Sook-Lei Liew

Dr. Sook-Lei Liew is an Associate Professor at the University of Southern California (USC) with joint appointments in the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, Keck School of Medicine Neurology Department, and Viterbi School of Biomedical Engineering. She directs the PhD in Occupational Science program at the USC Chan Division. Her research focuses on neural plasticity and stroke rehabilitation, aiming to enhance recovery through noninvasive brain stimulation, brain-computer interfaces, and personalized interventions.

• Affiliations: USC Chan Division, Keck School of Medicine, Viterbi School of Engineering
• Education: PhD in Occupational Science (USC, 2012), Postdoc at NIH (2012–2014)

Her lab investigates mechanisms of neural repair post-stroke, leveraging neuroimaging (fMRI, DTI) and advanced technologies like real-time neurofeedback. Key areas include white matter integrity, brain age biomarkers, and telerehabilitation systems. She co-leads the ENIGMA Stroke Recovery Working Group, pooling global neuroimaging data to improve stroke outcome predictions.

Publications highlight stroke rehabilitation strategies, neuroimaging biomarkers, and technology-driven therapies. Notable contributions include studies on corpus callosal microstructure, hippocampal volume impacts, and telehealth biofeedback systems.

• Awards: FAOTA (Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association)
• Grants & Grants: NIH-funded projects on stroke recovery mechanisms and neurotechnology applications.

Her lab (Neural Plasticity and Neurorehabilitation) develops low-cost VR-based interventions (e.g., REINVENT system) for severe stroke survivors, emphasizing accessibility and personalized care.