Lab members

 

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PI: Karim Johari, Ph.D.

 

Dr.  Johari is an assistant professor in the department of communication sciences and disorders. He utilizes invasive (ECog), non-invasive neurophysiology (EEG),  HD-tDCS/tACS and computational modeling to investigate neural correlates of speech production, and the interaction between the motor system and language ( motor-language coupling)in healthy subjects and patients with neurological conditions. The current project in his lab isthe validation of HD-tACS for improvement of speech and limb motor control in healthy older adultsand individuals with neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.

 

Ph.D. Student

 

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Fatemeh Tabari

 

Ella Tabari is a second Ph.D. student and a research assistant in the department of communication sciences and disorders. She completed her first Ph.D. in Neurolinguistics in the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid where she conducted her research in understanding Neural Signature of Bilingualism using Magnetoencephalography (MEG) technique. Currently, her research focuses on the validation of HD-tACS to improve  speech and limb motor control in  individuals with Parkinson’s disease. 

 

Research assistants 

 

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Celeste Patron

 

Celeste Patron is a senior from New Orleans, Louisiana, majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Psychology. She plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Neuropsychology after graduating from LSU, and is interested in topics such as neuroimaging techniques, neurodegenerative diseases, and traumatic brain injuries. She has received an LSU Discover Grant to run her independent project in the lab focusing on tACS modulation of the frontal aslant tract.

 

 

 

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Amanda  Smith

 

Amanda Smith is a senior graduating in the spring of 2024. Amanda has a degree in psychology and sociology and is currently completing a degree in communication disorders. Her research interests include language development and neurolinguistics. Amanda hopes to attend graduate school in the fall to receive a masters in speech pathology. In her free time, she enjoys cuddling with her cats, spending time with loved ones, and getting outdoors. 

 

 

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Ayshia Dunn

 

Ayshia Dunn is a senior undergrad majoring in communication disorders to become a speech-language pathologist. She joined the team as a sophomore with hopes to gain experience in the research field and to get more involved in her study of communication sciences and disorders. Ayshia helps with data collection and analysis in the lab.

 

 

 

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Valerie  Hogan

 

Valerie Hogan is a senior undergraduate research assistant from Lake Charles, Louisiana majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with aspirations to receive her masters in Speech Language Pathology. She helps with EEG and brain stimulation studies in the lab. 

 

 

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Henri Noel

 

Henri Noel is a freshman majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in psychology from Plaquemine. He has plans to pursue a MD or PhD in the Neuroscience Field after completing his undergraduate degree. Henri assists with the EEG and Neurostimulation in the lab.