I³R Speaker Series: Bridging Body and Brain, Vagus Nerve Stimulation to Restore Brain Health

The Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research is hosting the final event in its spring speaker series — Bridging the Body and the Brain: Vagus Nerve Stimulation to Restore Brain Health — featuring Cristin Welle, Ph.D., a systems neurophysiologist with expertise in the interaction between medical devices and the nervous system.

All faculty and students are invited to attend the lecture from 10-11 a.m. Friday, April 28, at the Institute for Integrative & Innovative Research located at 481 S. Shiloh Dr. in Fayetteville or via Zoom.

Welle is associate professor and vice chair for research in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center. She also leads the BIOElectrics Lab, which uses advanced neuroscience research tools to explore the intersection between technology and the brain.

"We're honored to feature Dr. Welle in our inaugural speaker series and delighted for her to share insights on the fascinating work occurring through the convergence of neuroscience and neurotechnology," said Ranu Jung, Ph.D., associate vice chancellor and I³R executive director. "Her innovative research into vagus nerve stimulation will impact bioelectronic medicine applications and potentially expand the therapeutic benefits of this treatment to patients with multiple sclerosis."

Vagus nerve stimulation through implanted medical devices is currently used to treat some nervous system disorders such as epilepsy, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and Parkinson's Disease. In her research, Welle considers how VNS can be used to also treat the loss of myelin in multiple sclerosis to restore brain health.

"I'm thrilled to speak at the University of Arkansas about our ground-breaking work with vagus nerve stimulation," Welle said. "If we can continue to explore the frontiers of neuroscience and expand the successful applications of VNS, we can potentially improve quality of life for many people."

Outside the science lab, there is also increasing interest in using less invasive VNS techniques such as deep breathing, facial or neck icing and acupuncture to potentially treat anxiety and other mental health concerns. Read what Welle has to say about this trending topic.

The event is open to all faculity and students. In-person and virtual options are available. Join in person at the Institute for Integrative & Innovative Research located at 481 S. Shiloh Dr., Fayetteville, Arkansas, 72704, or use the Zoom link to join virtually with the passcode: hu%3htMR.