Neurostimulation

See our Current Neuromodulation Studies

Our neurostimulation research program advances next-generation, non-invasive and minimally invasive neuromodulation approaches for psychiatric and neuropsychiatric disorders. By integrating computational modeling, neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and artificial intelligence, we aim to improve targeting precision, personalize stimulation protocols, and better understand the neural mechanisms underlying therapeutic change.

Temporal Interference (TI) Stimulation

A central focus of our work is Temporal Interference (TI) stimulation, an emerging non-invasive neuromodulation technique that uses intersecting high-frequency electrical fields to selectively stimulate deep brain regions while sparing overlying cortical tissue. This approach offers a novel pathway to access circuits implicated in mood and anxiety disorders without the risks associated with invasive procedures.

Artificial intelligence plays a critical role in optimizing TI stimulation parameters, including frequency, intensity, and electrode configuration. By incorporating individual brain anatomy, connectivity patterns, and physiological response, our research seeks to maximize therapeutic efficacy while minimizing off-target effects, opening new avenues for deep-target neuromodulation in psychiatry.

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) of Facial Muscles

We also investigate Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) of facial muscles as an innovative, emotion-focused neuromodulation strategy. Grounded in the bidirectional relationship between facial expression and emotional processing, FES delivers low-intensity electrical stimulation to muscles involved in affective expression, with the aim of modulating cortico-limbic circuits implicated in depression.

Early pilot studies suggest that this approach is safe, well tolerated, and associated with reductions in depressive symptoms. Our research integrates AI-driven personalization to adapt stimulation patterns in real time, track individual response trajectories, and refine protocols for maximal therapeutic benefit.

Other Emerging Neuromodulation Modalities

In addition to TI and FES, our program explores several cutting-edge neuromodulation techniques, including:

• Theta-Burst Focused Ultrasound: A non-invasive approach using precisely timed ultrasonic pulses to modulate neural activity in deep brain structures with high spatial resolution.

• Personalized rTMS Protocols: Advanced repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation strategies informed by individual brain connectivity and longitudinal treatment response, with AI-based optimization to enhance efficacy and reduce inter-individual variability.

AI-Enabled Optimization and Monitoring

Across all neurostimulation modalities, artificial intelligence is central to protocol optimization, safety monitoring, and outcome prediction. By integrating neuroimaging, electrophysiological signals, and behavioral data, AI models enable dynamic adjustment of stimulation parameters, early identification of non-response, and prediction of optimal treatment trajectories.

Together, this work supports the development of adaptive, data-driven neurostimulation platforms that continuously learn from patient-level data to improve both clinical outcomes and mechanistic understanding.