# Modulation of Frontoparietal Dynamics in Adolescent Working Memory Deficits

> **NIH NIH K23** · EMMA PENDLETON BRADLEY HOSPITAL · 2022 · $183,914

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Deficits in working memory (WM) comprise a core, transdiagnostic feature of childhood and adolescent
psychopathology. WM is one of the strongest predictors of clinical and functional outcomes, yet there remains
a dearth of treatments available for WM deficits. WM was historically conceptualized as solely localized to the
dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, while modern technology has established the broader role of the prefrontal
cortex (PFC) and posterior parietal cortex (PPC). There is evidence to suggest that PPC receives direct input
from PFC, although other evidence suggests the PPC encodes incoming stimuli and feeds forward to the PFC
for the initiation of control functions. I have previously found that frontoparietal theta/gamma oscillations,
particularly theta-gamma coupling, is a neural mechanism underlying WM processes. Novel approaches to
non-invasive brain stimulation, such as intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) can now modulate these
distinct oscillatory dynamics and subsequently examine possible causal or temporal relationships. This award
would build on my preliminary findings and transition my career from a clinician to an independent researcher.
The objective of this Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23) is to provide the necessary
training for me to obtain my career goal of utilizing a multimodal neuroscientific approach to measure and
modulate the neural dynamics underlying neurocognitive deficits in childhood and adolescent
psychopathology. In line with NIMH priorities, the training plan proposed will build upon my clinical
neuropsychology and clinical research foundation to provide comprehensive training and mentorship in two
core areas: 1) Neuromodulation and 2) Computational Neuroscience. In a 2x2 factorial double-blind design, we
will randomize a sample of 40 adolescents (13-17 years) with WM deficits to iTBS at the left DLPFC or inferior
parietal lobule (IPL). Participants will complete an active iTBS session and a sham iTBS session. The primary
outcome will be theta-gamma coupling during WM demands, as measured via electroencephalography during
a spatial WM task immediately before and after iTBS. Aim 1 will examine the effect of iTBS to the PPC on the
encoding stage of WM, while Aim 2 will examine the effect of iTBS to the PFC on the maintenance stage of
WM. Aim 3 will utilize computational neural modeling to identify the neocortical circuitry underlying oscillatory
modulation. My central hypothesis is that the PFC and PPC regions have complimentary roles in executing
WM processes. Further, iTBS can modulate theta-gamma coupling in these regions to improve behavioral
performance. We will establish a framework for modulating oscillatory dynamics in child psychiatry and set the
stage for my first R01 on WM-related frontoparietal oscillatory dynamics and optimal treatment parameters for
adolescent WM deficits. This will provide the foundation required to dedicate my career to ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10425474
- **Project number:** 1K23MH129853-01
- **Recipient organization:** EMMA PENDLETON BRADLEY HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Brian Kavanaugh
- **Activity code:** K23 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $183,914
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-04-15 → 2027-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10425474

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10425474, Modulation of Frontoparietal Dynamics in Adolescent Working Memory Deficits (1K23MH129853-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10425474. Licensed CC0.

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