Pragathi Priyadharsini Balasubramani, Ph D

Much of my research work can be categorized under cognitive, computational and translational neuroscience. In my PhD thesis with Profs. Srinivasa Chakravarthy and Balaraman Ravindran of Indian Institute of Technology Madras- India, I dealt with the problem of computationally reconciling the functional roles of dopamine and serotonin neuromodulators, in the cortico-basal ganglia circuit, for the process of decision making. My model provided an integrative neural based understanding for multiple Parkinson’s Disease symptoms, such as their freezing of gait, increased precision grip due to medication, increased reward sensitivity and impulsivity while on-medication, and increased punishment sensitivity while off-medication. Then, I developed my research skills on designing and running experimental paradigms during postdoctoral period. In my first postdoctoral research work with Prof. Benjamin Hayden at University of Rochester, I focused on understanding the shared neural correlates between economic decision making and executive stopping, using single unit electrophysiology in macaques. I enjoyed deploying my computational modeling skillset to decode neural responses from orbitofrontal cortices. In my second postdoctoral research work with Profs. John Foxe and Ed Freedman, spanning for few more months at the University of Rochester, I focused on setting up of a new electroencephalography rig for studying cognitive-motor interactions using mobile brain / body imaging during dual-task based decisions. I used my computational skillset to analyze the neurophysiological data available with the lab, and quantify neural processes from healthy subjects and patient population. These experiences have led to a renewed interest in continuing to look at neuroscience through computational principles, and serve the related intersection between data-science and translational neuroscience- particularly with a focus for closed loop therapies. It is for this reason that I continued my final leg of postdoctoral research career, and further continuing as asst. project scientist at University of California San Diego in the Neural Engineering and Translation Labs, under the primary mentorship of Dr. Jyoti Mishra and co-mentorships of Dr. Dhakshin Ramanathan, Dr. Mariana Cherner, Dr. Murray Stein, Dr. Todd Coleman, Dr. V.S.Ramachandran on various exciting project ideas. Broadly, I am working on cognitive brain machine interface paradigms offered at community setting, with a focus to build efficient real-time neuro-cognitive state based interventions. I also investigate neurocognitive plasticity to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Some patient groups I'm currently focussing on include depression, specifically on the topic of administration of TMS based on individual neurocognitive states, and HIV patients, looking at the problem of compromised neurocognition in HIV. Recently, my research is also directed towards understanding neurocognition in a more holistic fashion, through the coupling of electrical signals from the brain with electric activity from other body organs, for example from the gut. You can explore more of my ongoing work through my lab link.

Furthermore, I enjoy popularizing science and working towards a sustainable society. In that regards, I spend time to conduct various workshops and presentations for interactions with high school students and local communities in general. I have co-founded an initiative to translate popular science to local languages called Project Kaleidoscope with Dr. Jennifer David, Prof Srinivasa Chakravarthy. With help of a dozen of wonderful volunteers and with aid from the govt. of India, we were able to print hard copies of translations and offer it for free to local libraries in Tamil Nadu.