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.
Yasra Arif, PhD
MEG Program Scientist
Institute for Human Neuroscience PhD – Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center
MBBS – Khyber Medical University
As a MEG program scientist at IHN, her goals are to continue investigating the modulatory effects of high-definition transcranial stimulation (HD-tDCS) on the neural dynamics subserving both cognitive and motor performance across the adult lifespan using cryogenic magnetoencephalography (MEG) and optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs). Besides non-invasive stimulation, the current general research interest also includes examining the age-related impact on cognitive neural activity across both modalities. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.
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.
Abraham D. Killanin, BS
Graduate Student
DICoN Lab BS – Psychology, Yale University
Abraham is an MD-PhD scholar at University of Nebraska Medical Center interested in pursuing research and clinical practice in pediatric and adolescent psychiatry. As a graduate student in the DICoN Lab, his role involves acquiring and analyzing data for research projects. Abraham's research interests lie in the intersection between environmental influences, pubertal hormones, and the development of higher-order cognitive processes such as working memory and selective attention. His goals are to inform caretakers, educators, and policy makers about how children's environments affect learning. In his spare time, Abraham enjoys exercising, working on jigsaw puzzles, and engaging in the fine arts!
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.
Mikki Schantell, MPH
Graduate Student
DICoN Lab MPH – Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center
BA – Psychology, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Mikki is a third-year PhD student at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Her goal is to identify the neural underpinnings of executive dysfunction and emotion dysregulated serving suicidal thoughts and self-harm behaviors in systematically oppressed communities, with a particular interest in people with HIV, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people with substance use disorders. In particular, her NIDA F31 fellowship investigates the altered neural oscillatory dynamics serving cognitive control and attention processing in people with HIV and methamphetamine use disorder. Though Mikki has many leisurely interests, she enjoys hanging out with her partner and cats, refining her (minimal) skills in architectural and antique preservation, and moonlighting as a pretend aficionado of the fine and comedic arts.
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.
Seth Springer, BS
Graduate Student
DICoN Lab BS – Chemistry with a Health Sciences Emphasis, University of Nebraska – Kearney
Seth is an MD/PhD scholar at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. As a graduate student his role involves analyzing magnetoencephalography (MEG) data, presenting findings at conferences, and preparing manuscripts. Current research interests include visuospatial processing and memory function in healthy older individuals and those with neurodegenerative diseases (i.e., Alzheimer’s Disease).
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.
Rebecca Losh, BS
Lab Manager
DICoN Lab BS – Biology/Psychology, Creighton University
As the DICoN Lab manager, Rebecca is responsible for general supervision of the lab acquisition team and ensuring that needed staffing, supplies, equipment, policies, and procedures are in place to support research assistants and enable accurate data collection for studies. Outside of work, she likes to spend time outdoors; hiking, kayaking, swimming, horse-back-riding, skiing, snowshoeing, and enjoying sunsets.
Hannah Okelberry, BS
Research Coordinator
DICoN Lab BS – Psychology and English, Creighton University
As the research study coordinator for the DICoN Lab, her role includes organizing enrollment and data collection across DICoN Lab studies, assisting in development of new study procedures, and collaborating with research assistants and employees to ensure complete, accurate, and thorough data collection for hundreds of participants across the lifespan. In her free time, she can either be found on her yoga mat, baking something new in the kitchen, or with her nose buried in a book.
Cindy Beaumont
Research Recruitment Coordinator
DICoN LabCindy is a research recruitment coordinator for the DICoN Lab. She recruits and screens potential research participants through telephone and electronic inquiries. She conducts initial interviews with potential research participants for study eligibility requirements. In her free time, she enjoys Omaha Performing Arts, daily wordle, spending time with family and friends and her rescue old English sheepdog.
Anna Coutant, BA
Research Assistant
DICoN Lab BA– Psychology, Benedictine College
Anna’s primary roles at the lab involve acquisition: working face-to-face with participants from across the lifespan to gather confidential, valid, and reliable data points. Some of her favorite responsibilities in acquisition have been neuropsychological assessments in pediatric populations, substance use history interviews for adults, and the adaptation of a clinical instrument to assess trauma exposure in the research setting. Anna is interested in the influence of trauma on brain activity, and in how attachment relationships can influence trauma outcomes for resilience versus psychopathology. She will begin a Master of Science program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at University of Nebraska Omaha in August of 2023. In her free time, Anna enjoys spending time with her husband, training for triathlons, and empowering women as a Fertility Care Practitioner Intern.
(maiden surname: Marquard)
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.
Sarah Dietz, BS
Research Assistant
DICoN Lab BS – Psychological Sciences, Minor in Neuroscience University of Mary Washington
As a research assistant in the DICoN Lab, Sarah analyzes data on various research populations, but her main interest lies in trauma populations. Specifically, she enjoys studying the interaction between psychological processes and the nervous and immune systems and hopes to obtain her PhD in psychoneuroimmunology. In her free time, Sarah enjoys horseback riding, baking and puzzles.
Grace Ende, BS
Research Assistant
DICoN Lab BS – Psychology and Cultural Anthropology, Creighton University
Grace is a research assistant in the DICoN Lab. In her role, she works to recruit participants as well as acquire data on various research projects. She is interested in neuroscience, particularly the functions of the brain and interactions of HIV and substance use. When she is not researching, Grace enjoys spending time with her close friends, going to farmers markets, and visiting home in Wisconsin.
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.
Ryan Glesinger, BS
Research Assistant
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!
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.
Lucy Horne, BA
Research Assistant
DICoN Lab BA – Psychology, University of Colorado Boulder
As a research assistant in the DICoN Lab, Lucy’s role involves data acquisition through a variety of assessment techniques and scheduling research participants. She works with various populations including adults living with HIV, Alzheimer’s disease, and substance use disorders, as well as children. She is interested in clinical neuropsychology, forensic psychology, and LGBTQ+ psychology. In her spare time, Lucy plays the French horn.
Jenny Huang, BA
Research Assistant
DICoN Lab BA – Psychology, North Carolina State University
Jenny Huang is a research assistant in 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.
Jason John, BS
Research Assistant
DICoN Lab BS – Psychology, Creighton University
As a research assistant in the DICoN Lab, Jason’s role involves participant recruitment and acquiring data, analyzing data for many populations including substance users, Alzheimer’s patients, HIV patients, children, and neurotypical adults. Jason’s research interests include substance use and child development. He is currently pursuing medical school. Outside of work, Jason enjoys playing basketball and volleyball with friends and listening to music.
Kennedy Kress, BA
Research Assistant
DICoN Lab BA – Psychology, Midland University
Kennedy has a background in psychology and works as a research assistant in the DICoN Lab. As a research assistant her role involves acquiring data for various populations. Her current research interests include childhood development and Alzheimer's. In the future she would like to attend graduate school for clinical psychology.
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.
Danielle Rice, BA
Research Assistant
DICoN Lab BA – Speech and Hearing Sciences & Psychology, University of Iowa
As a research assistant in the DICoN Lab, Danielle works to recruit participants and acquire data for a variety of research projects. Danielle's research interests include pediatric brain development in both typical and clinical populations, the role of environmental factors and how they influence developmental trajectories, and the utilization of these findings to guide and improve assessment and intervention outcomes in clinical and academic settings. In her free time, Danielle enjoys playing guitar, being a dog mom, and spending time with her family and friends.
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.
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.