluator for University of Montreal programs and faculty appointments. Based in the Human Anatomy Laboratory (3501C Léon-Provancher building), his research group collaborates extensively with Dr. Martin Piché's neuroscience team on spinal cord imaging and pain mechanisms, utilizing UQTR's specialized facilities for rodent neurophysiology and spinal cord injury modeling.