Starting at the age of 2, Ashton Weber began dancing. And she kept dancing until she made her high school’s nationally ranked dance team, the St. Thomas More Sparklers. But then came college and a degree in biological engineering from LSU and acceptance into UAB’s neuroengineering doctoral program. Life meant dance had to take a back seat. “Few people at UAB know the dancer part of me,” she said, “and many people back home don’t know the neuroengineer part.”

For Ashton, though, the worlds of dance and neuroscience complement each other in unexpected ways. The discipline and focus developed through years of dance training are valuable assets in the laboratory. "Dance taught me the importance of precision, discipline, and the power of observation – skills that are directly applicable to my work in neuroscience.” Thus, the transition between the two worlds is not as unusual as it may seem.

Dancing is also what led Ashton to find her way into a neurorehabilitation lab. Her undergraduate degree in Engineering and her interest in movement dynamics and prosthetics, led her to brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) for rehabilitation. Being in the Alabama Brain Lab has allowed Ashton to explore more of what is possible with BCIs, leading her to her current project involving neurofeedback to improve cognitive function.

More specifically, Ashton is using EEG to better understand the brain waveforms associated with visual attention and processing speed. Older adults do not process relevant stimuli as quickly as younger adults, but brain modulation through neurofeedback may offer mediation.

Growing up, Ashton’s parents have always been her biggest inspiration. Whether it be long dance practices or late-night studying, they were loving and supportive. “My mom shows me how to be a strong woman and leader in STEM, and my dad reminds me to be myself without hesitation. ‘‘His lifelong advice to Ashton: “ Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

After completing her PhD, Ashton plans to work in research and device development for rehabilitation.