The Brain Health Institute Advisory Council

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Dr. Brown investigates the neuromuscular control mechanisms underlying walking and balance disorders after acquired brain injury. The Neuromuscular Control Lab at UTMB SHP houses state-of-the-art robotics and virtual reality interfaces to design intervention studies aimed at restoring walking and balance.

Jin Mo Chung, Ph.D. is the Chair of the Department of Neurobiology and the holder of the Cecil H. and Ida M. Green Distinguished University Endowed Chair in Neuroscience and Cell Biology. Dr. Chung is a lifelong scientist specializing in neurobiological mechanisms of chronic pain. He has published over 170 papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals and his publications have received over 28,000 citations (h-index of 78) thus far.

My clinical interests focus on diagnostic neuropathology of brain tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, and neuromuscular disorders. I am primarily involved in translational research with a focus on molecular classification of brain tumors and novel imaging technologies in brain tumor surgeries. I also have an interest in the diagnostic markers and molecular mechanisms in neurodegenerative disorders, particularly amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer disease, and other tauopathies.

Dr. Peter Kan is the Professor and Robert L. Moody Sr. Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Texas Medical Branch. Dr. Kan completed his Neurosurgical Residency at the University of Utah where he also completed a Masters of Public Health, followed by clinical fellowships in Skull Base/Vascular Neurosurgery and Endovascular Neurosurgery.

Gary Kobinger’s research presently focuses on developing and testing new vaccine platforms and immune treatments against pathogens of high consequences to global public health.
Research Interests: Global Health, preparedness and response to infectious events of public health concerns, biosafety and biosecurity.

Dr. Motamedi is an expert in the fields of bioengineering and imaging and has extensive experience in the development of new imaging and sensing technology as well as in conducting basic and translational research. He has an active research portfolio and has published more than 180 articles. Dr. Motamedi has significant experience in technology development, technology transfer and commercialization and has worked closely with industry in technology development and translational research.

Dr. Weaver is a virologist who focuses part of his research program on the pathogenesis of neurotropic viruses such as Zika and Venezuelan equine encephalitis. He also leads the Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, which has funded interdisciplinary research collaborations between UTMB microbiologists and neuroscientists (the NeuroID initiative), leading to extramural support.

Dr. Wong is the Sheridan Lorenz Distinguished Professor in Aging and Health at UTMB. Dr. Wong's research agenda focuses on the determinants and consequences of population aging in Mexico and among immigrant Hispanics in the U.S. She leads a large national longitudinal cohort of Mexicans followed since 2001, with detailed studies including for cognitive function and genetics of Alzheimer’s disease.