Crystal Engineer

PhD - Cognition and Neuroscience
University of Texas at Dallas - 2008

MS - Applied Cognition and Neuroscience
University of Texas at Dallas - 2005

BS - Neuroscience
University of Texas at Dallas - 2003

Variability-dominated auditory cortical dysfunction and targeted VNS modulation in a Mecp2^+/- model of Rett syndrome. 2026 - Journal Article

Vagus Nerve Stimulation Paired With Tones Alters the Auditory Cortex Proteome in a Rat Model of Rett Syndrome. 2026 - Journal Article

Neuromodulator timing regulates adult cortical plasticity via the synaptic eligibility trace 2026 - Journal Article

Speech paired vagus nerve stimulation restores neural sound processing in a rat model of autism. 2025 - Journal Article

Vagus nerve stimulation rescues impaired fear extinction and social interaction in a rat model of autism spectrum disorder. 2025 - Journal Article

Neuromodulator timing regulates adult cortical plasticity via the synaptic eligibility trace 2025 - Journal Article

Early neural dysfunction reflected in degraded auditory cortex responses in pre-regression heterozygous Mecp2 rats. 2025 - Journal Article

Bursts of vagus nerve stimulation paired with auditory rehabilitation fail to improve speech sound perception in rats with hearing loss. 2024 - Journal Article

Teaching Award - Department of Neuroscience [2023]

APSselect award - American Physiological Society [2019]

Travel Award - International Hearing Loss Conference [2019]

NARSAD Young Investigator Award - Brain & Behavior Research Foundation [2018]

Research Grant for New Investigators - American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation [2009]

Assistant Professor
University of Texas at Dallas [2020–Present]
School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences

Research Assistant Professor
University of Texas at Dallas [2016–2020]
Texas Biomedical Device Center

Research Associate
University of Texas at Dallas [2009–2016]
School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences

Vagus Nerve Stimulation Plus Sound May Improve Auditory Processing in Rett, Study Suggests

Nerve Stimulation + Repetitive Sounds Help Improve Hearing

Study Captures Brain’s Activity Processing Speech

Top Journal Publishes Student Brain Researchers

Enhancing speech processing in a rat model of autism using vagus nerve stimulation

$1,912,500 - NIDCD, NIH [2018/12–2024/11]

The goal of this project is to evaluate whether VNS paired with speech training can reverse the neural and behavioral speech processing deficits observed in a rat model of autism.

Restoring auditory processing in a rat model of Rett syndrome

$400,000 - Eagles Autism Foundation [2022/04–2025/04]

The objective of this proposal is to determine whether auditory training paired with neuromodulator release can reverse the neural and behavioral auditory processing deficits observed in heterozygous Mecp2 rats.

Proteomic analysis of VNS-sound pairing therapy effects on cortical tissue in a rat model of ASD

$49,879 - Autism Research Institute [2024/01–2025/12]

This proposal will provide insight into the proteomic changes associated with novel plasticity-based therapies in treating the severe auditory sensory processing deficits observed in Rett syndrome.

Novel Neuromodulation Therapy to Address Sensory Hypersensitivity in Rett Syndrome

$295,246 - International Rett Syndrome Foundation [2025/02–2027/01]

In this study, we will be using a rat model of Rett syndrome that shows anxiety and heightened responses to sounds and touch. Our first goal is to investigate if we can reduce sensitivity to loud sounds in these rats. Next, we will explore whether we can reduce hypersensitivity to touch. Additionally, we will assess whether VNS therapy can improve anxiety and social interactions.