The University of Florida “Guardians of the Neuroaxis” of the division of Neurocritical Care, are dedicated to a variety of research projects – all with the ultimate goal to positively impact patients with acute neurological illness. Our ongoing projects reflect the diversity of interests and expertise of the neurocritical care faculty – spanning clinical, basic science, translational, educational, and quality improvement realms, our projects include: innovations in neuroscience and neurocritical care education, prognostication in neurocritical illness, expanding understanding in traumatic brain injury and brain edema, exploring the gut-brain axis, establishing new treatment avenues for headache in the neuroICU, and expanding clinical treatment for post-cardiac arrest survivors with status epilepticus, among others. We hope our scientific endeavors will help patients and families in many ways – by saving neurons, improving the odds of recovery, or providing solace in times of distress – all while inspiring the next generation of academic neurointensivists.
Our Leaders
Katharina Busl MD, MS
Carolina B Maciel MD, MSCR
Our Faculty
Pouya A Ameli MD, MS
John Bruno M.D.
Ivan Da Silva MD, PhD, FNCS
Chris Robinson DO, MS
Thiago Santos Carneiro MD, MPH
Administrative and Research Staff
Ralisa Pop BSN, RN, CCRC
Magali Jorand-Fletcher MPH
Bakhtawar Ahmad M.B.B.S
Anum Khaliq
Luciola Martins Frota MD
Hector David Meza Comparan MD
Ruthi N Peterson
Daniela Pomar Forero MD
NCC Research Collaborators
Lawrence Hirsch
Exceptional Student Researchers
Post Bachelor and Professional Students
Michael Neshwiwat, BS Neuroscience, BS Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alyson Moriarty, BS Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Major, Minor in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Megan Centrella
Gairman Fisher
Anum Keen
Viktoriya Gibatova
Ursula Medeiros Araujo de Matos
Kyra Schmidt, NCC RedCap Collaborator
4th Year Students
Brian Nuñez, Biology major, Minor in Spanish
Ji-Min Jang, Biology Major
Priyanka Devaguptapu, Health Education and Behavior Major
Rachel Hines , Piano Performance Major
Sahil Patel, Pre-professional Biology Major, Minor in Pathogenesis
3rd Year Students
Bailey Chagnon, Nutritional Sciences Major
Bryn Jemmi, Pre-professional Biology Major, Minor in Economics
Ebrahim Khan, Biology Major
Gabi Ramos, Biology Major
Kevin Marti, Microbiology Major, Public Health Minor
Kyle Zamajtuk, Biology Major, Minor in Innovation
Maiya-Mari Messina, Pre-Professional Biology and General Psychology Major
Noelle Taylor, Biology Major, Minor in Health Disparities
Shehryar Bokhari, Health Science Major
2nd Year Students
Ansley Grashof, Biomedical Engineering Major
Areebah Ahmed, Biology Major, Minors in Anthropology and Health Disparities in Society
Arravintha Gobinathan, Microbiology Major
Gabriela Carrazana, Nutritional Sciences Major, Minor in Disabilities in Society
Hanaa Salman, Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Major
Privank Patel, Biomedical Engineering Major
Michael I. Fernandez, Applied Physiology and Kinesiology Major, Nutritional Sciences Minor
Samirah Ocampo, Health Science Major
Suman Sonty, Classical Studies and Biology Major
1st Year Students
Sameer Ponnaluri, Microbiology and Cell Science Major