Priyanka P. Shah

Priyanka P. Shah, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, with a secondary appointment in the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at Marquette University and Medical College of Wisconsin. She is an active member of both the Neuroscience Research Center and the Wisconsin Institute of NeuroScience (WINS), where she directs the Cognition and Brain Stimulation (CaBS) Laboratory. Her academic journey began with B.S. and M.S. degrees in Biomedical Engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology, followed by a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Rutgers Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

Dr. Shah's research program centers on aphasia rehabilitation and neurorehabilitation, with particular expertise in non-invasive brain stimulation techniques including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Her work investigates the neural mechanisms of language recovery after stroke, electrophysiological biomarkers of neuroplasticity, and personalized neuromodulation approaches. She has established a robust research program with multiple active grants as both Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator, focusing on synchronizing brain oscillatory activity to treat post-stroke aphasia and precision neuromodulation approaches.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on translating basic neuroscience findings into clinical applications for stroke recovery and aphasia treatment. Her work frequently examines how genetic factors (particularly BDNF polymorphisms) interact with brain stimulation to influence neuroplasticity and language recovery. There's a clear progression toward more sophisticated approaches to neuromodulation, including high-definition tDCS and individualized stimulation protocols based on electrophysiological biomarkers.

• Albert Dorman Honor's College Scholarship (2003-2006)
• Tau Beta Pi (2005-2006)
• Travel award, Stroke Program in Neurorecovery (2017-2018)
• Canadian Stroke Trainee Association in Research, CanStroke Recovery Trials Trainee award (2017-2018)
• Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canada award (2017-2018)

As a dedicated mentor, Dr. Shah advises numerous medical students, high school students through the SUPREMES program, and faculty members. She has played a key role in establishing the Intensive Program for Aphasia Treatment (IPAT), demonstrating her commitment to translating research into clinical practice. Her laboratory utilizes advanced neuroimaging and electrophysiological techniques to investigate language networks and develop innovative rehabilitation approaches for individuals with communication disorders following stroke or with neurodegenerative conditions.