John Hart, Jr., MD
Professor
Distinguished Chair in Neuroscience

Email: jhart@utdallas.edu
CV: John Hart’s Curriculum Vitae
UT Dallas profile page: John Hart, Jr., MD

Dr. Hart is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University where he received his bachelor’s degree. Dr. Hart received his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and then he did his residency in neurology, a fellowship in cognitive neurology and neuropsychology, and went on to become a faculty member of the Department of Neurology in the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Following his years at Johns Hopkins, Hart was the director of the Cognition and Brain Imaging Laboratory at the Donald W. Reynolds Center on Aging at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences before joining UT Dallas in 2005.

Dr. Hart is one of the world’s foremost experts on semantic memory, studying how knowledge is stored and accessed in the brain. His research has centered around a variety of disorders, including dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), traumatic brain injury (TBI), multiple sclerosis (MS), Gulf War Illness, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, and depression. Dr. Hart has worked to understand the underlying neural mechanisms of disease state and therapeutic associated outcomes using many techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalography (EEG), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and integrated TMS-EEG.

Currently, Dr. Hart is the Principal Investigator on several projects focusing on MS, PTSD, and Gulf War Illness. He is also a Professor in the Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, with a joint appointment in the Department of Psychiatry, at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and he is a practicing neurologist at the Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute of UT Southwestern.

Dr. Hart has published more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles related to his research and given more than 150 presentations on his work all over the world. He has recently published a textbook entitled, The Neurobiology of Cognition and Behavior. His favorite bands are Steely Dan and Talking Heads.

Hsueh-Sheng Chiang, MD, PhD
Post Doctoral Research Fellow, UT Dallas
Clinical Fellow, UTSW

Email: hschiang@utdallas.edu

Dr. Chiang is originally from Taiwan and received his MD from the National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine in 2007. After completing military service in the Taiwanese navy, he travelled overseas to Dallas to study under Dr. Hart and obtained a PhD in cognitive neuroscience at UT Dallas in 2015. He later finished a neurology residency at UTSW in 2020 and is currently a fellow doing combined clinical and research training in behavioral neurology.

Dr. Chiang’s career goal is to become a physician scientist. His research interests include using EEG and advanced imaging methods to study human cognition. He has also been working with patient populations to treat their cognitive difficulties with transcranial direct current stimulation.

Outside work, Dr. Chiang has dabbled in a few hobbies including learning languages and playing musical instruments. Since the pandemic, he has become a proud dog daddy.

Christine Dugas, PhD, CCC-SLP
Post Doctoral Research Fellow

Email: christine.dugas@utdallas.edu

Christine received a PhD in communication sciences and disorders from UT Dallas in the summer of 2023. Her research interests include investigating the neural mechanisms of semantic memory and the use of non-invasive neuromodulation techniques for language and memory rehabilitation. Christine previously received her masters of science in speech-language pathology from Texas Woman’s University in 2015 and previously worked as a speech-language pathologist in the medical setting. As a clinician, she predominantly worked with patients with acquired brain injuries and other neurogenic conditions. It was there she developed a strong interest to further investigate the underlying mechanisms of language and cognition which led her to join the Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory for Memory and Language.

Christine plans to work in academia where she can continue to research as well as educate future SLPs. When not in the lab, Christine enjoys singing in the choi, cooking, and spending time with her family.

Michael Motes, PhD
Senior Research Scientist

Email: michael.motes@utdallas.edu
CV: Michael Motes’ Curriculum Vitae

Dr. Motes received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University at North Florida, then went on to get his PhD from the Doctoral Program in Experimental Psychology at Texas Christian University. While a graduate student, he studied factors affecting changes in attention and spatial memory over time. Following graduate school, he held a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey. At Rutgers, he studied the role of basic cognitive abilities, particularly visual-spatial and visual-imagery abilities, in the performance of higher level cognitive tasks, like learning science concepts and navigating real and virtual environments.

Dr. Motes has been with UT Dallas since 2006 and also has a joint appointment in the Department of Psychiatry at UT Southwestern. His research examines brain bases of basic cognitive functions, particularly, working memory, inhibitory control, and processing speed, and the relationships between basic and higher-level functions. His research has explored the brain bases of changes in cognitive abilities associated with development and normal aging, dementia, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, Gulf War illness, and cognitive training.

Dr. Motes is widely published in top national and international peer-reviewed journals and has presented his research at national and international conferences. He has a special interest in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) design and analytical techniques. He is an active investigator on multiple projects, but still finds time to learn Japanese and remodel sports cars.

Gail Tillman, PhD
Senior Research Scientist

Email: gtillman@utdallas.edu

Dr. Tillman received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from East Texas State University. She obtained a second master’s degree and PhD from UT Dallas in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience and Cognition and Neuroscience, respectively. Dr. Tillman is a senior member of the Cognitive Neuroscience Lab of Memory. She has studied and published on the effects of hormones on cognition, Gulf War Illness, PTSD, auditory processing deficits in multiple sclerosis, and relationships between neuropsychological testing and EEG.

Having just finished a research project funded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, she will now turn her attention to the Lab’s Gulf War Illness project funded by the Department of Defense. This study seeks to determine the effects of High Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on memory disorders caused by Gulf War Illness.

Dr. Tillman is also an adjunct at UT Dallas where she teaches Experimental Projects in Cognitive Science and Psychology. She is a professionally trained vocalist and governess for two cats, Emma and Lily Jane.

Elizabeth Ellen Morris, PhD, LPC
Research Coordinator

Email: elizabeth.morris@utdallas.edu
CV: Elizabeth Morris’ Curriculum Vitae

Dr. Morris attended Auburn University where she received her BA in psychology, MEd in community agency counseling, and her PhD in counselor education and supervision. She has come to UT Dallas recently from the VA North Texas Health Care System where she spent a decade participating in, managing, and supervising various research studies. These studies include assessing the efficacy of Lithium in reducing suicidal behaviors, psychopharmacology and PTSD, and a comparison of Cognitive Processing Therapy and Present Centered Therapy.

Elizabeth has joined the Cognitive Neuroscience Lab of Memory to assist in the lab’s Gulf War Illness project funded by the Department of Defense. This study seeks to determine the effects of High Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on memory disorders caused by Gulf War illness. She will also spearhead a new PTSD study that the lab anticipates beginning in January 2019.

She is also Adjunct Graduate Faculty at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center where she provides mentoring and dissertation guidance in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. She is an avid bird watcher, practices yoga, and loves to spend time with her daughters while they ride their horse named Magnus.

Jill Ritter, BS
Administrative Coordinator

Email: jill.ritter@utdallas.edu

Jill Ritter is a graduate of Texas A&M University. She has almost two decades of experience in program management and coordination, and she has spent the last three years in research administration. Jill has previously worked with the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and as a special education teacher.

Jill has joined the Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory of Memory to support human subject protocols and compliance, grant proposals and management, and progress reports. She also oversees budgeting, payroll, inventory, and subcontracts. Outside of work, Jill loves hiking and exploring county courthouses with her husband, John.

Jordan Petry
Research Coordinator

Email: jordan.petry@utdallas.edu

Jordan Petry recently graduated with her bachelor of arts in psychology from the University of Arkansas. She participated in the University of Arkansas’ first clinical research trial which studied physiological response to exposure to traumatic events. She is excited to join the Cognitive Neuroscience and Memory Laboratory with intent to enhance her knowledge related to research with veterans and will continue this work in her future studies for her PhD in clinical psychology.

Her aspiration is to champion awareness and expansion of PTSD treatment. In her free time, Jordan enjoys taking pictures of her cat, Arlo, and listening to true crime podcasts.

Christina (Tina) Bass, MS, LPC
Psychotherapist

Email: tina.bass@utdallas.edu

Tina Bass is a graduate of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center with her MS in rehabilitation counseling where she did her thesis on trauma factors in military sexual assault. She has been working in trauma research and PTSD assessment and treatment for over 10 years. Tina has worked extensively with Veterans including at the Veterans’ Administration and in private practice.

Tina has been with the Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory of Memory since 2011 and will be one of the lead therapists on a new Department of Defense funded PTSD project. Her other research interests include interpersonal neurobiology, and the physiological and psychological benefits of meditation, yoga, and exercise. Outside of her work, Tina loves to travel and is an excellent Instagram photographer.

Celia A. Higginbotham, BA, MEd
Research Coordinator

Email: celia.higginbotham@utdallas.edu

Celia is currently pursuing a masters degree in applied cognition and neuroscience at The University of Texas at Dallas. She graduated from the University of Alabama with a BA in political science and from The University of Texas at Arlington with a MEd in curriculum and instruction. She spent more than two decades teaching and came to UT Dallas to increase her understanding of neurobiology and the roles of genetics and experience on the development of learning and memory difficulties. She left the field of behavior therapy to join the Neurolab in August 2022.

After graduation, Celia plans to pursue doctoral studies in the treatment of neurological disorders that impact learning. Her hobbies include running, gardening, drawing, travel, helping friends, and whatever her children are into.

Ashna Adhikari, BS
Research Coordinator

Email: ashna.adhikari@utdallas.edu

Ashna received her master’s degree in applied cognition and neuroscience at The University of Texas at Dallas in May 2023, and her bachelor’s of science in economics from Texas A&M University. She came to UT Dallas with the hopes of gaining valuable experience in a research lab to help supplement the shift in trajectory of her education. She joined the lab as a volunteer and was hired full-time upon graduation.

Ashna plans on completing her PhD in neuropsychology. Her hobbies include reading, painting, and working out with her sisters.

Crista Thyvelikakath
Research Coordinator

Email: crista.thyvelikakath@utdallas.edu

Crista Thyvelikakath graduated from UT Dallas in 2023 majoring in neuroscience. She joined the lab in August 2020 as a student intern to explore working in clinical research and to learn more about novel treatments for neurological disorders, and was hired full-time upon graduation.

Crista seeks to gain more experience in research on cognitive neuroscience until she is ready to pursue medical school. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring local coffee shops and farmers markets, watching movies and writing poetry.

Anusha Tanneru
Research Coordinator

Email: anusha.tanneru@utdallas.edu

Anusha Tanneru is a graduate of Emory University and majored in psychology. Anusha joined the Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory of Memory in June 2023 to learn more about brain imaging and techniques, as well as disorders like PTSD as they relate to the Veteran community of Dallas and beyond.

Anusha plans on attending a medical school in the state of Texas and would like to pursue a career as a psychiatrist. She currently works with the Trevor Project. Her hobbies include reading comics, playing video games and reading anything she can find!

Paulina Devora, MS, CSP
Graduate Research Assistant

Email: paulina.devora@UTDallas.edu

Paulina completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Baylor University and is currently pursuing a PhD in cognitive neuroscience at UT Dallas. Her research interests include improvement of early diagnosis and treatment for cognitive impairment, identification of additional risk genes for cognitive impairment, and improving psychological and neuropsychological services among minorities. Her research experience began as an intern at Baylor Scott and White’s Warriors Research Institute, where she assisted with ongoing research on decreasing stigma and increasing behavioral health in fire service. She continued with her research experience as a research assistant for neuropsychology at Baylor Scott and White Health, and as a research coordinator for the Texas Alzheimer’s Research and Care Consortium (TARCC) at Dell Medical School, UT Austin. Paulina is certified as a specialist in psychometry and has worked in clinical settings at Baylor Scott and White Health and UT Health Austin. She has 4+ years of clinical experience working with a variety of populations including patients with dementia, traumatic brain injuries, movement disorders, and language disorders.

Upon completion of her PhD, Paulina hopes to work in a medical setting as a researcher in cognitive impairment. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, reading, and spending time with her shih-tzu.

Katelyn Lucas, BA
Graduate Research Assistant

Email: katelyn.lucas@utdallas.edu

Katelyn is pursuing a MS and PhD in communication science and disorders at UT Dallas following completing a BA in CSD at Baylor University. Her research experience began at Baylor’s Applied Cognition and Neuroscience lab where she worked on studies involving neurofeedback protocols for stroke and TBI patients. After graduating she worked a semester as a research assistant at the Waco VA on a Gulf War Illness study. Current research interest includes using neurostimulation to treat language related symptoms from brain injuries, specifically in veteran population.

Following graduation at UT Dallas, Katelyn plans on pursuing research and eventually working in an academic setting to instruct future researchers and SLPs. Outside of school, Katelyn enjoys baking, playing video games, and hanging out with her friends (and their dogs).

Christine Abasi, BS, BA
Work Study Student Assistant

Email: christine.abasi@utdallas.edu

Christine is currently pursuing a master’s degree in speech and language pathology at UT Dallas. She graduated from The University of Texas at Arlington with a BS of psychology and minor in neuroscience as well as a BA in speech communication studies. She came to UT Dallas to continue her education and research in the field of fluency disorders.

After graduation, Christine plans to complete her PhD in speech and language pathology. She can often be found with her nose buried in a book, listening to podcasts or volunteering with her church.

Maria Palacios
Student Intern

Email: maria.palacios@utdallas.edu

Maria Palacios is a current undergraduate student at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in healthcare studies and minoring in biology. She has been in the United States Army Reserves since June 2019 and currently serves as an Operating Room Specialist with the 394th Field Hospital in Seagoville, TX. Maria joined the Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory of Memory in July 2022 in order to help the Veteran community and develop her interest and knowledge in developing research.

After graduation, Maria plans on attending a medical school in the state of Texas as a Joint Admissions Medical Scholar and would like to pursue a career as a military trauma surgeon. She currently works as a Certified Surgical Technologist in the Labor & Delivery unit at Baylor University Medical Center. Her hobbies include sudoku, volleyball, and board games.

Tanya Kola
Student Intern

Email: tanya.kola@utdallas.edu

Tanya Kola is an undergraduate student at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in neuroscience and minoring in healthcare studies. She joined the lab in the Fall 2022 with the interest of learning more about cognitive neuroscience research. She works as an ER Medical Scribe in Carrollton Regional Medical Center and Baylor Scott & White assisting physicians with their documentation.

After graduation, Tanya plans on attending medical school and would like to pursue a career as a trauma surgeon while continuing clinical research. Outside academically, her hobbies are reading, watching k-dramas, and going on walks with her dog.

Sneha Sharma
Student Intern

Email: sneer.sharma@utdallas.edu

Sneha Sharma is a freshman at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in neuroscience and minoring in public health. She joined the lab in the Spring of 2023 and is interested in exploring the intersection of healthcare and social justice policies.

After graduation, Sneha plans on attending medical school and becoming a physician interested in healthcare policy. Outside of research, Sneha is involved with UTD Molding Doctors as part of their fundraising committee and numerous environmental justice organizations. In her free time, Sneha enjoys reading, volunteering in child education, and playing the piano.

Venus Arian
Student Intern

Email: venus.arian@utdallas.edu

Venus Arian is pursuing a bachelor’s in neuroscience at The University of Texas at Dallas. Her interest in research grew the more she learned about different neurological disorders. Venus decided to join the NeuroLab to learn more about treatments for PTSD and TBI and gain research experience through volunteering at a lab.

After graduation, Venus plans on attending medical school and hopes to continue research. Aside from school, Venus loves to workout, travel, and hang out with friends.

Samhita Tadi
Student Intern

Email: samhita.tadi@utdallas.edu

Samhita Tadi is currently an undergraduate student at The University of Texas at Dallas pursuing a degree in neuroscience. She joined the lab in the Spring of 2023 with hopes of gaining more experience in clinical research and learning more about effective treatment for PTSD and TBI’s. She works as a ER Medical Scribe at Baylor Scott and White in Irving and is a certified EMT.

After graduation, Samhita plans on attending medical school and would like to pursue a career as a physician while still continuing clinical research. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, drawing, traveling, and hanging out with friends.

Shreya Chandna
Student Intern

Email: shreya.chandna@utdallas.edu

Shreya is an undergraduate student at UT Dallas pursuing a degree in neuroscience. She joined the lab in the Spring of 2023 to gain experience in clinical research and learn more about treatments for specific cognitive and neurological disorders.

After graduation, Shreya plans on attending medical school while continuing to be a part of clinical research. Outside of research, Shreya is a part of organizations such as American Medical Women’s Association and Alpha Epsilon Delta, and volunteers at Medical City Dallas Hospital. She also enjoys volunteering at an animal shelter, watching tv, reading, and hanging out with friends in her free time.

Borna Afkhami-Rohani
Student Intern

Email: borna.afkhami-rohani@utdallas.edu

Borna Afkhami is an undergraduate student at The University of Texas at Dallas. He is pursuing a neuroscience degree and is intrigued in the brain’s abilities to perform our daily functions. His interest in neuroscience stemmed from a positive shadowing experience that allured him to the discipline. He joined this research lab to gain clinical research exposure and an opportunity to expand his knowledge on the complexities of the brain.

After graduation, Borna plans on attending medical school to pursue a career as a Neurologist while continuing to perform research. His hobbies include playing piano, producing music, watching movies, and sports.

Irene Jacob
Student Intern

Email: irene.jacob@utdallas.edu

Irene Jacob is a current undergraduate student at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in Healthcare Studies. She joined the NeuroLab in the Spring of 2023 to develop her clinical research skills and learn more about neurological disorders and the science behind memory.

After graduation, Irene plans to attend medical school and continue pursuing research. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, baking, spending time with friends and learning new languages.

Riya Shipurkar
Student Intern

Email: riya.shipurkar@utdallas.edu

Riya Shipurkar is pursuing her bachelor’s in cognitive science at The University of Texas at Dallas. She is interested in studying brain disorders, especially aphasia. She joined the lab to get experience in brain imaging techniques and to understand their implementation in studying disorders.

Outside of research, she enjoys fencing, and learning new languages.

Devaditya Ray
Student Intern

Email: devaditya.ray@utdallas.edu

Devaditya Ray is currently an undergraduate student at The University of Texas at Dallas pursuing a degree in neuroscience. He joined the lab in the Summer of 2023 to gain clinical research experience, particularly in cognitive decline and neurodegeneration.

After graduation, Dev plans on attending medical school and would like to pursue a career as a physician and continue pursuing clinical research. Dev is involved in the Red Cross as a youth services leader and First Aid/CPR instructor. In his free time, he enjoys reading, traveling, watching shows, and being in nature.

Sahaana Anand Murugesan
Student Intern

Email: sahaana.anandmurugesan@utdallas.edu

Sahaana Anand is pursuing a bachelor’s in biology at The University of Texas at Dallas. Her interest in research lies within neurology and specifically with memory-related neurological disorders. Sahaana joined the NeuroLab in hopes of assisting and learning more about the work being done to help Veterans with PTSD and get a sense of how research trials work.

After graduation, Sahaana plans on attending medical school and wants to continue clinical research. Aside from academics, Sahaana loves to go on long drives, do photography, hang out with friends, and write.

Tyler Vintila
Work Study Student Assistant

Email: tyler.vintila@utdallas.edu

Tyler Vintila is pursuing a master’s degree in applied cognition and neuroscience at UT Dallas. He has an interest in developing information processing models for healthy and diseased populations.

After graduation, Tyler plans to attend medical school and continue pursuing research. In his free time, he loves to watch movies and play games with his wife, Eunice, and their two cats and puppy.

Ayomide Olukosi
Work Study Student Assistant

Email: ayomide.olukosi@utdallas.edu

Ayomide Olukosi is an undergraduate student at The University of Texas at Dallas, majoring in neuroscience. Fascinated by the intricate workings of the brain, she joined the lab in the Fall of 2023 to gain valuable clinical research experience, specifically in cognition.

Ayomide plans to attend medical school after graduation and aims to continue her involvement in clinical research, specifically focusing on autism and cognition. She is actively engaged in the Aceing Autism volunteer program and is the co-founder of the National Society of Black Women in Medicine (NSBWM), UT Dallas Chapter. Additionally, she serves as the Activities Coordinator for the Minorities Association of Premedical Students (MAPS) in Medicine. Outside academics, Ayomide enjoys crocheting, dancing, writing and arts and crafts.

Zehra Khan
Student Intern

Email: zehra.khan@utdallas.edu

Zehra Khan is a junior at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in neuroscience. She joined the NeuroLab in the Spring of 2024 to further her interest in the synaptic plasticity behind neurodegeneration and cognitive decline.

After graduation, Zehra plans on attending medical school with hopes to pursue a career as a Neurologist. Outside of research, she is an officer for UTD Neuroscience Student Association and a volunteer at a local nursing home. She also enjoys volunteering at Methodist Richardson Medical Center, reading, and painting.

Esheeta Devang
Student Intern

Email: esheeta.devang@utdallas.edu

Esheeta is an undergraduate student at The University of Texas at Dallas, majoring in biology. She joined the lab in Spring 2024 to help the Veteran community by learning more about treatments for PTSD and memory disorders while gaining experience in a clinical research setting.

After graduation, Esheeta plans on attending medical school and continuing clinical research. Outside of research, she works as an ER Medical Scribe at Baylor Scott & White and is a certified EMT. Esheeta is a Research Associate at Parkland Memorial and volunteers in the geriatric department of Clements Hospital as part of the Comets HELP program. In her free time, she enjoys reading, dancing, and hanging out with friends.

Desiree Shadle
Student Intern

Email: Desiree.shadle@utdallas.edu

Desiree is currently pursuing a master’s degree in cognition and neuroscience at UT Dallas. She graduated from UNT with a BA in biology and minor in chemistry. After witnessing 2 of her children suffer from TBI, she became interested in joining the lab to further her knowledge on treatments for TBI and PTSD.

Upon graduation, Desiree plans to pursue a PhD in neuropsychology. Her hobbies include, running, yoga, and spending time with her husband and four children.