Individualizing Repetitive Visual Stimulation using the Individual Alpha Frequency

February 2024 - Present

Recently, it has been discovered that flickering light induces long-term response changes in the visual cortex that are like those observed in long-term potentiation (LTP) after repetitive electrical stimulation in the hippocampus. This finding has sparked interest in the use of repetitive visual stimulation (RVS) for noninvasive neuromodulation. Because stimulation frequencies in the alpha band trigger the largest changes, we hypothesized that maximal gain changes could be produced by matching the RVS frequency to a participant’s individual alpha frequency (IAF). Using EEG, we first determined a participant’s IAF (the frequency between 8 to 12 Hz with maximum power during eyes-open resting state). For individual IAF values, our results revealed a significant relationship between the IAF calculated at the beginning of the first session and the second session. This reveals the stability of the IAF, which is supported by the literature. Behaviorally, after receiving RVS at their IAF, participants had reduced reaction time and a lower contrast detection threshold. Data collection is still ongoing, so further testing is needed to confirm the significance of these effects. If confirmed, then individualizing the frequency parameter for each participant may enhance the effects of RVS on the visual cortex.

Review & Meta-Analysis: Eye Movements in Schizophrenia

September 2022 - Present

Comprehensive review and meta-analysis on how different categories of eye movements are dysregulated in schizophrenia patients, and the potential of using a specific category of eye movements as a diagnostic tool for schizophrenia.

Recovery of reward function in nicotine use disorder using a combination of robotoics, electrophysiology, and TMS

January 2023 - December 2023

Collected 30 participants with nicotine use disorder for a 3-session study. Analyzed resting-state fMRI data for each participant for a personalized target to receive TMS. Compared effects of stimulation to three other fMRI targeting methods: diffusion-weighted imaging, cortical thickness, and task-based fMRI.

Resting-State TMS Targeting

December 2021 - August 2022

Analyzed resting-state fMRI data of 30 participants using MATLAB, bash, and python scripting to create target regions for transcranial brain stimulation.

Cognitive Factors in Virus Transmission

July 2020 - September 2021

Assisted in the execution of research study about the cognitive traits that influence our behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. Created a landing page for potential participants to read and sign up for the study. Marketed study to potential participants in the surrounding area and on online.

The Empowerment through Science & Technology Initiative (ESTI)

September 2019 - June 2022

Created a website for informative content on science, health, technology, and research studies. Maintained and updated website periodically with new information. Created and executed a monthly newsletter.

Understanding Learning-Dependent Changes in Functional Connectivity through fMRI and EEG

September 2017 - January 2019

As people learn over time, functional connectivity, or the communication between brain regions, can shift. In order to evaluate these changes in functional connectivity, our lab designed an experiment that utilized the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and the electroencephalogram (EEG), which measure blood flow and electrical activity respectively. In this 8-hour experiment subjects gradually gain expertise in a novel multi-sensory logic task. After testing the stimuli and running a pilot study, we have run over 40 subjects. From these experiments, I studied the various components of fMRI and EEG data and how they are imperative to changes in functional connectivity. We expect the results to inform our understanding of how various brain regions interact and connections shift throughout the learning process.

Validation of Automated Artifact Removal Procedures in Dense-Array EEG

May 2017 - October 2017

The objective of this project was to implement and validate an automated ICA approach by using a MATLAB script that correlated the IC time courses and EOG channel time courses over different thresholds. The automated approach was validated by comparing the overlap with classifications of the same ICA decomposition made manually by two humans, and by visualizing the effects of automated removal in signals of interest (event-related potentials or ERPs).

Coursework:

• Foundations of Neuroscience I, II, III
• Critical Thinking
• Cerebral Cortex
• Statistical Analysis in Psychology

Teaching Assistant Courses:

• Research Methods in Psychology
• General Psychology 2
• Statistical Methods in Psychology

• Set up, performed experimental tasks, and entered data on a clinical population for a study involving 85 participants.
• Collected transcranial brain stimulation (TMS), electroencephalogram (EEG), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data in studies involving 50+ participants.

• Surveyed potential participants for a study involving opiod users.
• Analyzed fMRI data for 30 participants that created regions in the human brain for TMS targeting.

• Assisted in development of data collection protocols and Institutional Review Board (IRB) packages.
• Created and organized social media accounts for outreach initative program.
• Developed and executed monthly newsletter for outreach initiative program.

• Managed financial documents for two R01 grants.
• Recruited and surveyed older adults for an fMRI study involving 60 participants. Presented health-related information to senior citizens and community members in the NJ area.

Research Project Assistant | September 2020 - May 2021

• Supervised online COVID-19 study, "Cognitive Factors in Virus Transmission".
• Managed lab supplies and invoices.

• Advertised various studies online and around the community using Facebook, Reddit, Twitter, and the SONA System.

Research Assistant | September 2017 - August 2020

• Preprocessed fMRI data using the Amarel interface.
• Executed and supervised outreach initiative program, the Empowerment through Science & Technology Initiative (ESTI).
• Studied and presented academic papers to lab members.

• Set up, performed experimental tasks, and entered data for a combined fMRI and EEG study involving 57 participants.
• Surveyed 60 participants for an fMRI study.
• Updated lab website with new features: a counter for the number of presentations, papers, and preprints completed by the lab, and a drop-down menu for presentations older than 2015.

Summer Research Assistant | May 2017 - August 2017

• Developed and executed study on automated artifact removal procedures in dense-array EEG funded by the Garden-State Louis Stokes' Alliance for Minority Participation through the National Science Foundation under the supervision of Dr. Ravi Mill and Dr. Michael Cole.

• Conducted Transcranial Doppler (TCD) and Videonystagmography (VNG) exams on patients.

• Recorded and analyzed TCD and VNG data for physician.

• Maintained and organized experiment equipment and glassware for 60+ students per semester.
• Set up 8 student labs per semester.

• Assisted graduate students and instructed undergraduate students during labs.