TRANSLATIONAL
MOTOR IMAGING
LABORATORY
Rachel Spooner, PhD
Director, Translational Motor Imaging, Boys Town National Research Hospital
Assistant Clinical Professor, Creighton UniversityPostdoctoral Fellow – Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
PhD – Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center
BA – Biology, Central College
Rachel K. Spooner, PhD, is the Director of the Translational Motor Imaging Laboratory at the Institute for Human Neuroscience (IHN). Dr. Spooner is a clinical translational neuroscientist who specializes in using a multidisciplinary fusion of systems biology and neuroscience techniques to comprehensively characterize the neurobiological underpinnings of cognitive-motor dysfunction in healthy and pathological aging cohorts (e.g., Parkinson’s disease: PD, HIV). During her PhD at UNMC, her work was among the first to demonstrate how systemic levels of mitochondrial redox environments and inflammation are related to the neural oscillatory dynamics serving sensorimotor control and cognitive ability in humans. To date, Dr. Spooner has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed publications in premier field-specific and broad audience outlets including PNAS, Brain Behavior and Immunity, Brain Stimulation, NPJ Parkinson’s Disease and Cerebral Cortex.
Dr. Spooner also has an extensive collaborative history providing methodological expertise to laboratories interested in combining invasive and non-invasive brain stimulation such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) and transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) with neurophysiological recordings (e.g., MEG, EEG, LFP). Recently, she utilized combined MEG-DBS recordings in individuals with PD and dystonia to identify neural indices of clinically-effective DBS parameter settings (e.g., orientation, frequency or magnitude of stimulation) to optimally alleviate motor symptoms in clinical populations. The ultimate goal of this research line is to employ personalized dosing of neuromodulation (based on quantifiable changes in brain-behavior dynamics) in order to optimize therapeutic outcomes for age- and disease-related functional decline.
Publications: 40+
Faith Babb-Sandison
Research Assistant I
Translational Motor Imaging LabBS – Kinesiology and Health, Iowa State University
As a research assistant in the Translational Motor Imaging Laboratory, Faith's roles involve acquiring and analyzing data for various research projects involving individuals with Parkinson’s disease and HIV infection, as well as healthy aging populations. Her research interests broadly include studying neurological and movement disorders using cognitive neuroscience methods. In her spare time, she enjoys rollerblading, making art of various mediums and volunteering for environmental conservation programs.
Libby Lyu, MA
Research Assistant I
Translational Motor Imaging LabMA – Social Science, Concentration in Psychology, University of Chicago
BS – Psychology, Minor in Gender, Women's and Sexuality Studies, University of Iowa
Wanzhi (Libby) Lyu is a research assistant in the Translational Motor Imaging Laboratory. Her role involves acquiring and analyzing data for several studies evaluating cognitive-motor interactions in healthy and pathological aging populations. Her current research interests include examining the neural mechanisms underlying sustained attention and how they impact cognitive abilities such as decision-making and memory. In her free time, she enjoys relaxing with her cat, engaging in creative activities like painting, and practicing mindfulness techniques.
Sara Todd, BA
Research Assistant I
Translational Motor Imaging LabBA – Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Omaha
As a research assistant in the Translational Motor Imaging Laboratory, Sara's roles involve participant recruitment, acquiring data, and analyzing data for ongoing studies of Parkinson’s disease and healthy aging. Her current research interests include the impact of stress and mental health on brain function and cognitive abilities. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing video games, spending time with her cats, and traveling.