PhD '25 Alumni
(enrolled 2020-2025)
Dr. Huynh was a postdoc in the Brain Recovery Lab.
Dissertation title and PhD Research
Title: Probing Intracortical Inhibition in Focal Dystonia: Multimodal Investigations Across Laryngeal and Hand Subtypes
My dissertation investigated the neural mechanisms underlying focal dystonia, a movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle spasms during specific tasks, such as writing or speaking. Using a multimodal approach that combines transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), functional MRI, acoustic analysis, and neuromodulation, I examined how impaired brain inhibition relates to motor dysfunction in focal hand dystonia and laryngeal dystonia. This research revealed that individuals with dystonia show abnormal activation in cerebellar and sensorimotor regions, that reduced cortical inhibition significantly correlates with impaired voice quality, and that compensatory neural mechanisms may be selectively engaged during non-symptomatic movements. This work advances understanding of dystonia as a brain network disorder and provides insights for developing more targeted, individualized treatment approaches.
Following graduation, Dr. Huynh attained a role as Assistant Professor in the OT Department at MGH IHP.
Her current research interests are broadly focused on understanding the pathophysiology underlying neurorecovery and neurodegenerative disorders. Building on her dissertation work examining neural mechanisms in focal dystonia, she remains deeply interested in the intersection of neuroscience, neurorehabilitation, and data-driven technology. Specifically, she's passionate about the assessment, measurement, and analysis of neurorecovery data, as well as its potential impact on clinical decision-making and functional outcomes.
Before joining the PhD program in 2020, she worked at a Boston-based biotechnology startup, which shaped her appreciation for translational research and the importance of bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and real-world applications. Moving forward, her career goals center on continuing to advance our understanding of neurological disorders while bridging gaps between clinical practice, research, and industry. She's particularly interested in opportunities to mentor and teach future practitioners, translating complex neuroscience findings into actionable insights that can improve outcomes for individuals living with neurological conditions. Ultimately, Dr. Huynh aims to contribute to both the scientific knowledge base and the practical tools that clinicians use to optimize rehabilitation and recovery.
Education
- BS Biology, Loyola University Chicago, IL
- Doctorate of Occupational Therapy, MGH Institute of Health Professions
Publications
Media & Presentations
Task-Based Functional Imaging in Task-Specific Focal Dystonia during Dystonia-Related and -Unrelated Tasks at the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Preliminary network changes in action-specific focal dystonia using individualized cortical parcellation at the Society for Neuroscience.
The relationship of corticospinal tract (CST) measures with hand strength and dexterity after acute stroke at the Annual Mass General Neuroscience Day.
Probing the Inhibitory Motor Circuits in Adductor Laryngeal Dystonia during a Dystonia-Unrelated Finger-Tapping Task at the 6th International Dystonia Symposium.
Sensitivity to change and responsiveness of The Fugl-Meyer Assessment - Upper-Extremity in Individuals with Moderate to Severe Acute Stroke at the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation