My work focuses on finding effective non-pharmacological interventions to combat cognitive decline in the aging population.
I use a multi-modal approach that incorporates computational models, neuroimaging and neuromodulation. This is exciting because I am at the forefront of blending these innovative approaches to explore how they intersect and improve intervention outcomes through personalized strategies. For example, I utilize individual neuroimaging data to predict the outcomes of electrical stimulation and apply these findings to populations that have not yet been widely studied. Additionally, I can incorporate cutting-edge methods, such as machine learning, to enhance treatment outcomes. Exploring new methods to improve interventions also fosters new collaborations in improving cognitive function through other means that can affect cognition and can be coupled with modulation, such as metabolism.
Since I started at UF, I have been honored to be selected as a recipient of multiple small-scale pilot grants, including the CTSI Pilot Award and the BRAIN Center Seed Fund, as well as the recently awarded National Institute on Aging K25 grant through the National Institutes of Health. I’m excited to start the study, which will investigate neuromodulation mechanism to improve memory in healthy versus older adults with mild cognitive impairment. This study is planned to give more information on how to personalize stimulation dose for future R-level clinical trials.
I’ve also established my lab here at UF. I chaired the PHHP AI Workgroup, where I had the pleasure of collaborating with AI experts in the field and contributing to the UF community by hosting events such as the AI seminar. These seminars disseminate AI research and tools available at UF to audiences in a non-technical and accessible manner. This inclusive format has been highly effective and has gained traction over time as a useful way to spread information about AI. I also became an assistant director for computing and informatics within the Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, where my primary role involves overseeing HiPerGator CAM investment. Additionally, I developed and taught a new AI course within the college, which is part of the PHHP undergraduate certificate for AI in public health and health care. Since joining UF as part of the AI initiatives, I have closely collaborated with NVIDIA, UFIT/UFRC, the AI2 Center and faculty members across colleges and libraries to strengthen the collective efforts toward establishing UF as the leading AI university in the nation.
UF’s AI community is a truly wonderful and welcoming community. I look forward to continuing to work together and establishing UF as a leader at the forefront of AI in all aspects, including research and teaching.