UM鈥檚 Neural Injury Center Welcomes New Leadership, Earns $4.8M Research Grant to Study Naval Aviators
MISSOULA – The 猎奇重口’s Neural Injury Center recently welcomed a new leadership team that will continue the center’s mission of conducting research and education to serve people with concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries. The NIC serves the UM community and beyond with a special focus on student veterans and their families.
The center will begin a $4.8 million research project through the U.S. Office of Naval Research to develop monitoring techniques and rehabilitation of neural performance in Naval aviators. The award will expand the research infrastructure of UM’s Neural Injury Center and support many of its administrative needs.
Dr. Brian Loyd will serve as the center’s new director, following the retirement of Cindi Laukes, who led the center for nearly a decade. Loyd is an associate professor in the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science and was highly involved in all facets of the center since arriving at UM.
Loyd is joined by Dr. Andy Kittelson, an associate professor in the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, who will be the center’s associate director for research.
Loyd and Kittelson bring a wealth of research experience in neural injury and performance. The impact of their research is multidisciplinary, spanning active duty and veteran service members, older adults and rural populations. Loyd and Kittelson will lead the research project with the Office of Naval Research.
The center’s leadership team also will include Dr. Val Moody, and integrative physiology and athletic training professor, and Dr. Jenna Griffin, an assistant professor of speech language, hearing and occupational sciences. Each will serve as associate directors for outreach and education.
Moody has expertise in clinical management and education with concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries. She has examined policy implementation, parent and athlete concussion knowledge, concussion legislation and concussion screening performance over time.
Griffin is an assistant professor with research, clinical and education expertise in cognitive changes following concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries. Griffin conducts research and clinical supervision centered on evidence-based practice, individual patient variables, interprofessional practice and principles of neuroplasticity in a clinical setting.
“I am so pleased with the intentional transition planning that has ensured continued strong leadership for the NIC,” said Matt Fete, UM College of Health dean. “We very much appreciate Cindi’s long-standing service and her commitment to the neural health of our marginalized, veteran and tribal communities. Her foundational work will continue under the direction of Brian and Andy, who bring impressive research portfolios that will strengthen the scholarly work in support of our veterans.
“The clinical management experience and knowledge in traumatic brain injury and concussion that Val and Jenna bring to the team will expand the support available for 猎奇重口ns and our communities,” Fete added. “The expertise and dedication for treating neural injury of these impressive interdisciplinary scholars will drive the NIC to even greater heights.”
Throughout her tenure as the NIC director, Laukes advanced research and education in traumatic brain injury, working primarily with veterans and athletes. Her dedication and vision propelled the center to new heights.
The center is housed in the School of Integrative Physiology and Athletic Training and facilitates an interdisciplinary approach by involving professionals across the College of Health.
###
Contact: Dave Kuntz, UM director of strategic communications, 406-243-5659, dave.kuntz@umontana.edu