People | Brain Imaging and TMS Lab

Ying-hui Chou, Sc.D.

Principal Investigator · Director, Brain Imaging and TMS Laboratory

Associate Professor of Psychology, Cognition and Neural Systems Program
Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs in Cognitive Science and Neuroscience
Research Associate, Arizona Center on Aging
Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute
University of Arizona

Biography

Dr. Ying-hui Chou is the director of the Brain Imaging and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Laboratory at the University of Arizona. Her research has focused primarily on the cognitive and clinical neuroscience of aging and neurodegenerative disorders. Within this framework, Dr. Chou's laboratory is particularly interested in integrating brain imaging and TMS techniques to (1) develop image-guided therapeutic TMS protocols and (2) explore TMS-derived and image-based biomarkers for early diagnosis and prediction of therapeutic outcomes for individuals with mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, as well as Parkinson's disease. Dr. Chou teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses in cognitive neuroscience, brain rehabilitation, and brain connectivity at the University of Arizona.

Current Members

Mark Sundman, M.S., Ph.D.

Research Scientist

Mark earned his Ph.D. in Psychology (Cognition and Neural Systems) from the University of Arizona, and his M.S. in Integrative Medicine from George Washington University. He earned his B.S. in Exercise Science from Elon University.

Yilin Liu, M.S., Ph.D.

Research Scientist

Ph.D. in Psychology (CNS track), University of Arizona.

Jacob (Jake) Green, M.S.

Clinical Research Coordinator

B.S. in Psychology, University of Arizona. M.S. in Psychology, Arizona State University.

Chidi Ugonna, M.S.

Research Specialist

Chidi is interested in developing tools and techniques that use Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to help identify, understand, and treat neurodegenerative disorders. Chidi obtained his Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering from Rutgers University.

JD Hall, M.S., Ph.D.

Ph.D.

M.A. in Psychology, University of Indianapolis. B.A. in Psychology, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis.

Hangbin Zhang, M.S.

Graduate Student

Hangbin is a Ph.D. student in the CNS track working on the aging–MCI–Alzheimer's continuum. His goal is to push intervention earlier, before the irreversible window closes. He combines repetitive TMS, functional MRI (ASL and BOLD), and diffusion MRI of hippocampal subfields to track plasticity and microstructural changes associated with cognitive aging. He's interested in pretty much anything that moves the needle on early detection, from optimizing ASL pipelines to developing more precise cognitive measurement tools. He also works on reproducible neuroimaging pipelines and on LLM-based neurolinguistic markers of cognitive aging, using language models as a bridge between cognition and brain function. Outside of research, he's been Instructor of Record for Methods in Cognitive Science (COGS 321) and Drugs, Brain, and Behavior (PSY 413). M.S. in Experimental Psychology with Data Science, University of Manchester. B.S. in Psychology, Southwest University.

Sarah Norman, M.A.

Graduate Student

Bio: Sarah Norman is a Ph.D. student in the Cognitive Neuroscience and Systems (CNS) program at the University of Arizona. Her research focuses on understanding age-related changes in cognition and brain function, with a particular interest in developing and optimizing noninvasive brain stimulation interventions to support cognitive health in older adults. She is especially interested in how individualized approaches to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), informed by neuroimaging and electric field modeling, can improve cognitive outcomes across the aging spectrum, from healthy aging to mild cognitive impairment. Sarah's work integrates neuropsychological assessment, structural and functional MRI, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), TMS, and computational modeling techniques such as SimNIBS to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive aging and intervention response. Outside of the lab, Sarah enjoys sewing, swimming and enjoying the Tucson food scene. M.A. in Psychology, University of Arizona. B.S. in Psychology, Washington State University.

Reyna Hickey, M.A.

Graduate Student

M.A. in Psychology, University of Arizona. B.S. in Neuroscience, University of Illinois. Pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.

Ceili Olney, B.S.

Graduate Student

B.S. in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, Psychological Science from the University of Arizona. Pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Translational Sciences.

Cody Moxam, M.S.

Graduate Student

Cody Moxam received his M.S. in Biomedical Engineering with a focus in Neuroengineering from Johns Hopkins University, where he also concentrated in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science with an emphasis on Artificial Intelligence. His current research focuses on translating advanced signal processing and analytical methods into novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for cognitive aging, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease. He is also building toward a future research program in AI-driven closed-loop neuromodulation. Cody pursues these goals simply to improve the standard of care for patients around the world in hopes of improving the lives of them and their loved ones. He is currently pursuing an MD/PhD at the University of Arizona.

Kaitlyn Lai

Undergraduate Researcher

Kaitlyn is currently working towards her Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science with a minor in Health and Human Values. Her research interests include how TMS can affect functional connectivity and cognition among individuals with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease.

Gavin Arnold

Undergraduate Researcher

Gavin is currently working towards his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with minors in Neuroscience and Public Health. His research interests include exploring and improving different treatment options for neurodegenerative diseases.