Research Philosophy
The NERDD Lab is interested in the underlying mechanisms of motor control and perception. We investigate this from two perspectives: (1) a basic neuroscience perspective, with the aim of increasing our understanding of typical motor control and motor learning processes, and (2) a translational and clinical perspective, with the goal of identifying targeted interventions to treat movement deficits following neurological injury.
We believe that a mechanistic understanding of how the central nervous system generates functional movement, including neuroanatomical correlates, is vital in order to enhance clinical outcomes for rehabilitation aimed at targeting movement deficits.
We believe that a mechanistic understanding of how the central nervous system generates functional movement, including neuroanatomical correlates, is vital in order to enhance clinical outcomes for rehabilitation aimed at targeting movement deficits.
Lab News
New faculty member gets grant to study motor deficits in Parkinson’sBrooke Dexheimer, Ph.D., OTD, OTR/L has been awarded a Shirley Ryan AbilityLab research grant as part of the C-STAR Pilot Project Program to support her research Click to read more...
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Dr. Dexheimer speaks at VCU PMDC Education Conference SeriesDr. Dexheimer presenting a talk at the Parkinson's & Movement Disorders Center (PMDC) Education Conference Series Click to read more...
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Featured News - VCU College of Health ProfessionsDr. Brooke Dexheimer joined the department of Occupational Therapy as an assistant professor this past August. She manages the Click to read more...
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Lab Equipment3D virtual reality suite (HTC VIVE Pro 2) with upper extremity movement tracking capabilities
We program custom, immersive, 3D VR environments in-house (Unity Pro) for investigating how sensory feedback and internal states inform voluntary movement and motor adaptation. High-definition transcranial electrical stimulation (HD-tES: HD-tACS, HD-tDCS, HD-tRNS) with MRI compatibility We use non-invasive stimulation to probe functional neuroanatomical correlates for motor control, motor learning, and sensory perception. 2D tabletop VR system (custom built) with upper extremity movement tracking capabilities Our custom tabletop VR system allows us to conduct upper extremity motor control experiments in a controlled, non-immersive environment (ideal for individuals prone to cybersickness) |
Interested in getting involved?
We are currently recruiting individuals to participate in various on-going projects in the lab.
See our Research page for more information.
Undergraduate and graduate students interested in gaining research and/or shadowing experience can contact us to learn more about current opportunities in the lab.
See our Research page for more information.
Undergraduate and graduate students interested in gaining research and/or shadowing experience can contact us to learn more about current opportunities in the lab.