Divya Rai

Research Professional

I’m a research professional in the CoDex lab. I graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor's in Biological Engineering emphasis on biomedical engineering. I am interested in improving my skills in innovating medical devices used in rehabilitation research. In my free time, I enjoy volunteering in the communities, crocheting, knitting, hiking, and spending time with my family.

Aisha Bushra

Clinical Professional

I am a physician and a student of neuroscience. My interest is in the clinical aspects of the human study. Over time, I developed a keen interest in innovative neuroscience research as a tool to help humanity affected by neurological disorders. My past experiences are mostly related to multiple sclerosis in the aging population and demyelinating disease in childhood. Currently, I am interested in stroke studies with recovery and rehabilitation ways to help stroke population. I am a happy-to-go, nature-loving person who loves to cook cross-cultural foods, listen to music, and read motivational books.

Patrick Ihejirika

I am a PhD student in the Codex Lab with an interest in cognitive and computational neuroscience and psychology. I am specifically interested in exploring mechanisms of motor function deterioration using computational neuroscience techniques. In my free time, I enjoy reading, playing chess, exercising and hanging out with my close family and friends.

Charisma Byrd

My name is Charisma Byrd, and I’m a first-year PhD student in Kinesiology with a concentration in Biomechanics, as well as a graduate research assistant in the CoDex lab. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be getting acquainted with the various projects underway in the lab. A fun fact about me is that I relocated from Los Angeles, CA to Athens, Georgia, so I’m eager to discover local favorites and recommendations. I enjoy working out, running, and engaging in art. During my undergraduate studies, I competed as a track heptathlete and have always had a passion for art.

Harshith Kasthuri

My name is Harshith Kasthuri, and I’m a second year master’s student in Computer Science. I’ll be primarily assisting with the hand-pose analysis project. In my free time, I enjoy playing badminton and hanging out with friends. It’s great to meet you all!

Kavya Mothukuri

I’m Kavya Mothukuri, currently in my first year of a master's program in computer science. In Codex Lab, I’ll be working on upper limb biomechanics analysis, where I’ll focus on stimulating and calculating forces and angles to compare healthy individuals with stroke patients. Outside of my studies, I love cooking and spending quality time with my family and friends.

Neda Amini

I am a second year Mechanical Engineering major, and I’m working on developing and maintaining hardware devices for studying hand control. I’m interested in seeing how the mechanical side of engineering is used to advance research in neuroscience and biomedical engineering.

Karen Garcia

I'm a fourth-year Biological Engineering major with a minor in Pharmaceutical Sciences. As a member of the Hardware team, I focus on maintaining hand devices that support our research efforts. I'm enthusiastic about expanding my knowledge of these devices and exploring how they can aid in restoring mobility. I’m eager to enhance my mechanical skills with the goal of pursuing a career in rehabilitation engineering. Outside the lab, I enjoy running, reading, and traveling.

Wylie Frazier

Hi, I'm Wylie Frazier, a sophomore Biology major on the Pre-Med track. I work with Dr. Aisha on stroke research and aim to learn as much as I can about lab work in the process. I am a Pre-Professional Student Ambassador, an Honors College student, and a member of the Fencing Club here at UGA. In my free time, I enjoy tennis, weightlifting, and motorcycling.

Luna Chiezzi

My name is Luna Chiezzi, and I’m entering my third year as a biological engineering student at UGA. As an undergraduate research assistant, I’m working on hand devices and am eager to delve deeper into research and medical technology. In my free time, I enjoy working on cars and spending time with family and friends. I’m excited to meet you all!

Drew Fields

My name is Drew Fields, and I’m a second-year microbiology major with a minor in biomedical physiology, aiming to attend medical school. I will be primarily assisting Dr. Xu with TMS and am excited to get started. Outside of work and studying, I enjoy playing recreational baseball and football, lifting weights at the gym, and playing video games with friends. Additionally, I serve as a resident assistant at Brumby Hall.

Carlisle Overstreet

My name is Carlisle Overstreet and I am currently serving as a research assistant in the CoDex lab under Charisma Byrd studying the hand dexterity in stroke patients. I am currently a sophomore at UGA majoring in Exercise and Sports Science on the premed track. I am from Augusta Georgia. I am excited to be involved in research this semester to help make a difference in people’s lives who could benefit from the research we are performing. I want to be involved in research to be on the front lines of new discoveries to help the human population now and in the future.

Jackson Abbey

I am a third-year Exercise and Sport Science major on the pre-med track. I will be assisting Charisma and Dr. Xu research the effects of handedness on dexterous recovery following neurologic injuries. I’m a Colorado native and love staying active and outdoors, whether that be exercising, painting, or reading. I cannot wait to not only broaden my own knowledge but to make a meaningful impact towards such a ubiquitous and debilitating matter.

Khushi Patel

I am a second-year biomedical physiology major on the pre-med track. I will be assisting Charisma in her research on handedness and dexterity in people with neuromuscular problems. In my free time, I enjoy crocheting, hiking, and baking

Huda Altaf

My name is Huda Altaf and I am a third-year Health Promotion student. I will be assisting Dr. Aisha with stroke research and look forward to learning plenty along the way. In my free time, I enjoy taking long walks and spending time with friends.

Eleanor Virag

Hey! My name is Eleanor Virag, and I am a third-year exercise and sports science major on the pre-med track. I am very excited to be assisting Dr. Xu with TMS and her research/disability practicum next semester! In my free time, I enjoy crocheting, working out, cooking, and spending time with my friends.

Sweya Surapaneni

My name is Sweya, and I am a third year undergraduate research assistant studying biology and psychology with an emphasis on neuroscience. I work on the MRI DSI Stroke project with Divya, and I am interested to delve deeper into the physiology behind neurological deterioration. In my free time, I love painting, playing tennis, and trying out new restaurants!

Gauthier Valery

Hi my name is Gauthier Valery, I am a third year Biology major with a minor in General Business on the pre med track. I will be assisting Dr. Xu with TMS and I am excited to learn about lab work and participate in this research. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with friends, going to the gym, and playing recreational sports.

Josh Siegel

My name is Joshua Siegel, and I am a fourth-year exercise science major on the pre-med track. Next year, I will be attending medical school. I am excited to be continuing my work in the hand pose analysis lab while also helping with the hand signature lab. I enjoy running with my dog, lifting, and playing guitar. I cannot wait to begin my third year under Dr. Xu.