School of Medicine


Showing 1-10 of 19 Results

  • Neda Kaboodvand

    Neda Kaboodvand

    Basic Life Research Scientist, Neurosurgery

    Current Role at StanfordResearch Scientist

  • Julia Kaltschmidt

    Julia Kaltschmidt

    Associate Professor of Neurosurgery

    Current Research and Scholarly InterestsThe lab’s primary research interest is to understand how specific neuronal circuits are established. We use mouse genetics, combinatorial immunochemical labeling and high-resolution laser scanning microscopy to identify, manipulate, and quantitatively analyze synaptic contacts within the complex neuronal milieu of the spinal cord and the enteric nervous system.

  • Vanessa W.Y. Kan

    Vanessa W.Y. Kan

    Postdoctoral Scholar, Neurosurgery

    BioI am a second-year postdoctoral researcher in Irene Llorente’s laboratory at the Department of Neurosurgery. I completed my Ph.D. at the Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences GSN-LMU in Munich, Germany, where I was trained as a circuit neuroscientist. During my doctoral work, I focused on dissecting the circuit mechanisms underlying cortical hyperexcitability in ALS, uncovering the pathophysiological role of hyper-responsive layer 2⁄3 neurons (one of the main inputs to layer 5) in the disease course. Currently, my research bridges circuit neuroscience, stem cell biology, and bioinformatics to explore mechanisms of neural repair and regeneration. I utilize advanced experimental and computational tools, including in vivo calcium imaging in awake, freely behaving rodents; machine learning-based motion sequencing (MoSeq); anterograde and retrograde viral tracing techniques; and transplantation of iPSC-derived glial-enriched progenitors and cortical interneurons. In parallel, I apply spatial transcriptomics and single-cell RNA sequencing to map cell-type–specific interactions and molecular signatures during neural circuit remodeling.

    My research focuses on understanding the circuit mechanisms underlying neurological conditions such as stroke and identifying how cell-based therapies mediate repair. The ultimate goal of my work is to uncover molecular and cellular processes that promote graft–host integration and functional recovery, paving the way for next-generation regenerative therapies for the injured brain.

    In addition to translational research, I am also passionate about scientific education and outreach. I mentor community college students twice a year through the Stanford Science Small Group, in which I share my own experience in research and guide them through the research process. To expand my outreach efforts, in the past summer, I collaborated with Invent Your Own Future as well as The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and organized a summer camp on Neuroscience x AI research for over 20 high school students in Hong Kong.

  • Spyros Karadimas, MD, PhD

    Spyros Karadimas, MD, PhD

    Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery

    BioDr. Spyridon Karadimas is a board-certified, fellowship-trained cerebrovascular neurosurgeon and physician-scientist with Stanford Health Care. He is also an assistant professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at Stanford University School of Medicine.

    Dr. Karadimas offers advanced, personalized treatment for complex vascular disorders of the brain, neck, and spine in both adults and children. His expertise spans brain aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, cavernous malformations, arteriovenous fistulas, Moyamoya disease, stroke, and carotid artery disease. Dr. Karadimas is a rare combination of surgeon, scientist, and innovator dedicated to advancing patient care and shaping the future of cerebrovascular neurosurgery.

    Dr. Karadimas directs a basic and translational research program focused on the neural circuits of motor control and stroke recovery. His laboratory integrates systems neuroscience, in vivo imaging, electrophysiology, and brain-computer interface development to uncover the principles of neuroplasticity, or how the brain adapts to change. This knowledge allows him to create new ways to help people move again after a brain injury.

    Dr. Karadimas has published his research as first author in peer-reviewed journals such as Nature, Nature Neuroscience and Science Translational Medicine. His work has received editorial highlight at Nature Reviews Neuroscience. He has presented to his peers at international, national, and regional meetings, including those of the American Academy of Neurological Surgery, American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), European Association of Neurosurgical Societies, and World Federation of Skull Base Societies.

    Dr. Karadimas is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada and American Association of Neurological Surgeons as well as member of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, and the North American Skull Base Society.

  • Laurence Katznelson, MD

    Laurence Katznelson, MD

    Professor of Neurosurgery, Emeritus

    Current Research and Scholarly InterestsDr. Katznelson is an internationally known neuroendocrinologist and clinical researcher, with research expertise in the diagnosis and management of hypopituitarism, the effects of hormones on neurocognitive function, and the development of therapeutics for acromegaly and Cushing’s syndrome, and neuroendocrine tumors. Dr. Katznelson is the medical director of the multidisciplinary Stanford Pituitary Center, a program geared for patient management, clinical research and patient education