Overview
I am a surgeon-scientist specialized in the treatment of epilepsy and movement disorders. My laboratory conducts basic and translational neuroscience research on cortical inhibitory circuits. We are interested in 1) understanding the cellular design of inhibitory circuits in mice and humans, and, 2) advancing interneuron transplantation as a therapeutic strategy for inhibitory circuit repair.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Associate Professor of Neurosurgery
·
2025 - Present
Neurosurgery,
Neurosurgery
Faculty Network Member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences
·
2019 - Present
Duke Institute for Brain Sciences,
University Institutes and Centers
Assistant Research Professor in Neurobiology
·
2018 - Present
Neurobiology,
Basic Science Departments
Assistant Professor of Cell Biology
·
2022 - Present
Cell Biology,
Basic Science Departments
Associate Professor in Pathology
·
2025 - Present
Pathology,
Clinical Science Departments
Associate Professor in Neurology
·
2025 - Present
Neurology, Neurocritical Care,
Neurology
Affiliate of the Duke Regeneration Center
·
2021 - Present
Duke Regeneration Center,
Basic Science Departments
Recent Publications
C3-C4 transcranial direct current stimulation montage stimulates lower limb region better than C1-C2 montage.
Journal Article Clin Neurophysiol · January 2026 Full text Link to item CiteDissecting mammalian cortical circuit development at single-cell resolution using inducible barcoded rabies virus.
Journal Article bioRxiv · November 10, 2025 Highly organized circuits of connected neurons enable diverse brain functions. Improper development of these circuits is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, and understanding how circuits are formed is crucial for unraveling the mechanisms of the ... Full text Link to item CiteCircuit-specific gene editing for precision modulation of neuronal activity with CRISPR-rabies virus.
Journal Article bioRxiv · November 7, 2025 CRISPR gene editing has revolutionized our ability to study and manipulate specific genes, enabling novel insights into gene function and potential therapies for brain disorders. Recent advances in cell-type-specific regulatory elements and viral delivery ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
A Study of Inhibitory Interneurons (NRTX1001) for the Treatment of Drug-resistant Bilateral Temporal Lobe Focal Seizures
Clinical TrialPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Neurona Therapeutics, Inc · 2024 - 2039A First-in-human (FIH), Multicenter, Open Label, Single Arm, Dose Escalation Study of Inhibitory Interneurons (NRTX-1001) in Drug-Resistant Unilateral Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (MTLE)
Clinical TrialPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Neurona Therapeutics, Inc · 2022 - 2036Neurobiology Training Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke · 2024 - 2029View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
University of California, San Francisco ·
2011
M.D.
University of California, San Francisco ·
2009
Ph.D.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology ·
2001
B.S.