We aim to understand how neuroplasticity manifests after a neuronal injury to the brain, like stroke. While training-related recovery can occur in the post-stroke brain at any time, our work shows that patients are particularly responsive to therapy early (within 3-4-months) after stroke. What is special about the early post-stroke brain? Why does it exhibit a  transient increase in neuroplasticity? Are there similarities between transiently increased post-stroke neuroplasticity and the transient time-limited windows of heightened neuroplasticity in the developing brain, called critical periods?

Our research focuses on individuals who have recently experienced a stroke to better understand how the brain recovers motor function. We study brain function using multimodal, noninvasive approaches like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroencephalography (EEG), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). We study upper extremity motor behaviors using electromyograms (EMGs), accelerometers, force sensors, and clinical function tests.

We invite healthy volunteers and individuals who have experienced a stroke  to explore the Research tab. Please send us an email or call (see below) to find how you can become a research participant.

We are happy to provide transportation for research visits, just let us know.