CoNDA Pilot Projects

Dr. Jieqiong Wang | UNMC

The Association between Brain Age and DNA Methylation Age at the Global and the Local Level

Led by Dr. Jieqiong Wang, PhD

Dr. Wang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurological Sciences at UNMC. Her Pilot Project seeks to investigate her hypothesis that the brain age is associated with DNAm age, using multiple models including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), resting state functional MRI (rs-fMRI), and machine learning (ML) models for voxel-wise brain age estimation. In collaboration with Dr. Howard Fox's lab, Dr. Wang will integrate brain age (obtained through conventional ML or deep learning) and DNAm age to unravel the complex interdependence mechanisms underlying aging processes, and provide insights into strategies for preventing accelerated aging. 

Dr. James Gehringer | UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute

Neurobiological Mechanisms of Sensory Hyper-Sensitivity and Habitiuation in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Led by Dr. James Gehringer, PhD

Dr. Gehringer is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at UNMC's Munroe-Meyer Institute, where he oversees the Virtual Reality Laboratory. His Pilot Project is a Clinical Trial that will utilize a novel, multi-session repeated exposure protocol using virtual reality and neuroimaging to investigate whether people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and hyper-responsivity have reduced habituation in sensory processing and limbic regions compared to controls after participating in a long-term habituation protocol. The results from Dr. Gehringer's Pilot Project have the potential to shed new light on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying change in ASD and guide the development of novel neuroscientifically-informed treatments.

Dr. Holly Feser-Stessman | Creighton University

Impact of KMT5B Expression on Choroid Plexus Development and Macrocephaly

Led by Dr. Holly Stessman, PhD

Dr. Stessman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience at Creighton University. Her Pilot Project seeks to explore the mechanisms that cause relative macrocephaly-increased head circumference disproportionate to height, a key neurophenotype in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Looking at the macrocephaly-linked gene KMT5B, Dr. Stessman's study will use a novel animal model to link KMT5B-related ASD to brain growth and development through mechanisms which may reveal highly specific and druggable targets for the patient population.