Summary
I am a PhD student studying neural network dynamics at the University of Surrey and Imperial College London. During the course of my PhD I plan to use multi-modal imaging techniques and mathematical modeling to determine optimal stimulation parameters. I will construct a mathematical model of the brain during a task switching paradigm using fMRI, high-density EEG, and DTI data to pinpoint optimal nodes for stimulation. Then, using stimulation, I hope to lower the switch cost in task-switching paradigms. This could improve task performance, and have translation to disorders characterized by pathological cognitive inflexibility (OCD, MDD, etc). This would not only result in further validation of the mechanisms determining tDCS's effects, but further expand the potential of this rapidly developing technique. For more information on these projects please email me at danielle.kurtin18@imperial.ac.uk
The research from my MSc Translational Neuroscience at ICL used multi-modal neuroimaging methods to determine the mechanisms underpinning the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). We used novel, combined brain stimulation-brain imaging techniques to investigate the structural and functional mechanisms of tDCS's effects in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients and controls.
I also enjoy my leadership and art activities, and am in the process of launching a Collection on F1000 Publishing.