Division Head: Patricia K. Coyle, MD
The Research Division is led by research faculty engaged in clinical and basic research projects, and includes several dedicated project coordinators. Stony Brook Hospital's neuropsychologists, led by Thomas Preston, PhD, are also members of the Neurology Department's Research Division.
Clinical studies, including both early investigator-initiated trials and later-stage industry-sponsored trials, are a priority. Areas of emphasis include PET/MRI imaging, neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, autism, neuro-immunology, and neuropsychology. Department faculty have recently launched several investigator-initiated pilot studies, aimed at exploring the therapeutic potential of novel treatments for autism, stroke, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Departmental clinical investigation is supported by a core staff of experienced research coordinators, and benefits from institutional capabilities in informatics and statistics. Neurology residents participate in many clinical studies and in some cases, lead studies. Residents present their work both at national society meetings and at an annual departmental poster session. A faculty committee selects the best resident’s research poster each year for an award.