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Ryan T. Ash is an affiliate at the Rad/Radiological Sciences Laboratory at Stanford University. His research is focused on developing novel neuromodulation technologies to augment neuroplasticity and enhance the 'unlearning' of maladaptive habitual ways of perceiving the world. He received the K08 Career Development Award to measure how attention modulates neuroplasticity induced by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, utilizing EEG steady-state visual evoked potentials and psychophysics in visual attention. Ash was awarded the Brain Behavior Research Foundation Young Investigator Award to develop in-human applications of transcranial ultrasound stimulation targeting the subcortical visual system for fear regulation. He has also received the Simons Foundation Bridge Independence Award for work on closed-loop ultrasound neuromodulation technologies designed to enhance behavioral flexibility in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. He collaborates closely with mentors such as Anthony Norcia, Kim Butts Pauly, and Nolan Williams on various projects and is interested in the neural basis of mindfulness, concentration, and compassion practices as related to Buddhist meditation, bolstered by experience from a year-long silent retreat in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. In addition, he sees patients at the Stanford Neuropsychiatry Clinic, specializing in Functional Neurological disorders associated with psychosomatic and dissociative conditions, employing therapeutic orientations that combine integrated psychodynamic approaches with mindfulness-based and neuromodulation-assisted psychotherapy.
The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.