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.
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.
Chang, Karen T.
Associate Professor of Physiology and Neuroscience
Our lab is interested in understanding how neurons communicate with high fidelity to support complex brain functions. We aim to uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms that enable precise synaptic signaling and to explore how disruptions in these processes contribute to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Using Drosophila melanogaster as a genetically tractable model system, we integrate electrophysiology, molecular biology, confocal imaging, proteomics, and behavioral analysis to investigate synaptic function and plasticity.
Ching, Christopher
Assistant Professor Of Research Neurology
Dr. Ching’s research focuses on neuroimaging and genomic markers of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. As a core organizing member of the Enhancing Neuro Imaging Genetics through Meta-Analysis (ENIGMA) Consortium, he designs and implements standardized processing and analysis techniques for large-scale neuroimaging studies. He leads the ENIGMA Bipolar Disorder Working Group, an effort pooling data and resources from around the world to improve our understanding of the biological processes driving bipolar disorder, and studies rare copy number variants like 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome to understand how genetic mutations can lead to increased risk for developing psychiatric illness. He leads several large-scale transdiagnostic neuroimaging and genomic initiatives using machine learning to map common and distinct brain and clinical factors across mental illnesses.
Dias, Brian George
Associate Professor of Developmental Neuroscience & Neurogenetics
Our research seeks to understand not only how mammalian neurobiology, physiology and reproductive biology is impacted by psychosocial and nutritional stress but also how parental legacies of such stressors influence offspring. To achieve this understanding, we employ a lifespan approach to study how stressors affect: sperm/egg/embryo (pre-conceptional stress), the gestating fetus (in utero stress), and the developing infant (post-natal stress). Our experimental approaches include assaying learning-memory-motivation, virus-mediated manipulation of neuronal activity and gene expression, (epi)genetic profiling of cells, in vivo fiber photometry and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
Finley, James
Associate Professor of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy
In the USC Locomotor Control Lab, we seek to understand how walking is controlled and adapted in both the healthy and injured neuromuscular systems. We develop models and experiments based on principles of neuroscience, biomechanics, engineering, and exercise physiology to identify the factors that guide locomotor learning and rehabilitation. Ultimately, the goal of our work is to design novel and effective interventions to improve walking ability in individuals with damage to the nervous system.
