Aziz-Zadeh, Lisa
Associate Professor of Occupational Science, Psychology and Neurology
The Center for the Neuroscience of Embodied CognitionWe explore how rudimentary sensory-motor areas may be intrinsically involved in processing aspects of higher cognition such as language, thought, emotions, empathy, and social communication. We study both typical populations and autism, using MRI and behavioral studies, also integrating microbiome research.
Barakat, Rita
Assistant Professor (Teaching) of Biological Sciences
My current research focuses on exploring the link between executive functioning and language, testing the "Bilingual Advantage" hypothesis using a computer-based version of the Stroop Task. My primary role within NGP and at USC is to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in neuroscience, cell biology and physiology, as well as provide curricular supportand advise graduate students. I am also the chair of the NGP Diversity Committee and participate in/ lead several DEI-focused initiatives at USC.
Bienkowski, Michael
Assistant Professor of Physiology and Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering
Our lab investigates brain cell types, their susceptibility to disease, and how biomedical treatments can slow or prevent neurodegeneration. We have a wide variety of collaborative research projects using animal models of retinal diseases and Alzheimer’s disease (mice, rats, rabbits) as well as studies in post-mortem human samples. We use cutting-edge multidisciplinary approaches to characterize brain cell types and their neurodegeneration including viral tract tracing connectomics, spatial transcriptomics, 3D neuronal reconstruction, and digital pathology/machine learning.
Bonaguidi, Michael
Associate Professor of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine
Cognitive impairment (CI) is a burdensome neurological condition that occurs during aging, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and is a common co-morbidity in many neurodegenerative diseases, including epilepsy. Unfortunately, CI prevalence continues to accelerate due to population aging and emerging therapies only slows CI by a few months. Our research seeks to develop regenerative medicine and provide longer-lasting benefits to CI through brain restoration. We are establishing endogenous brain regeneration as a therapeutic approach for CI in pre-clinical animals and people by (1) investigating neural stem cell behavior in aging, AD and epilepsy, (2) developing computational/AI drug discovery tools for precision medicine to treat CI, and (3) partnering with physicians for human research and clinical trials to translate our findings.
Braskie, Meredith
Assistant Professor of Neurology
We use neuroimaging, fluid biomarkers, environmental and genetic risk factors, and comorbidities to better understand Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk - particularly the mechanisms underlying earliest brain characteristics that may signal or contribute to future cognitive decline. I am especially interested in the contributions of vascular, metabolic, and inflammatory risk to AD-relevant brain measures in older adults. I am also interested in disease heterogeneity and how it relates to health disparities and sex differences.
Brocas, Isabelle
I am a Professor at the University of Southern California and the co-director of the Los Angeles Behavioral Economics Laboratory (LABEL) and the Theoretical Research in Neuroeconomic Decision-making (TREND) Institute. My research revisits standard theories of decision-making and aims at better understanding how people make choices, what motivates them and what cognitive limitations prevent them from making rational choices.
