Jennifer Barredo, Ph.D.

Director

jennifer_barredo@brown.edu

Dr. Barredo received her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Washington and her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Brown University. She uses structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate biological signatures of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, as well as other emotional and cognitive disorders. In addition to leading the CNRC, Dr. Barredo also directs MRI research cores affiliated with Butler Hospital and the Providence VA Health System, and is a Co-Director of the Suicide Prevention INnovation Group (SPRING) at the Providence VA Medical Center.

Hannah Swearingen, MSc
Research Coordinator
hannah_swearingen1@brown.edu

Hannah Swearingen is a Research Coordinator at the Providence VA Center for Neurorestoration and Neurotechnology (CfNN). She joined CfNN in July 2017 after receiving her B.A. in Neuroscience and German from Washington & Jefferson College and a Masters in Applied Data Science from the University of Michigan. Hannah coordinates several neuroimaging projects at the VA and supports investigators and their study staff with neuroimaging and scientific computing projects, including fMRI data collection, preprocessing, and analysis. Her research interests include using neuroimaging and computational approaches to investigate brain signatures of psychiatric disorders and treatment response. Hannah is also interested in leveraging scientific computing methods to develop best practices in data analysis and sharing in order to promote scientific reproducibility.

W. Luke Acuff, MSc
Associate Research Scientist
william_acuff@brown.edu

Luke is an Associate Research Scientist for the Butler Neuromodulation Research Facility (BNRF) and Design and Analysis Core (DAC) for the COBRE Center for Neuromodulation at Butler Hospital. He obtained a BS in Biomedical Engineering from Mississippi State University in 2020 and an ScM (MS) in Biomedical Engineering from Brown University in 2022. His graduate work in the lab of Dr. Nicole McLaughlin contributed to detecting quantitative electroencephalographic (EEG) biomarkers of obsessive-compulsive disorder. His work with Dr. Barredo through the DAC and the greater Butler COBRE focuses on managing, processing, and analysing EEG and other neural data towards improving function and understanding of neuromodulation therapy, primarily transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), for psychiatric disorders.

Meghan Gonsalves, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Fellow & Staff Scientist
meghan_gonsalves@brown.edu

Dr. Gonsalves is a Postdoctoral Researcher and Core Staff Scientist for the Providence VA Center for Neurorestoration and Neurotechnology. She joined CfNN in October 2023 after receiving her PhD in Neuroscience from Brown University in July 2023; she also holds an ScM in Behavioral and Social Health Sciences and ScB in Cognitive Neuroscience with Honors from Brown. Dr. Gonsalves uses proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy and functional magnetic resonance imaging to explore the etiology and neuromodulatory treatment of affective disorders. Her work with Dr. Barredo will continue to expand on her doctoral work in these areas and also investigate the neural underpinnings of suicidality and personality disorders in veterans.

Andrew Sojka
Undergraduate Research Assistantandrew_sojka@brown.edu

Andrew Sojka is a junior at Brown University pursuing an Sc.B in Neuroscience, and is a research assistant at the Providence VA Center for Neurorestoration and Neurotechnology in the Barredo lab. His research interests include cognitive, behavioral, and translational approaches to treating mental illness, suicide, and addiction. On campus, he serves as the co-president of the Black Premed Society as well as the vice president of the Students for Samaritans, an organization that supports a local crisis line. He also works as a Peer Career Advisor in the Center for Career Exploration.

Ellison Mucharsky
Undergraduate Research Assistant
ellison_mucharsky@brown.edu

Ellison is a sophomore at Brown University pursuing a double concentration in Neuroscience and English and is a research assistant at the Providence VA Center for Neurorestoration and Neurotechnology. Her research interests encompass the intersection between neuroscience and mental health. On campus she co-founded @NoBearLeftBehind, a campus wide mental health social media campaign, is a staff writer for Sole Magazine, and a member of the club Triathlon team. Additionally, she is a CNA on a Surgical Oncology Unit and a member of Army ROTC where she hopes to receive an Ed Delay to attend medical school following the completion of her undergraduate education.