Principal Investigator: Dr. Sheng-Han Kuo
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
Year Founded: 2012
What models and techniques do you use?
- Mouse models
- Post-mortem patient tissue
- Optogenetics
- Human physiology
- EEG (electroencephalogram)
- Neuromodulation
Research Focus
What is your research about?
We study how mishaps and damage in the cerebellum lead to the symptoms experienced by ataxia and tremor patients. By looking at human brains, as well as brains from mouse models, we study how different changes in brain structure can lead to symptoms. This includes how well different parts of the brain can communicate with each other.
Why do you do this research?
When you ask patients about the challenges living with ataxia or tremor, they will talk to you about their symptoms. Symptoms can make different activities of daily living very challenging! By connecting specific brain changes to specific symptoms, we want to develop treatment options that target specific diseases. By doing this, we hope to improve patient’s quality of life.
The Kuo lab is part of the Initiative for Columbia Ataxia and Tremor. It’s a new Initiative at Columbia University to bring a group of physicians, scientists, surgeons, and engineers to advance the knowledge of the cerebellum and to develop effective therapies for ataxia and tremor.
Are you recruiting human participants for research?
Yes, we are! We are looking for participants for clinical research and trials. You can learn more about the studies we are currently recruiting for at this link.
Fun Fact
In the Kuo Lab, we call ourselves “the Protector of the Cerebellum in New York City”.
For More Information, check out the Kuo Lab Website!
We are looking for new graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to join our team. If you are interested in our work, please reach out to us
Written by Dr. Sheng-Han Kuo, Edited by Celeste Suart
