Student Research Opportunities

Dr. Kimberley has a dedicated commitment to mentoring young investigators and helping people achieve their career goals.

The MGH Institute offers fellowships and full tuition scholarships to qualified students interested in pursuing a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences.

Apply for available research assistantships or volunteer on a research project within the Brain Recovery Lab. Skills to be gained while working in the BRL include theoretical and technical expertise in neuroimaging [functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)], neuromodulation [transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)], electromyography, functional assessment and clinical trials involving rehabilitation.

We work with a variety of patient populations including people with stroke and focal dystonias such as spasmodic dysphonia, focal hand dystonia and cervical dystonia.

Be a Participant in a Study

Dystonia

 
Subjects Needed for DYT1 Dystonia Research

The Brain Recovery Lab at the MGH Institute of Health Professions is seeking adults with TOR1A-associated (DYT1) dystonia and their family members for an imaging study to help us understand how this genetic disorder affects brain connections and causes symptoms of DYT1 dystonia. We will use functional magnetic resonance imaging which is a safe and painless method of understanding how the brain works. 

Requirements:

  • Diagnosed with or a family member of someone with TOR1A-associated DYT1 dystonia 
  • Age: 24-89

Study Tasks and Location 

  • MRI session (<2 hr)
    • Martinos Imaging Center – 149 13th Street, Boston, MA (MRI)
  • Neurological exam and blood draw visit (1hr)
    • Martinos Imaging Center – 149 13th Street, Boston, MA (MRI)
  • Compensation: $200
  • You may be eligible for travel reimbursement

Please MGHIHPbrainrecoverylab [at] mghihp.edu (email Dr. Teresa Kimberley) at the Brain Recovery Lab, or call (617) 643-6564.

 

Larygeal Dystonia Treatment Study

We are studying an intervention for people with Laryngeal Dystonia. If you are interested in hearing more about this study, please access this link for more information, or brainrecoverylab [at] mghihp.edu (reach out) to Dr. Teresa Kimberley and her staff or call (617) 643-6564. 

 

SENSE IT


Healthy Volunteers Needed for Paid Research Study


The MGH Institute of Health Professions is seeking healthy adults to participate in a research study investigating the reliability and validity of electrical stimulation as a method of measuring sensation. Electrical stimulation is a safe and painless tool frequently used in physical therapy practice for a variety of purposes. You will be eligible for parking reimbursement.
•    Requirements: Age 18+
•    Participation involves one study visit lasting 1.5-2 hours with the option to return for an additional visit.
•    You will receive a $25 gift card for each visit that you complete.

Please MGHIHPbrainrecoverylab [at] mghihp.edu (email Dr. Teresa Kimberley) at the Brain Recovery Lab, or call (617) 643-6564.

 
Adults With Impaired Sensation Needed for Paid Research Study

The MGH Institute of Health Professions is seeking adults with impaired sensation to participate in a research study investigating the reliability and validity of electrical stimulation as a method of measuring sensation. Electrical stimulation is a safe and painless tool frequently used in physical therapy practice for a variety of purposes. We may also ask you to complete a variety of commonly used clinical measures to better understand how sensation impacts your function. You will be eligible for parking reimbursement.

You will be eligible for parking reimbursement.
•    Requirements: Age 18+, decreased sensation in hands or feet
•    Participation involves one study visit lasting 1.5-2 hours with the option to return for an additional visit.
•    You will receive a $25 gift card for each study session that you complete

Please MGHIHPbrainrecoverylab [at] mghihp.edu (email Dr. Teresa Kimberley) at the Brain Recovery Lab, or call (617) 643-6564.

 

 

Stroke Rehabilitation

Impaired use of the arm and hand are a major source of disability for people after a stroke. In the Brain Recovery Lab, we are examining novel ways to enhance recovery after stroke. We recently completed an investigation of the effectiveness of Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with intensive arm rehabilitation. VNS therapy has been FDA-approved and is being clinically implemented at Massachusetts General Hospital in partnership with Spaulding Rehabilitation Network. The treatment involves a simple outpatient surgical procedure to implant a small VNS stimulator just beneath the chest skin. Following implantation, individuals will receive 18 sessions of intensive arm training over six weeks. The procedure and therapy are covered by Medicare and most insurance plans.

If you are interested in VNS therapy or would like to learn more, please contact the MGH Neurorecovery Clinic at (617) 726-8459.