On-going Research Studies

Precision 
Neuroimaging 

Our lab leverages advanced neuroimaging modalities—including EEG, MRI, and fMRI—alongside novel analytic tools to map altered structural and functional networks underlying symptoms and cognitive dysfunction in psychosis spectrum disorders. By integrating these cutting‑edge approaches, we aim to identify mechanistic biomarkers of psychosis, evaluate target engagement for emerging interventions, and develop predictive tools that improve prognosis and guide personalized treatment.

Vision and
Oculomics

Using comprehensive vision and cognitive assessments alongside multimodal retinal imaging—structural (OCT), vascular (OCTA), electrophysiological (fERG), retinal blood flow (XyCam), and metabolic stress (BluePeak)—our lab investigates longitudinal changes in retinal and visual pathways implicated in psychosis spectrum disorders. By linking these measures with brain imaging, clinical outcomes, and blood-based biomarkers, we aim to uncover mechanistic pathways underlying psychosis and develop prognostic biomarkers to guide earlier detection and personalized intervention.

Non-invasive
Neuromodulation

We use EEG as our primary neuroimaging tool—augmented by additional modalities—to map the spatial and temporal dynamics of brain circuits involved in symptoms and cognitive dysfunction in psychosis. These data guide individualized targeting for non‑invasive brain stimulation, including high‑definition transcranial electrical stimulation (HD‑tES). By quantifying neural target engagement and linking modulation of these circuits to clinical and cognitive outcomes, our work aims to refine mechanistically informed interventions that improve functional recovery.

Brain Liquid 
Biopsy

We employ novel and innovative blood-based approaches to capture brain-derived signals with unprecedented mechanistic and cell‑type specificity. By isolating and characterizing extracellular vesicles (EVs) and integrating proteomic and genomic profiles, our work aims to reveal molecular pathways underlying psychosis and related neuropsychiatric conditions.These biomarkers are combined with clinical data and multimodal imaging to develop more precise diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment‑responsive indicators, ultimately advancing translational tools that reflect real‑time brain biology.

Stem Cell 
Models

We integrate in vivo and ex vivo approaches to investigate how dysfunction of the blood–brain barrier and choroid plexus contributes to the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying psychosis. Using patient‑derived stem cells, we generate advanced 2D cultures, 3D brain organoids, and multicellular assembloids that model barrier–neuronal interactions and developmental vulnerabilities shaped by neuroinflammatory processes. Coupled with transcriptomic, proteomic, and other omic analyses, these platforms allow us to dissect disease-relevant pathways with high mechanistic precision and identify translational biomarkers that can inform diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment development.

Parsing 
Heterogeneity

We integrate a wide range of clinical, cognitive, blood‑based, neuroimaging, retinal imaging, omic, and stem‑cell–derived measures to dissect the marked heterogeneity of psychosis spectrum disorders. Using advanced statistical modeling and clustering techniques, we aim to identify biologically and clinically meaningful subtypes that capture underlying mechanisms rather than surface-level symptoms. By defining these mechanistic subgroups, our goal is to improve prognostic precision, guide personalized treatment strategies, and accelerate the development of disease‑modifying therapies as well as optimize responses to current and emerging interventions.