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Jonathan Young

Medical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Medicine & Neurosciences

Research Interests


Noninvasive Neuromodulation for Addiction and Psychiatric Disorders

My primary research focuses on the development and evaluation of noninvasive brain stimulation approaches—particularly repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)—for the treatment of tobacco use disorder, substance use disorders, and treatment-resistant psychiatric conditions. A major emphasis is on high-risk populations, including veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Current projects include multimodal interventions that combine neuroimaging-guided rTMS with behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy to improve cessation outcomes and durability of response.

Precision Targeting and Neuroimaging-Guided Interventions

I investigate the use of structural and functional MRI, functional connectivity mapping, and computational head modeling to optimize individualized TMS targeting and dosing. This work aims to improve mechanistic understanding, enhance clinical efficacy, and advance personalized neuromodulation protocols.

Artificial Intelligence and Evidence Synthesis in Neuromodulation

Through interdisciplinary collaborations and the Bass Connections program, I lead efforts to integrate artificial intelligence and machine learning into evidence synthesis and research infrastructure. This includes development of WikiStim.org, an AI-enhanced repository of neuromodulation studies designed to support systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and data-driven clinical decision-making.

Clinical Trials and Translational Implementation

My research includes the design and conduct of randomized clinical trials evaluating neuromodulation-based treatments. I am particularly interested in issues of feasibility, scalability, and real-world implementation within academic and Veterans Health Administration settings, with the goal of accelerating translation from research to clinical practice.

Neuroethics and Responsible Innovation

I examine the ethical, equity, and policy implications of emerging neuromodulation technologies, including access, consent, data governance, and clinical deployment. This work informs responsible innovation and supports the development of ethically grounded clinical frameworks.

Key Areas of Focus
  • Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
  • Tobacco and substance use disorders
  • Neuroimaging-guided intervention
  • Artificial intelligence in clinical research
  • Precision psychiatry
  • Neuroethics and health policy
  • Veteran mental health

Fellowships, Gifts, and Supported Research


Neuroimaging correlates and feasibility of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to improve smoking cessation outcomes in Veterans with PTSD · July 2023 - June 2028 Awarded by: Department of Veterans Affairs, Clinical Sciences Research & Development, Career Development Award (CDA)-2
Neuroimaging correlates and feasibility of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to improve smoking cessation outcomes in Veterans with PTSD · July 2021 - June 2023 Awarded by: Department of Veterans Affairs, Clinical Sciences Research & Development, Career Development Award (CDA)-1
Advanced Fellowship in Mental Illness Research and Treatment · 2020 - 2021 Awarded by: Department of Veterans Affairs
Duke Clinical Research Institute Physician Fellowship · 2020 - 2022 Awarded by: Duke University School of Medicine

External Relationships


  • Synaptiq Neurotech, Inc.
  • Synaptiq Psychiatry, PLLC

This faculty member (or a member of their immediate family) has reported outside activities with the companies, institutions, or organizations listed above. This information is available to institutional leadership and, when appropriate, management plans are in place to address potential conflicts of interest.