Tony Wilson, PhD
Patrick E. Brookhouser Endowed Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience
Director, Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital
Director, DICoN Laboratory, Boys Town National Research Hospital
Clinical Professor, Creighton University Postdoctoral Fellow – Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Colorado School of Medicine-Denver (2008)
PhD – Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Minnesota–Twin Cities (2005)
BS – Psychology and Biology, Midwestern State University (2001)
Tony Wilson, PhD, currently holds the Patrick E. Brookhouser Endowed Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience at Boys Town National Research Hospital and is the Director of the Institute for Human Neuroscience, the NIH Center for Pediatric Brain Health, and the Dynamic Imaging of Cognition and Neuromodulation (DICoN) laboratory. His laboratory uses multimodal neuroimaging to understand the brain circuitry and oscillatory dynamics that underlie cognitive processing across the lifespan and how traumatic events and lifestyle choices impact long-term human brain health.
His research interests include typical development across the lifespan and the impact of pubertal hormones, aging and health factors that can accelerate aging (e.g., severe infections such as HIV, drug and/or alcohol abuse, exposure to traumatic events, etc.), cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s and neuroHIV, and neural connectivity and computation in the healthy brain. In addition, an emerging section of the laboratory investigates how noninvasive electrical brain stimulation alters the dynamics of brain function and cognitive performance.
Dr. Wilson has published over 250 peer-reviewed manuscripts in top journals such as PNAS, Brain, Biological Psychiatry, Neurology, Psychological Medicine, Diabetes, NeuroImage, Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, and many others. He currently serves as the PI or Co-PI on multiple awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including awards through President Obama’s BRAIN Initiative and the NIH P20 Center for Pediatric Brain Health, and the National Science Foundation (NSF). He has also served on over 50 review panels for the NIH and the Center for Scientific Review and is a reviewer for numerous peer reviewed journals.
Nathan Petro, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
DICoN Lab PhD – Psychology, Behavioral & Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Florida
BA – Psychology, Philosophy, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Nathan is a postdoctoral fellow with the DICoN Lab who is interested in understanding how the brain prioritizes sensory information. He uses multi-modal metrics of brain activity, including oscillatory activity (M/EEG) and functional MR imaging to understand how these measurements relate to perception, behavior, and symptoms of mental health disorders. Outside of work, he enjoys gaming, watching movies, and spending time with his wife and cats.
Ilenia Salsano, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
DICoN Lab PhD – Behavioral Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Sapenzia University – Rome, Italy
MS – Neurobiology, Sapienza University – Rome, Italy
BS – Biotechnology, Sapienza University – Rome, Italy
Ilenia is a postdoctoral fellow with the DICoN Lab. Her expertise is in task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and her goal is to study the neural correlates underlying the interaction between attention, emotion and memory in healthy subjects and in older adults with or without neurological diseases. In her downtime, she likes cooking, hiking, reading and playing volleyball.
Jenny Huang, BA
Graduate Student
DICoN Lab BA – Psychology, North Carolina State University
Jenny Huang is a Graduate Student with the DICoN lab. Her role involves analyzing data across various research projects. Her current research interests include examining tDCS and substance abuse effect on neural dynamic serving higher cognitive processes, such as attention and memory. In her free time, she enjoys doing yoga, hiking, cooking and exploring new places.
Kellen McDonald, BS
Graduate Student
DICoN Lab BS – Neuroscience, University of Miami
Kellen is currently working on her PhD in Pharmacology and Neuroscience at Creighton University. As a graduate student in the DICoN Lab, her role involves acquiring and analyzing data for various research projects. Current research interests include effects of substance use on neural oscillatory dynamics in normative and patient populations. In her spare time, Kellen enjoys visiting her family on the East Coast, exploring national parks with her husband and dog, and listening to true crime podcasts.
Maggie Rempe, BS
Graduate Student
DICoN Lab BS – Biochemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Maggie is currently pursuing her MD and PhD degrees at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. As a graduate student in the DICoN Lab, her role involves analyzing data for healthy and pathological aging projects. Current research interests include the impact of sleep quality on cognition and brain activity in healthy aging and dementia populations. Outside of work she likes playing board games, crocheting/embroidering, and hanging out with her cat.
Jake J. Son, BSE
Graduate Student
DICoN Lab BSE – Biomedical Engineering, Duke University
Jake is an MD/PhD student at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. As a graduate research assistant in the DICoN Lab, he is focused on analyzing longitudinal fMRI and MEG data to better understand the impact of early adversity and trauma on neurodevelopment with the hopes of informing patient care as a future pediatric psychiatrist. Outside of lab, he enjoys playing the violin with the Nebraska Medical Orchestra, rock climbing, and playing sand volleyball.
Thomas Ward, BS
Graduate Student
DICoN Lab BS – Biology & Biomedical Science, Troy University
Thomas is a graduate student in the DICoN Lab pursuing a PhD in Neuroscience at Creighton University. His research interests include executive functions and development, specifically using magnetoencephalography (MEG) and other neuroimaging modalities to study the effect of pediatric obesity on the developing brain. In his free time, Thomas enjoys going on rock climbing trips, perfecting espresso recipes, and growing bonsai trees.
Anna Coutant, BA
Research Recruitment Coordinator
DICoN Lab BA– Psychology, Benedictine College
Anna's role at the lab involves establishing contact, building rapport, and conducting eligibility screenings for potential research participants. Her history as a Research Assistant in the DICoN lab allows her to dynamically track the fluctuating recruitment criteria and enrollment goals for each study. She also utilizes this history to competently communicate details about neuroimaging, neuropsychological assessment, and behavioral testing to potential participants. Anna is pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at University of Nebraska Omaha with plans to attain provisional licensure in the winter of 2026. She also values spending time with her husband, training for triathlons, and baking.
(maiden surname: Marquard)
Grace Ende, BS
Research Study Coordinator
DICoN Lab BS – Psychology and Cultural Anthropology, Creighton University
As the pediatric research study coordinator for the DICoN Lab, Grace spearheads study processes for all child studies. In addition to collecting and organizing data, she assists in developing new protocols for pediatric studies, including projects that work with underrepresented populations. When she is not working, Grace enjoys playing pickleball, trying new restaurants, or visiting home in Wisconsin.
Ryan Glesinger, BS
Research Study Coordinator
DICoN Lab BS – Exercise Science, University of Nebraska – Kearney
As a research assistant in the DICoN Lab, Ryan’s responsibilities include recruiting participants, acquiring data, and performing blood draws for various research projects across the lifespan. He is broadly interested in human wellness and performance. Ryan enjoys reading, exercising, watching sports, and trivia. He would like to be a contestant on Jeopardy!
Jason John, BS
Neuroimaging Data Integration Analyst
DICoN Lab BS – Psychology, Creighton University
As Neuroimaging Data Integration Analyst for the DICoN Lab, Jason sits between the data acquisition and data analysis teams. He not only organizes data for the analysis team but also improves workflows and facilitates communication across the DICoN Lab. Outside of work, he enjoys playing volleyball and pickleball with friends and listening to music.
Samantha Tellez-Avila,BMS
Research Recruitment Assistant
DICoN Lab BMS – Healthcare Administration, University of Nebraska, Omaha
As a research recruitment assistant, Samantha's roles involve participant recruitment, building rapport with potential participants, and navigating the recruitment software of various research projects. Outside of work, Samantha enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and spending time in nature.
Hua Bai, BA
Research Assistant
DICoN Lab BA – Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Hua is a research assistant in the DICoN lab. Her role involves analyzing data for emotional face-processing projects with the pediatric population. Current interests include developmental pathways to substance use and the impact of children in adversity on later life risky behaviors through the lens of neurodevelopment. In her free time, Hua enjoys hiking, painting, watching movies, and doing crafts.
Abbie Bartmess, BA
Research Assistant
DICoN Lab BA – Psychology with Biological Sciences Minor, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
As a research assistant in the DICoN Lab, Abbie analyzes data for various research projects. Her current research interests include investigating factors that can change cognition, especially in memory and learning, and how individuals can improve their cognitive performance. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games, making crochet projects, and spending time with friends and family.
Olivia Carusi, BA
Research Assistant
DICoN Lab BA – Psychology, University of Nebraska, Omaha
As a research assistant in the DICoN Lab, Olivia's role involves acquiring data from a variety of pediatric and adult populations for several projects, as well as recruiting participants. Broadly, her research interests include the development and maintenance of different types of psychopathologies with comorbid substance use. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her dog.
Kyla De Luca, BS
Research Assistant
DICoN Lab BA – Psychology, Creighton University
As a research assistant in the DICoN Lab, Kyla works to recruit participants and acquire data for various populations. Kyla's research interests include pediatric brain development and the neuroscience behind adults with Alzheimer's. Outside of work, Kyla enjoys playing golf and pickleball with her friends and family.
Jesse Derby, BS
Research Assistant
DICoN Lab BS– Biomedical engineering, Cornell University
Jesse Derby is a Research Assistant in the DICON Lab. Their current role involves data analysis and scientific writing for various research projects. Their current research interests include the effects of early childhood trauma on the structural and functional development of neural circuitry. Some of Jesse's other interests include philosophy, particularly studies in ethics and metaphysics, as well as video games, recreational biking, and reading.
Tara Erker
Research Assistant
DICoN Lab BS - Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Tara is currently a research assistant in the DICoN Lab. Her role involves analyzing data for various research projects. Her current research interests include transcranial direct current stimulation and the effects of aging on cognitive functioning. Outside of work, she enjoys rock climbing, and loves to read.
Grant Garrison, BA
Research Assistant
DICoN Lab BA– Psychology, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
As a research assistant in the DICoN Lab, Grant’s role includes assisting with data collection and acquisition involving Alzheimer's disease, child development, transcranial direct-current stimulation, dementia, and substance use. Current research interests include cognitive neuroscience. Outside of work, Grant enjoys spending time with friends and family, seeing live performances, reading and watching TV and movies, being active, and spending time with his cat, Thimble.
Megan Hall, BS
Research Assistant
DICoN Lab BS – Psychology and Anthropology, Arizona State University
As a research assistant in the DICoN Lab, Megan analyzes data across various research projects. She is interested in aging and mental health, and how we can provide neuropsychological services to a broader community.
Kalyn Otzelberger, BA
Research Assistant
DICoN Lab BA– Neuroscience, Ripon College
As a research assistant in the DICoN lab, her roles involve analyzing data for various research projects. Current research interests include how physiological and psychological conditions may impact cognition, as well as how aging may have an impact on cognitive performance. In her free time, Kalyn likes to bake, go for walks, and paint.
Aubrie Petts, BS
Research Assistant
DICoN Lab BS – BS in Psychology, Grace University
As a research assistant in the DICoN Lab, Aubrie is involved in acquiring data and recruiting participants of various populations for studies with Alzheimer's/ Dementia, substance use, and adults living with HIV. Aubrie's research interests include the neuroscience behind adults with Alzheimer's, Dementia, and MCI's. In her spare time Aubrie enjoys staying active mentally and physically through painting, playing bass, taking her dogs (Iro & Lucy) for walks, and rock climbing.
Drake Reinke, BS
Research Assistant
DICoN Lab BS – Biology and Psychology with a Biochemistry minor, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
As a research assistant in the DICON lab, Drake's roles involve analyzing and assessing data for pediatric studies. Current research interests include neurodivergence and psychiatric disorders. When not working Drake enjoys spending time with his wife and family, playing video games, and brewing beer.
Erica Steiner, BS
Research Assistant
DICoN Lab BS – Biological Sciences and Mathematics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Erica is a research assistant in the DICoN Lab, where her role involves and acquisition and collection of data through cognitive assessments of various populations and recruiting research participants. Her current research interests include the neurological development of children, as well as how different substances and hormones impact the function of an otherwise healthy brain. She is currently in the process of applying to medical schools. Outside of work, Erica enjoys spending time with family and friends, exercising, and traveling.
Lan Volberding, BA
Research Assistant
DICoN Lab BA – Psychology, University Nebraska-Lincoln
As a research assistant in the DICoN Lab, Lan's roles involve participant recruitment, acquiring data, and analyzing data for various research projects. Current research interests include brain development in both healthy individuals and clinical populations along with the effects of cognitive impairment. During her free time, she likes to read and spend time with her three golden doodles, Teddy, Sully, and Archie.
Molly Voller, BS
Research Assistant
DICoN Lab BS – Psychology, University of South Dakota
As a research assistant in the DICoN lab, Molly's role involves participant recruitment, as well as data acquisition and analysis. She works with many populations, including substances users, people living with HIV, people living with Alzheimer's, and neurotypical children and adults. Molly's research interests include the effect that chronic illnesses have on a child's development and how burnout can affect a person's brain over time. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, reading, or hanging out with her cat, Toast.
Lauren Webert, BS
Research Assistant
DICoN Lab BS – Psychology, Minor in Biological Physics, Creighton University
As a research assistant in the DICoN Lab, she analyzes data across a variety of research projects. Her current research interests include mental health and the effects of substance use in both adult and adolescent populations. Lauren’s future plans are to continue her education and attend a graduate program in human neuroscience. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys spending time with friends, experimenting with baking, and traveling to new places.