Brain Disorders

UVA biomedical engineers are pioneering novel visualization methods to better understand brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury, and stroke. These methods range from neuronal labeling, to in-vivo microscopic imaging of cerebral hemodynamics and metabolism, to human brain imaging and image analysis. We are taking a leading role in developing new approaches for treating brain cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and essential tremor using focused ultrasound and ultrasound-activated drug and gene delivery.

BME Primary Faculty in this Area

BME Joint Faculty in Brain Disorders Research

  • Christopher Deppmann, PhD

    Professor of Biology


    Pursuing the molecular basis for long-distance neurotrophic construction signaling, how TNFR family signaling suppresses pro-growth cues to promote nervous system refinement, building non-invasive tools to better understand the signaling pathways underlying neural circuit assembly and function, and applying what we've learned about the development of the nervous system to nervous system pathology related to degeneration, pain, and metabolism.

    Faculty Profile
  • Kyle Lampe, PhD

    Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering


    Biomaterials for tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and drug delivery within the central nervous system, developing both synthetic polymers and recombinant engineered proteins.

    Faculty Profile
  • Matthew Panzer, PhD

    Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Director of the Center for Applied Biomechanics


    Using computational and experimental methods to study the mechanisms of injury from impacts sustained in sports collisions, automotive crashes, and the military, to develop new technologies for injury prevention.

    Center for Applied Biomechanics

More about Brain Disorders Research at UVA