Dr Nada Yousif

Research interests

Neuroscience is now well established as an inter-disciplinary area of research, and the contribution of theoretical techniquesis invaluable. I have been particularly interested in biologically accurate computational modelling of neurons and systems of neurons, and it seems clear that an alliance between experimental, theoretical and clinical work will continue to yield positive outcomes.

During my doctoral studies I worked on population models of the thalamocortical network, which shed interesting results on the operation of the thalamus in both sleep and wake states.

In my current research I am continuing within the realm of biologically constrained computational models, in order to address clinical questions about the mechanism of therapeutic neurostimulation, specifically deep brain stimulation (DBS). By using structural finite element modelling to create a three-dimensional mathematical description of the electrode-brain interface, the link between theoretical work and clinical measurements becomes fathomable.

For example, my recent work explains the difference in the electric fields created by commonly used stimulation approaches, and therefore can help clinicians to better target the abnormal neural activity that exists as a result of movement disorders. The final challenge will be to use such computer models within routine clinical practice in order to predict the best settings for each individual patient.

Upcoming Event

I am a member of the program committee for the upcoming Workshop on Deep Brain Stimulation Methodological Challenges at the MICCAI 2012, 1-5th October 2012.

Funding

I am currently funded by a 3 year research grant from the BUPA Foundation (2010-2013).

Collaborations

• Joern Diedrichsen, Motor Control Group, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London.
   
• Professor Roman Borisyuk, Centre for Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience, University of Plymouth.

• Professor Richard Bayford, The Bio-modelling/Bio-informatics Group, Middlesex University.

Science communication

In March 2012 I participated in a brain awareness week event at the British Library: "The Performing Brain - A Moving Story".

I have taken part in a university run outreach scheme called INSPIRE, which aims to bring science to pupils through post-doctoral researchers talking about their area of research.