The UC Brain Tumor Center integrates the research and translational activities of an interdisciplinary team of clinicians and scientists from across the University of Cincinnati and its neighboring institutions.  Our mission is to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for tumors that arise in the brain as well as tumors that have spread (metastasized) to the brain.  

 

Affiliated Faculty:

Norberto Andaluz, MD

Jonathan Forbes, MD

The Computational Neuromodulation Lab led by Dr. Ishita Basu uses modeling and signal processing techniques to study brain signals recorded invasively as well as non-invasively from human subjects to study the neural basis of cognitive functions and design innovative neuromodulation techniques to improve such functionality in individuals with mental illness. Specifically, we use time frequency decomposition of brain signals and biophysical modeling techniques to characterize how cognitive stimuli or electrical stimulation impact the brain and behavior to advance the knowledge of decision making and design therapeutic neuromodulation strategies to improve such faculties in mood and anxiety disorders.

 

Affiliated Faculty:

Ishita Basu, PhD

The Goodyear Lab was established in 1986 as a premier research and education facility for residents, fellows, and faculty. The lab provides a setting for neurosurgeons to learn and study surgical anatomy, particularly of the skull base, and become skilled in microsurgical and endoscopic procedures.

 

Affiliated Faculty:

Norberto Andaluz, MD

Jonathan Forbes, MD

The Neurophysiology Lab is engaged in some of our most exciting translational research on the development of acute brain lesions from stroke and brain trauma. This research focuses on spreading depolarizations, or “brain tsunamis”, which are massive short-circuiting electrical waves that repeatedly spread through the injured brain. They promote profound pathologic changes on the molecular, cellular, and tissue level that lead to mass cell death. 

Spreading depolarizations are studied clinically by placing a linear strip of electrodes on the brain surface in patients following severe neurotrauma, a ruptured aneurysm, or ischemic stroke. They occur with high incidence (50-90%), often for many days, and are a new focus for monitoring and treatment in neurocritical care. The lab also studies spreading depolarizations in large and small animal models to gain insight into causes, mechanisms, and treatments. 

 

Affiliated Faculty:

Jed Hartings, PhD

Our neurotrauma research portfolio is diverse and includes a range of preclinical and clinical studies. We participate in the national clinical effort, Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in TBI (TRACK-TBI), and lead the affiliated multi-center of brain neuromonitoring, Spreading Depolarizations-II. Our rodent Neurotrauma Lab, led by Dr. Laura Ngwenya, MD, PhD studies mechanisms mediating poor cognitive outcome after traumatic brain injury.

Using national medical databases and University case studies, researchers at the University of Cincinnati Garner Neuroscience Institute Back, Neck, and Spine Center are examining outcomes of spine surgery with the intent of creating best practices for faster patient recovery.

Affiliated Faculty:
Owoicho Adogwa, MD, MPH

Using advanced computational methods, researchers are undertaking decision making and outcomes analysis for patients with the various forms of cerebrovascular and spinal vascular disease as well as treatment paradigms.

Affiliated Faculty:
Charles Prestigiacomo, MD

Affiliated Faculty:

Justin Virojanapa, DO

Collaborative Research on Acute Neurological Injury's (CRANI) vision is to establish the University of Cincinnati and affiliates as world class leaders in translational research on acute neurologic injuries, recognized for a unique approach to collaboration across a spectrum of related diseases and across clinical and basic sciences.

Our mission is to facilitate world-class, collaborative research—both basic and translational— in cerebrovascular diseases, neurotrauma and other acute neurological conditions by providing superb facilities, expertise and mentorship.

Our suite of core laboratories, well equipped and efficiently arranged, is located on the fifth floor of the Medical Sciences Building. Dedicated areas in our laboratories support studies of cell/tissue culture, electrophysiology, rodent surgery and ex vivo tissue preparation, rodent behavioral testing, microscopy dark room and imaging equipment, histology and slide preparation, tissue archiving, and protein, DNA, and RNA molecular biology.  

In combination with the established cores at the UC College of Medicine and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, we can provide a comprehensive array of practical and intellectual approaches to a scientific problem, from inception to implementation, presentation and publication.