I am a neurosurgeon who treats patients with epilepsy, movement disorders and pain disorders. I conduct research aimed at increasing responder rates in neuromodulation and identifying new strategies for brain stimulation and ablation therapies. My research interests include electrophysiology, neuroimaging and brain network analysis. I lead the Brain Imaging and Electrophysiology Network (BIEN) Lab at Vanderbilt.

I am primarily interested in developing new diffusion MRI methods to better characterize properties of cancer cells. I am currently working on a better estimation for newly developed MRI models and signals. I am also developing a new diffusion MRI method to explore the desired cell properties for clinical application.

I am a graduate student in the BIEN lab researching epilepsy via network neuroscience. I am also concurrently a medical student at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). I am interested in understanding how epilepsy remodels brain networks and how this may inform our overall understanding of the brain. I investigate these questions with diffusion weighted imaging and intracranial electroencephalography.

Research: My current research focusses on how seizure foci may remodel normal tissue, such as brainstem nuclei. Repeated seizure propagation may disrupt these nuclei's ability to convey arousal information or conduct sleep stages. Presently, I am using diffusion weight imaging to assess changes in brainstem connectivity.

Publications: 1. Collapse of interictal suppressive networks permits seizure spread https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40473247/

I am focused on development and application of advanced MRI methods in the central nervous system outside the brain, with focuses on the spinal cord and optic nerve. Our work investigates different features of these anatomical features, such as function and white matter integrity, in the context of health and relevant diseases, such as multiple sclerosis

I am currently working on characterizing resting state functional connectivity in the lumbar spinal cord in multiple sclerosis patients compared to healthy controls using both region of interest and data-driven analyses. I am also developing an advanced MRI protocol for optic nerve imaging, with a focus on probing white matter/structural integrity and distinguishing between cerebrospinal fluid and the nerve.

Bailey Busher is a Research Imaging Specialist at VUIIS. She received her BA in Medicine, Health, and Society and a minor in Theatre from Vanderbilt University in 2025 where she was also a student athlete on the Vanderbilt Dance Team. Her research interests include exploring advanced MRI techniques to enhance understanding of multiple sclerosis and its impact on disability-related measures.

As the Administrative Officer, I oversee the daily operations, budgeting and resource management to ensure efficiency within the Institute. 

I coordinate administrative processes, support staff, and implement policies to meet organizational goals.

I work as a research assistant recruiting healthy volunteers and individuals with multiple sclerosis for MRI imaging at the Neuroimaging Outside of the Brain Lab.

Imaging Research Scientist, VUIIS 2009 thru 2011

Current: Senior Manager, Clinical Science, Hyperfine

Research Fellow 2019 thru 2022

Current: Research Assistant Professor, Radiology & Radiological Sciences, VUMC

Instructor and Assistant Editor (CAUSE), Middle Tennessee State University 2012 thru 2014

Current: Lecturer, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN