THE EMBODIED BRAIN LABORATORY
At the intersection of art & science
Dedicated to the scientific discovery of the body-brain connection
The mission of the Embodied Brain Lab (EBL) is to harness the power of the body and mind to improve brain function and physiology in both healthy and clinical populations. We utilize a range of mind-body-movement practices including dance, yoga, and meditation to examine ways to improve mood, memory, and social interactions.
Our research has 2 main goals:
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1) To identify the neural and behavioral mechanisms through which mind-body-movement practices optimize brain health and wellness
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2) To identify the neural and behavioral mechanisms that optimize motivational engagement in physical activity and other health behaviors
DIRECTOR
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Julia C. Basso
PhD, CYT
Principal Investigator
Assistant Professor, Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech
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Affiliate Professor, School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech
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Affiliate Professor, Virginia Tech Center for Autism Research
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Fellow, Center for Health Behaviors Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion
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CURRENT LAB MEMBERS
Chelsea Buhler
Doctoral Student
Alana Smith
Doctoral Student
Noor Tasnim
Doctoral Student
Affiliated Graduate Students:
Joanna Culligan; Jenaya Amore
Undergraduate Students:
Kayla Bernstein; Naina Singh; Kate Lattig
High School Students:
Luke Pasquerella; Leah Rockwell
MAJOR COLLABORATORS
Daniel English
PhD
Principal Investigator
RESEARCH TECHNIQUES
Our laboratory studies the body-brain connection from the level of circuit physiology in rodents to human behavior and neural oscillations. We specialize in electrophysiological recordings and inter-brain synchrony to examine dynamic social interactions between humans.
THE BRAIN ON DANCE:
LIL BUCK AND MEMPHIS JOOKIN'
FEATURED PODCAST
"Dancer and neuroscientist Julia Basso, PhD, wants us all to dance -- together or separately, it's all good. Dancing with a partner creates a synchrony that's remarkably like that between a mother and infant, and even dancing alone benefits body and brain alike. Find out how dance produces new neurons and engages brain processes, and why it is that joyful movement optimizes brain function. Plus... Dance for Parkinson's Disease!"
At the Embodied Brain Laboratory, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community of scientists that believe in the following ideas.
Science is real
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