Monday, June 30, 2025 6/30/2025

Modulation of Frontoparietal Dynamics in Adolescent Working Memory Deficits

Award Number: K23MH129853
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/15/2022
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2027

Group Awards By:

View Award Description

Modulation of Frontoparietal Dynamics in Adolescent Working Memory Deficits - Project Summary/Abstract Deficits in working memory (WM) comprise a core, transdiagnostic feature of childhood and adolescent psychopathology. WM is one of the strongest predictors of clinical and functional outcomes, yet there remains a dearth of treatments available for WM deficits. WM was historically conceptualized as solely localized to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, while modern technology has established the broader role of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and posterior parietal cortex (PPC). There is evidence to suggest that PPC receives direct input from PFC, although other evidence suggests the PPC encodes incoming stimuli and feeds forward to the PFC for the initiation of control functions. I have previously found that frontoparietal theta/gamma oscillations, particularly theta-gamma coupling, is a neural mechanism underlying WM processes. Novel approaches to non-invasive brain stimulation, such as intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) can now modulate these distinct oscillatory dynamics and subsequently examine possible causal or temporal relationships. This award would build on my preliminary findings and transition my career from a clinician to an independent researcher. The objective of this Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23) is to provide the necessary training for me to obtain my career goal of utilizing a multimodal neuroscientific approach to measure and modulate the neural dynamics underlying neurocognitive deficits in childhood and adolescent psychopathology. In line with NIMH priorities, the training plan proposed will build upon my clinical neuropsychology and clinical research foundation to provide comprehensive training and mentorship in two core areas: 1) Neuromodulation and 2) Computational Neuroscience. In a 2x2 factorial double-blind design, we will randomize a sample of 40 adolescents (13-17 years) with WM deficits to iTBS at the left DLPFC or inferior parietal lobule (IPL). Participants will complete an active iTBS session and a sham iTBS session. The primary outcome will be theta-gamma coupling during WM demands, as measured via electroencephalography during a spatial WM task immediately before and after iTBS. Aim 1 will examine the effect of iTBS to the PPC on the encoding stage of WM, while Aim 2 will examine the effect of iTBS to the PFC on the maintenance stage of WM. Aim 3 will utilize computational neural modeling to identify the neocortical circuitry underlying oscillatory modulation. My central hypothesis is that the PFC and PPC regions have complimentary roles in executing WM processes. Further, iTBS can modulate theta-gamma coupling in these regions to improve behavioral performance. We will establish a framework for modulating oscillatory dynamics in child psychiatry and set the stage for my first R01 on WM-related frontoparietal oscillatory dynamics and optimal treatment parameters for adolescent WM deficits. This will provide the foundation required to dedicate my career to measuring and modulating oscillatory abnormalities in child psychiatry.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $183,914 )
2025	2025	EMMA PENDLETON BRADLEY HOSPITAL	1011 VETERANS MEMORIAL PKWY	RIVERSIDE	RI	02915	PROVIDENCE	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	000	4	4/11/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$183,914
														Subtotal = $183,914

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $183,914 )
2024	2024	EMMA PENDLETON BRADLEY HOSPITAL	1011 VETERANS MEMORIAL PKWY	RIVERSIDE	RI	02915	PROVIDENCE	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	000	3	3/21/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$183,914
														Subtotal = $183,914

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $183,914 )
2023	2023	BRADLEY EMMA PENDLETON HOSPITAL	1011 VETERANS MEMORIAL PKWY	RIVERSIDE	RI	02915	PROVIDENCE	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	000	2	3/10/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$183,914
														Subtotal = $183,914

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $183,914 )
2022	2022	EMMA PENDLETON BRADLEY HOSPITAL	1011 VETERANS MEMORIAL PKWY	RIVERSIDE	RI	02915	PROVIDENCE	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	000	1	4/5/2022	NEW	$183,914
														Subtotal = $183,914

Grand Total All Awards = $735,656

Top

All Categories

About

Search

Reports

Data Submission

Award Information

Modulation of Frontoparietal Dynamics in Adolescent Working Memory Deficits

Award Number: K23MH129853

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/15/2022

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2027

Federal Websites

Department of Health & Human Services

HHS Operating Divisions

HHS Staff Divisions

Download A Document Viewer