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Research Scientist
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.
I am a Research Scientist at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and an Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Northwestern University. The objective of my research is to identify and validate plasticity-inducing therapies that can enhance motor recovery and improve rehabilitative outcomes in individuals with injuries to the neuraxis. Over the past 14 years, I have focused on a clinical program utilizing acute intermittent hypoxia for improvement of motor function – first in the animal models and later in humans with spinal cord injuries (SCI). I have published over 15 studies describing the utilization of intermittent hypoxia, both in animals and humans. As a clinical scientist with a background in basic science research, I am able to appreciate the mechanism and potential of this unique approach, as well as design and conduct translational studies. By challenging the clinical convention (i.e. promoting neuroplasticity rather than compensating for impairment), this work aims to establish if patients can benefit from ‘priming’ their nervous system prior to rehabilitative interventions.
