Drexel University · BiologyThe Locomotion Recovery Lab
Kimberly J Dougherty · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Research Focus
Dr. Kimberly Dougherty's lab focuses on understanding how spinal cord injuries (SCI) affect locomotion and what biological mechanisms can be targeted to improve recovery. Through her research, the lab investigates how changes in spinal cord circuits can both aid and hinder motor function recovery after injury. The team studies the spatiotemporal dynamics of spinal networks to identify potential therapeutic strategies that could restore walking in individuals with SCI.
spinal cord injurylocomotionmotor recoveryhyperreflexianeuroplasticityelectrophysiologygene therapytherapeutic interventionsviral delivery systemsanimal models
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate spinal circuit changes that affect locomotor function after spinal cord injury.
AIM 02Identify mechanisms that underlie the balance between recovery and dysfunction (hyperreflexia) following SCI.
AIM 03Explore the role of specific neuronal populations in generating locomotor patterns and rhythms.
AIM 04Evaluate the effectiveness of combined therapies, including viral delivery of neurotrophic factors and epidural stimulation.
AIM 05Establish critical time windows for therapeutic intervention in the context of spinal cord injuries.
Skills the Lab Values
animal handlingspinal cord injury modelselectrophysiologyviral vector techniquesgenetic manipulation in micechronic recordingspharmacological interventionsdata analysisbehavioral assays in rodentsmicroscopy
Output against the department
Publications55bottom 13% of dept.895th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations2.3kbottom 16% of dept.869th of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.