Research

The CNNLab is currently focused on three research projects supported by the National Institute of Mental Health, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, and Alkermes.

Development of imaging biomarkers predictive of psychosis onset

This project leverages data collected from large-scale neurodevelopmental and high-risk cohorts to investigate neural mechanisms underlying psychosis risk and to develop models for individualized prediction of psychosis onset. The emphasis is to understand how cerebellar-cortical circuitry develops across the lifespan and how deviations from the normative developmental trajectories contribute to symptom progression and cognitive decline along psychosis development.

Development of imaging biomarkers predictive of psychosis treatment outcome

This project collects longitudinal multimodal neuroimaging data from a large patient sample with early psychosis to characterize neural changes associated with antipsychotic treatment. A primary goal is to elucidate the role of cerebellar-cortical circuitry in the pathophysiology of early psychosis and the response to treatment, and to develop cerebellum-based predictive models for individualized treatment outcome.

Cerebellar mechanisms in psychotic disorders and their interventional implications

This project investigates the cerebellar mechanisms in cognitive processing in psychotic disorders and explores the cerebellum’s potential as an interventional target. We conduct a clinical trial to evaluate the effects of cerebellar transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on brain function and cognitive performance in patients with schizophrenia. The ultimate goal is to establish a novel, personalized neuromodulation strategy to improve cognitive functioning in schizophrenia.