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Neural engineering meets neuropsychiatry
Nolan Williams, Stanford Brain Stimulation Lab
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Dr. Williams’ lab, Stanford Brain Stimulation Lab (BSL), has worked to develop novel neuromodulation technologies capable of producing robust changes in targeted neural networks. The Stanford BSL recently demonstrated that an intensive form of theta-burst stimulation coupled with individualized targeting procedure termed SAINT is capable of producing robust improvements in mood symptoms of individuals with the most severe form of refractory TRD when applied through an rTMS device. The resting state functional connectivity-based targeting methodology that the BSL developed is capable of optimizing placement of focal neuromodulation techniques within functional networks. Like an implanted cortical stimulator, this approach is capable of providing stimulation into the targeted neural network throughout the day. Unlike an implanted cortical stimulator, this non-invasive approach allows for non-invasive imaging of the effects of the therapy on the targeted neural networks at a range of timepoints throughout the course of the stimulation.
About Nolan Williams
Dr. Williams is an Assistant Professor within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the Director of the Stanford Brain Stimulation Lab. Dr. Williams has a broad background in neuropsychiatry, completing residencies in both neurology and psychiatry. In addition, he has specific training and clinical expertise in the development of brain stimulation methodologies under Mark George, MD. Themes of his work include (a) examining the use of spaced learning theory in the application of neurostimulation techniques, (b) development and mechanistic understanding of rapid-acting antidepressants, and (c) identifying objective biomarkers that predict neuromodulation responses in treatment-resistant neuropsychiatric conditions. He has published papers in high impact peer-reviewed journals including Brain, American Journal of Psychiatry, and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. He has also contributed to two reviews related to novel therapeutics for neuropsychiatric conditions that have been published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation and Current Opinion in Neurobiology, which are both highly cited. Results from his studies have gained widespread attention in journals such as Science and New England Journal of Medicine Journal Watch as well as in the popular press and have been featured in various news sources including Time, Smithsonian, and Newsweek. Dr. Williams received an NIH R-series grant within two years of completing his residencies as well as two NARSAD Young Investigator Awards in 2016 and 2018 along with the 2019 Gerald R. Klerman Award. He started the Stanford Brain Stimulation Lab in 2015. He has received several merit-based travel awards to attend and present at the annual meetings for American College of Neuropharmacology, Society of Biological Psychiatry, the American Academy of Neurology and the American Neuropsychiatric Association.
Audience: Public
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