1. What is your favorite part about neuromodulation work?
My favorite part about neuromodulation work is seeing research participants engaged in the science - when we are able to see a muscle response in their hand for the first time during resting motor threshold measurements, there is mutual excitement and curiosity with the research team and participant. It is truly the willingness of individuals who devote time and energy out of their busy lives to participate in clinical trials that allows for advances in science and medicine from this work. That being said, my favorite part about the field of neuromodulation is that we are always on the cusp of new discoveries; we are constantly learning new neurotechnologies, stimulation methods, and clinical applications as an influx of evidence emerges around neuromodulation techniques. It's exciting to play a role in the scientific process that is fundamental to these developments!
2. What is your favorite kind of neuromodulation technique and/or equipment and why?
At present, my favorite neuromodulation technique is continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS), a form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) that has an inhibitory effect on the targeted brain region. This form of stimulation is innovative because traditional inhibitory rTMS is applied at a frequency of 1 Hz, which can result in protocols that last 30 minutes or more. In contrast, cTBS may be applied in less than a minute in some protocols. This increased efficiency has the potential to save time and resources in research and clinical settings (and means less tired arms as an operator).
3. What kind of conditions do you treat with neuromodulation?
It is important to note that in the Non-invasive Neuromodulation Laboratories, we do not administer any treatments as all neuromodulation applications are experimental in nature. This is explained to all research participants during the informed consent process to prevent therapeutic misconception. With that being said, we are lucky to host multiple clinical trials in our laboratories who use non-invasive brain stimulation to study various conditions, including: tic disorders, OCD, depression, traumatic brain injury, stroke, addiction, movement disorders, and more.
4. Any sparks of inspiration you would like to share?
"To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow" - Audrey Hepburn
I love this quote as an avid gardener and house plant enthusiast, but I also love this quote from a research perspective. We are constantly 'planting seeds' through the work we do, whether it's submitting a grant application, training a new staff member, preparing a presentation, or calling a prospective research participant for a phone screening. As you tend to your 'garden' through daily tasks, know that it is a testament to your hope for the future!
5. What is your favorite part of the brain and why?
This changes regularly for me - but I would have to say the medulla oblongata. Down in the brainstem, the medulla is a connection point from the brain to the rest of the body, and controls many vital functions. Keepings us breathing and our hearts beating day and night is a super important job, and I think the medulla deserves a lot more gratitude and recognition!
6. Any exciting news or breakthroughs you'd like to share regarding your neuromodulation work?
I'm excited to share that we have a new MagVenture MagPro x100 with MagOption in the Non-invasive Neuromodulation Laboratories that is now available for laboratory users. Please reach out to [email protected] if you'd like to hear more about this system or the other services we provide! 