The goal of the Stress and Neuromodulation Lab (SNL) is to gain deeper insights into the mechanisms of resilience and recovery from traumatic stress. We aim to identify biobehavioral predictors and mechanistic targets to advance the development of innovative therapeutics to promote resilience and mental well-being.
We conduct our research as part of the Grady Trauma Project. Our work is mostly concentrated on urban populations exposed to traumatic events in their daily lives and with limited access to (mental) health care. With our research we aim to improve the lives of individuals suffering from trauma-related mental health issues.
We use a wide range of research techniques, including functional and structural MRI, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroencephalogram (EEG), psychophysiological assessments including acoustic startle and eSense. We are especially interesting in studying the fear neurocircuitry and fear/response inhibition, and context processing as potential mechanisms for risk, resilience and treatment efficacy.
Our current funders include the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF/NARSAD).