Find Academic Supervisors

Katherine KarlsgodtView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Schizophrenia
• +6 more

Katherine Karlsgodt is an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, with appointments in the Department of Psychology and the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences. She is also affiliated with the Molecular Biology Institute. Her research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying psychosis, particularly in relation to brain connectivity, white matter microstructure, and cognitive control in neurodevelopmental disorders. Research Highlights: Investigates brain connectivity in early-onset psychosis and schizophrenia using neuroimaging techniques Studies white matter integrity and its relationship to cognitive and behavioral outcomes Explores executive function, impulsivity, and risk-taking behavior in neurodevelopmental conditions Examines the psychosis continuum through multimodal neuroimaging and cognitive assessments Recent publications demonstrate a focus on: Resting-state functional connectivity in early psychosis White matter microstructural changes as biomarkers for psychosis Transdiagnostic approaches to understanding mental health disorders Developmental trajectories of brain networks in at-risk youth Genetic and neuroimaging correlations in schizophrenia Cognitive control and decision-making processes in psychiatric populations

Sandra LooView profile

Professor

• Neuropsychology
• ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• +4 more

Sandra Loo is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She is a key member of the Division of Child Psychiatry and the Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, focusing on neural mechanisms underlying pediatric psychiatric disorders. Her research spans ADHD, Tourette’s Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, with an emphasis on genetic and electrophysiological biomarkers for treatment response. Dr. Loo’s work integrates genetic studies (e.g., genome-wide association analyses) and neurophysiological investigations (e.g., EEG asymmetry, event-related potentials). Her recent studies explore trigeminal nerve stimulation for ADHD treatment, sleep effects in neurodevelopmental disorders, and network connectivity changes. She has secured NIH grants for her research on genetic markers and cognitive biomarkers. Academic Affiliation: University of California, Los Angeles Key Research Areas: Pediatric Psychiatry, Genetic Biomarkers, ADHD, Neurodevelopmental Disorders Methodologies: EEG, Genome-Wide Association Studies, Cognitive Assessment Leadership Roles: Director of Pediatric Neuropsychology, Medical Psychology Assessment Center

• Neurotoxicology
• Neuroteratology
• Developmental Neuroscience
• +4 more

Charles V. Vorhees is a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, with primary research conducted at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. His laboratory focuses on developmental neurotoxicology and neuroteratology, investigating how early-life exposures to pharmaceuticals and environmental agents impact brain development and behavior. Dr. Vorhees' research spans multiple critical areas in neurotoxicology: Antidepressant Risks: Demonstrated that third-trimester-equivalent SSRI exposure causes learning deficits in rat offspring and serotonin reductions, with clinical correlations to increased Autism Spectrum Disorder risk Methamphetamine Neurotoxicity: Extensive work on how developmental methamphetamine exposure affects monoamine systems, spatial learning, and memory across different developmental periods Novel Assessment Methods: Developed improved approaches for developmental neurotoxicity testing that better align rodent models with human child outcomes His publication record shows consistent high-impact research since the 1970s, with recent work focusing on molecular mechanisms of neurotoxicity, including phosphodiesterase enzymes, tubulin mutations, and creatine metabolism. Dr. Vorhees maintains a long-standing collaboration with Dr. Michael T. Williams, with whom he has co-authored over 100 publications. Dr. Vorhees has contributed significantly to regulatory science through commentaries on developmental neurotoxicity testing standards, advocating for more comprehensive cognitive assessment in regulatory studies to better protect child health. His laboratory employs sophisticated behavioral paradigms including the Cincinnati Water Maze for egocentric navigation and Morris Water Maze for allocentric learning, with particular expertise in dissecting how developmental exposures alter specific cognitive domains rather than producing generalized deficits.

Aaron KaatView profile

Associate Professor

• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Patient-Reported Outcome Measures
• Cognitive Assessment Tools
• +3 more

Aaron Kaat is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medical Social Sciences at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. His research focuses on neurodevelopmental disorders, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), cognitive assessment tools, and psychometrics. He is affiliated with institutions such as the Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, the Center for Patient-Centered Outcomes, and the Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (NUCATS). Kaat's work involves developing and validating standardized tools like the NIH Baby Toolbox® and Mobile Toolbox for assessing neurodevelopmental domains including executive function, memory, language, motor skills, and social-emotional functioning. His recent publications examine pandemic impacts on early intervention systems, cross-cultural psychometric validation, and clinical trial readiness for rare disorders like SCN2A-related syndromes and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. He employs mixed-methods approaches, simulation studies, and novel psychometric methodologies such as bookmarking and measurement invariance analysis. Research also includes technology-based assessments (iPad, smartphone platforms), caregiver-mediated interventions, and addressing biases in developmental measurements across diverse populations.

• Autism
• Induced pluripotent stem cells
• Neuroscience
• +4 more

Samuele Marro is an Assistant Professor in the Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and the Black Family Stem Cell Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. His research program focuses on synaptic plasticity and its dysfunction in Fragile X syndrome, which represents the number one genetic cause of autism. Dr. Marro received his PhD in Human Biology from the Molecular Biotechnology Center at the University of Torino in Italy. He completed his postdoctoral training in pluripotent stem cell biology in the laboratory of Marius Wernig, MD PhD, at the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at Stanford University. His laboratory utilizes human neurons directly differentiated from pluripotent stem cells and genetically modified using CRISPR/Cas9 tools to investigate neurodevelopmental disorders. His research spans multiple disciplines including neuroscience, stem cell biology, and genetic engineering, with particular emphasis on autism spectrum disorders and synaptic function. Dr. Marro's team has developed sophisticated protocols for generating precise disease models and investigating cellular mechanisms underlying neurological conditions. Analysis of Dr. Marro's 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent trajectory from foundational stem cell techniques to complex disease modeling. His work demonstrates expertise in CRISPR-based gene editing, single-cell analysis, and advanced imaging techniques applied to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions. There is a clear progression toward increasingly sophisticated models of neurological disorders with translational applications. Dr. Marro serves as co-Director of the Stem Cell Engineering Core, which provides critical infrastructure services including derivation of iPSCs from patient blood samples, differentiation into specific cell types, and gene-editing to create or repair disease mutations for the Icahn School of Medicine community. This role positions him at the intersection of basic research and translational applications across multiple disciplines.

• Neurodegenerative diseases
• Rett syndrome
• Neurodevelopmental genetics
• +6 more

Dr. Huda Yahya Zoghbi is a Professor at Baylor College of Medicine , holding appointments in the Departments of Molecular and Human Genetics, Pediatrics - Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Neuroscience , and other programs. She serves as an Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and as Director of the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital. Her research spans neurogenetics, neurodegenerative diseases, and neurodevelopmental biology. Education: MD, Meharry Medical College (1979) BS, American University of Beirut (1976) Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Baylor College of Medicine (1985) Research Interests: Dr. Zoghbi's work focuses on the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases like spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) and Rett syndrome , using genetic and biochemical approaches to understand disease mechanisms. Her lab investigates Ataxin-1 in polyglutamine diseases, Atoh1 in neurodevelopment, and MECP2 regulation in neurological disorders. She explores therapeutic strategies including antisense oligonucleotides and deep brain stimulation . Notable Awards: Kavli Prize in Neuroscience (2022) Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences (2017) National Academy of Sciences (2004) Shaw Prize in Life Science and Medicine (2016) Canada Gairdner International Award (2017) Honorary Doctorates from Yale, Meharry, and Middlebury (2007-2014) Laboratory: The Zoghbi Laboratory at Baylor College of Medicine investigates genetic mechanisms in neurological disorders , collaborating with institutions like the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Texas Children’s Hospital. The lab employs mouse models , CRISPR tools , and single-cell sequencing to study neuronal differentiation and disease vulnerability.

Vadim BolshakovView profile

Professor

• Cellular Neuroscience
• Molecular Neuroscience
• Synaptic Plasticity
• +3 more

Vadim Bolshakov is a Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Director of the Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory at McLean Hospital . His research focuses on cellular and molecular mechanisms of learned and innate fear-related behaviors , utilizing electrophysiology, optogenetics, and genetic models to study synaptic plasticity in amygdala circuits. Education: 1982 BS, Tomsk University, Russia 1987 PhD, Sechenov Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences 1993-1999 Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Columbia University Key research areas include fear conditioning, anxiety disorders, synaptic plasticity , and genetic regulation of neural circuits . Recent work highlights how mPFC-amygdala interactions govern fear extinction and identifies genes controlling synaptic proteins in PTSD and schizophrenia models. His publications (2013-2020) emphasize synaptic mechanisms in fear circuits , optogenetic modulation of anxiety , and pathway-specific plasticity in emotional memory. Collaborations span institutions including Boston Children’s Hospital and University of Illinois . Lab Members: Current: Xin Deng (Research Fellow), Yan Li (Assistant Research Physiologist), Yunona Manasian (Lab Manager) Former: Keith Tully (PhD), Evgeny Tsvetkov (Post-Doctoral Associate)

• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Preventive Medical Science
• Environmental Brain Science
• +4 more

Masaki Kakeyama is a Professor at the Faculty of Human Sciences , Waseda University, Japan. With a Ph.D. from Waseda University, he leads research at the intersection of behavioral neuroscience, environmental toxicology, and developmental neurobiology. Key Affiliations: Japan Society of Endocrine Disrupters Research, Japanese Society of Toxicology, Japan Neuroscience Society Research Focus spans neurodevelopmental impacts of environmental chemicals (dioxins, BPA, PCB congeners), neuronal migration mechanisms, and schema-based memory consolidation. His work explores how prenatal exposures alter medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampal function, leading to behavioral inflexibility and cognitive deficits in rodent models. Scientific Contributions include: Characterizing aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) overactivation effects on cortical development Developing FlavorMap and IntelliCage automated behavioral assays Demonstrating neuronal heterotopia -induced distant brain region dysfunction Identifying developmental origins of metabolic disorders via maternal dioxin exposure Awards: Encouragement Award, Japanese Society for Hygiene (2012) Methodological Innovations include fluorescence laser microdissection-RTqPCR for single-cell gene expression analysis and live imaging techniques for neurochemical dynamics assessment. Education: Ph.D. in Life Sciences (1995) from Graduate School of Human Sciences, Waseda University.

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• +4 more

Narjes Bahreini is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Tübingen's Faculty of Science, Department of Psychology, specializing in the Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy of Children and Adolescents research group. Her work integrates advanced neuroscientific methodologies with developmental and clinical applications. Her research spans Cognitive Neuroscience , Developmental Psychology , and Clinical Psychology , focusing on electrophysiological techniques (EEG/ERP), brain stimulation (tDCS/tACS/TMS), eye-tracking, and neurofeedback. She employs computational tools including EEGLAB, Python, R, SPSS, and JASP for data analysis, and designs behavioral paradigms using E-Prime and PsychoPy. Analysis of her 2021-2025 publications reveals a cohesive research trajectory examining neural mechanisms of cognitive processes—particularly number processing, reading direction, and social cognition—with emphasis on cultural variations and developmental contexts. Her work frequently bridges cognitive neuroscience with clinical populations, including children, adolescents, and individuals with borderline personality disorder or learning disorders. Dr. Bahreini actively contributes to the International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy (IARPP), presenting on relational aspects of attachment and psychotherapy. Her research group at Tübingen operates from Liebermeisterstr. 18, Room 405, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities for neurocognitive investigations of child and adolescent development.

Karen A. LitwaView profile

Associate Professor

• Brain development
• Synapse formation
• Neural circuit development
• +6 more

Karen A. Litwa is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology at East Carolina University's Brody School of Medicine. Her primary appointment is within the medical school, where she maintains an active research laboratory and contributes to graduate education. She also collaborates with researchers across multiple disciplines as evidenced by her diverse publication record. Dr. Litwa's research focuses on the fundamental processes of brain development, particularly how neurons form connections (synapses) that are essential for cognitive functions like learning and memory. Her work investigates how these processes go awry in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders. Using innovative approaches including human brain modeling, CRISPR transcriptional manipulation, and advanced microscopy, her lab has made significant contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms of synapse formation. Analysis of Dr. Litwa's recent publications reveals a strong focus on cytoskeletal regulation of synaptogenesis, extracellular matrix components (particularly hyaluronan) in neural circuit development, and the effects of pharmacological agents on developing neural networks. Her work spans both basic mechanisms of neural development and translational applications for neurodevelopmental disorders, with several studies examining potential therapeutic approaches like sulforaphane for autism-related synaptic alterations. Dr. Litwa has secured significant research funding, including an NIH R21 grant and an NSF CAREER award, demonstrating the importance and innovation of her research program. These grants support her investigations into the neuroprotective effects of sulforaphane in autism models and the mechanisms of filopodia-based synaptogenesis. Dr. Litwa maintains an active laboratory with multiple graduate students, Master's students, and undergraduate researchers. Her mentoring has produced successful graduates who have gone on to diverse careers in academia, industry, government, and professional schools. She has published extensively in high-impact journals including Molecular Psychiatry, Science Reports, Cells, and Journal of Neuroscience Research, with her work frequently focusing on the intersection of cellular mechanisms and neural development.

Olalekan Michael OgundeleView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuroscience
• Synaptic Plasticity
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• +5 more

Dr. Olalekan Michael Ogundele is an Associate Professor and Dr. Mary Louise Martin Endowed Professor in the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences at LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. His affiliations include postdoctoral training at LSU and research collaborations with NIMH. He joined LSU in 2017. Research interests focus on neural circuit mechanisms underlying cognitive functions: Regulation of hippocampal network excitability via SK2 channels and CaMKIIα dynamics Functional mapping of midbrain dopamine/glutamate projections in learning/memory Optogenetic dissection of stress circuits in adaptive behaviors Neural basis of schizophrenia/autism using transgenic models Techniques include in vivo electrophysiology, optogenetics, and neuroanatomical tracing. Recent publications (2016-2021) demonstrate consistent focus on synaptic plasticity, with 73% studying hippocampal/VTA circuits and 55% involving SK channel/CaMKII mechanisms. Articles frequently integrate molecular biology with behavioral analysis in disease models. Major scientific awards include: LSU Distinguished Faculty Award (2024) Dean's Merit Honor Roll (2018-2021) Distinguished Teacher of the Year (2020, 2021) IBRO-ISN Postdoctoral Fellowship (2015) Carnegie/Zeiss Fellowship (2010) He currently advises PhD and DVM students including David Odenheimer and Ignitius Lim. Active grants include $1.8M from NIMH for brain circuit research and NIH funding for sepsis-related neural studies. The Ogundele Lab uses silicon probe arrays and optogenetic tools to investigate decision-making circuits.

Gordon MG ShepherdView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Neural circuits
• Motor control
• +6 more

Gordon MG Shepherd, MD, PhD is a Professor of Neuroscience at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, where he leads a research laboratory focused on neural circuit organization in motor-frontal cortex. His work bridges cellular, synaptic, and systems neuroscience to understand the neural basis of motor control, executive functions, and working memory. Dr. Shepherd's research interests center on elucidating the functional 'wiring diagrams' of neocortical neurons in motor-frontal cortex. His laboratory applies multiple tools of quantitative synaptic circuit analysis, including laser scanning photostimulation microscopy based on glutamate uncaging and channelrhodopsin-2 excitation. His team investigates circuit-level mechanisms in mouse models of disease, including autism, Rett syndrome, epilepsy, and motor neuron diseases. They also develop software tools for imaging and electrophysiology applications ( www.scanimage.org , www.ephus.org ). His research portfolio demonstrates a consistent focus on cortical connectivity, synaptic organization, and motor control systems. The articles reflect an evolution from basic circuit mapping to increasingly sophisticated multiscale modeling approaches that integrate cellular, circuit, and behavioral data. His work spans molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience with strong translational implications for neurological disorders. Dr. Shepherd has received significant recognition for his contributions to neuroscience: Javitz Neuroscience Investigator Award, NIH, NINDS (2023) Research Award, Evans Foundation (2011) Albert and Ellen Grass Faculty Award, Grass Foundation (2008-2010) Member, MBL Society (2010) Professionally, Dr. Shepherd serves as Associate Editor for Science Advances (2019-present) and on several editorial boards. He has held leadership positions including Chair of the Society for Neuroscience (2012) and serves on scientific advisory boards for the Emory-Udall Parkinson's Disease Center and NINDS. His laboratory contributes to the Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program (NUIN), which trains 20-25 PhD students annually through a six-year program involving laboratory rotations and thesis research. Dr. Shepherd's laboratory maintains active collaborations and develops computational tools that support neuroscience research community-wide. His work on cortical cells, circuits, and signals aims to understand the cellular mechanisms for motor control in behaving animals and how these are affected in neurological diseases that impair sensorimotor function.

• Childhood vision impairment
• Habilitation strategies
• Accessibility and inclusion
• +5 more

Dr. Jessica Hayton is an Associate Professor in Psychology and Human Development at University College London's Institute of Education (IOE). She serves as Programme Leader for the Graduate Diploma in Habilitation and Disabilities of Sight (Children and Young People) and holds the position of Departmental Innovation and Enterprise Lead. With 9 years of lecturing experience and 6 years as Programme Leader, Dr. Hayton is a prominent figure in the field of childhood vision impairment research and education. Dr. Hayton's educational background includes: PhD from University College London (2013-2016) MSc in Psychology of Education from the Institute of Education, London (2011-2012) BA(Hons) in Psychology and Philosophy from Heythrop College, University of London (2008-2011) Dr. Hayton's research centers on childhood vision impairment and developing practical strategies to support independence skills. Her work explores sleep patterns in children with vision impairment, fine motor skill development for independent dressing, and habilitation approaches. She has designed and run novel interventions to support children with vision impairment, children with Down syndrome, and neurotypical children. Dr. Hayton employs mixed-methods design in her research, emphasizing the importance of gathering direct input from participants to understand their experiences. Her extensive publication record reveals consistent focus on vision impairment, habilitation, sleep patterns, and independence skills development. The research shows a clear trajectory from foundational studies on dressing skills to more complex investigations of mental health, quality of life, and cross-cultural comparisons in children with vision impairment. Recent work increasingly addresses mental health aspects alongside physical habilitation needs, reflecting a comprehensive approach to supporting children with vision impairment. Dr. Hayton has received several professional recognitions: Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2021-present) Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2019-present) Nominated for "Excellent Personal Tutoring" (UCLU Student Choice Teaching Awards, 2021) Celebrating our Colleagues Work award (UCL, 2020) As an educator, Dr. Hayton leads all 4 modules on the Graduate Diploma in Habilitation and serves as module co-lead for Research, Design, and Methodology at Masters level. She has successfully supervised PhD students and students in the professional doctorate for Educational Psychology. Her external examiner roles at Liverpool John Moores University and University of Birmingham demonstrate her standing in the academic community. Dr. Hayton has secured research funding from organizations including the British Academy/Leverhulme (for sleep research in children with vision impairment) and Williams France (for research on adolescents with Williams Syndrome). Dr. Hayton maintains strong connections with professional organizations and external partners. She is affiliated with Habilitation VI UK (the professional body for Habilitation workers in the UK), the Scottish Sensory Centre, and the Centre for Inclusive Education. Her collaborative work extends to organizations like English National Ballet, Barbican Centre, CBBC, and Samsung, where she has contributed expertise on accessibility, inclusive design, and habilitation strategies.

Tracy S GertlerView profile

Assistant Professor

• Genetic Epilepsy
• Neurogenetics
• Pediatric Neurology
• +3 more

Tracy S Gertler, MD, PhD, serves as Assistant Professor in Pediatrics (Neurology and Epilepsy) and Pharmacology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, practicing at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital and Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Her clinical expertise centers on pediatric neurogenetics with specialized focus on genetic epilepsy syndromes, chromosomal abnormalities with epilepsy manifestations, and variants of unknown significance requiring translational research integration. Educational background includes: PhD in Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (2009) MD, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (2011) Pediatrics Residency, Northwestern University McGaw Medical Center (2013) Child Neurology Residency, Lurie Children's Hospital (2016) Postdoctoral Fellowship in Pharmacology, Northwestern University (2017) Her research program bridges molecular neuroscience and clinical neurology, investigating ion channel dysfunction in epilepsy, genetic mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders, and translational applications of nutritional ketosis. She employs induced pluripotent stem cell models, electrophysiological techniques, and clinical-genomic correlations to develop precision therapies for pediatric neurological conditions. Recent publications (2022-2024) demonstrate consistent focus on genetic epilepsy mechanisms, with particular emphasis on RELN mutations, KCNT1 channelopathies, and 16p11.2 duplication effects. Her work integrates stem cell neuroscience, calcium signaling analysis, and metabolic interventions, establishing clear connections between basic molecular discoveries and clinical applications in pediatric neurology. Major recognitions include: Daniel Linzer fellowship for innovative research in developmental sciences (2019) "40 under 40" top Chicago scientists Translational Research award, Halo cures (2019) Dr. Gertler actively shapes epilepsy research through leadership roles including Scientific Advisory Board membership for the KCNT1 Epilepsy Foundation and prior service on the American Epilepsy Society Translational Research Committee. Her collaborative work extends across multiple Northwestern research ecosystems. She maintains active affiliations with the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (NUCATS), and Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, fostering interdisciplinary approaches to childhood neurological disorders.

• Cognitive Control
• Selective Attention
• Neuroscience
• +2 more

Christopher Blais is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Arizona State University, specializing in cognitive control and neuroscience. He directs the EEG lab, focusing on implicit mechanisms of self-regulation and attention. PhD in Cognitive Psychology, University of Waterloo (2006) MA in Cognitive Psychology, University of Waterloo (2002) BA in Psychology with minor in Mathematics, University of Waterloo (2001) His research explores cognitive control, selective attention, and neural correlates of behavior regulation. Key areas include understanding how implicit processes influence attentional control and memory, utilizing EEG and computational models. Recent publications highlight trends in cognitive neuroscience, including applications of machine learning to EEG data, social learning mechanisms, and educational technology innovations. Blais has contributed to studies on bilingualism, prospective memory, and emotion regulation. Blais teaches undergraduate courses like BIO 495 (Undergraduate Research) and PSY 499 (Individualized Instruction), emphasizing hands-on learning in psychology and neuroscience.