Department of Biomedical Engineering
Mentor: Alik Widge, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Project: Validation of Low-intensity Focused Ultrasound (LIFU) Neuromodulation in Human Motor Cortex
Steve Adams is validating reproducible biomarkers of target engagement for Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (LIFU), a non-invasive alternative to deep brain stimulation. Current non-invasive methods cannot reliably modulate deep brain regions critical for mood, cognition, and motor control. Steve applies LIFU to excite the motor cortex and quantifies neural responses through motor-evoked potentials and functional imaging. His research establishes a rigorous foundation for translating LIFU into safe, accessible therapies for severe psychiatric disorders, such as depression, OCD, and PTSD.
