Principal Investigator
Matthew C. Cowperthwaite, PhD
Dr. Cowperthwaite brings the sophistication of computational-biological research to the NeuroTexas Institute. In addition to serving as the Director of Research for NeuroTexas Institute, he leads the Institute’s prinary research initiative – the Center for Computational Neuroscience. Dr. Cowperthwaite participates in collaborative research studies with The University of Texas., and serves as a Research Fellow at The University of Texas at Austin Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology.
The Center for Computational Neuroscience is collaborating with physicians to gather patient-outcome data in a manner suitable for research into factors affecting such outcomes and methods to improve them. The Center for Computational Neuroscience is also studying the genetics of malignant brain tumors using evolutionary genetics analyses. With the support of the Foundation, Dr. Cowperthwaite was instrumental in creating the Austin Brain Tumor Repository, the first storage site for research-grade brain-tumor tissue specimens in Central Texas.
Dr. Cowperthwaite’s research background has focused on cellular and molecular biology. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Plant Biology, magna cum laude, from the University of Maryland in College Park, and a PhD from The University of Texas at Austin in Cellular and Molecular Biology. His dissertation was based on theoretical studies of mutations, and their effect on the adaptation and evolution of biological systems. At the University, he was the co-leader of a team that studied how traits evolve, which may ultimately help scientists and physicians understand why and how certain medical disorders develop.
Throughout his academic career, Dr. Cowperthwaite has received numerous awards and fellowships. His works continue to be published in professional scientific journals.
Co-Investigators
Mark G. Burnett, MD
Dr. Burnett graduated from the University Of Maryland School Of Medicine in 1998, MD, and completed his neurosurgical residency training at the University of Pennsylvania in 2005, where he also served as Chief Resident. Following residency, he completed a fellowship in complex spine surgery at the prestigious Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona.
Dr. Burnett has long been committed to neuroscience research and continues to publish widely in the field. He has been the recipient of two research grants from the National Institutes of Health for his work in neurophysiology and cerebral blood flow. In addition, Dr. Burnett holds a patent for a non-invasive cerebral blood flow monitor used in the management of patients with brain and spinal injuries.
As the Executive Medical Director of the NeuroTexas Institute Research program, Dr. Burnett has been instrumental in developing the Center for Computational Neuroscience, which focuses on the analysis of neurosurgical outcomes and development of novel treatment pathways to improve the care of neurosurgical patients.
Douglas J. Fox, MD
Dr. Fox completed his medical studies and neurosurgery residency at Washington University, MO, where he served as Chief Resident, then continued his studies as a Fellow at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr Fox completed a fellowship in Cerebrovascular and skull base surgery and a fellowship in complex spinal surgery.
Dr. Fox's clinical interests include cerebrovascular neurosurgery, skull base surgery, and complex spinal surgery. Dr. Fox has published widely and maintains an active research interest in cerebrovascular physiology and the development of new surgical technologies. Recent research projects focused on functional mapping of the brain, a technique that provides neurosurgeons with evidence of areas critical for brain function. Such methodologies further the ability of neurosurgeons to perform aggressive surgery in patients with brain tumors, with significantly reduced risk of damaging brain function.
K. Michael Webb, MD
Dr. Webb graduated cum laude from Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago, and completed an internship and residency at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, serving as Chief Resident during his final year. Following his residency, Dr. Webb was a Fellow in Spine Surgery at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona.
Dr. Webb's clinical interests include surgery for adult spinal deformities such as scoliosis, as well as neuro-oncology and functional neurosurgery. His affinity for academics allowed him to remain committed to combining research with clinical practice. He has published dozens of professional papers, abstracts, and book chapters, and maintains an active research interest in clinical outcomes. The delicate nature of neurosurgery motivates Dr. Webb to seek safer methodologies and techniques.
Dr. Webb serves on the AANS Neurosurgeons Advisory Board for the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.
Study Coordinator
Kaelyn Kappeler, CCRC, CCRP
As Clinical Research Manager for NeuroTexas Institute with over 15 years of clinical experience, Ms. Kappeler provided the project management expertise to facilitate the ABTR from an initial concept into a realized brain tumor repository for Central Texas. As Study Coordinator of the ABTR, she will continue to provide leadership in the maintenance of quality assurance, regulatory compliance and data/tissue integrity.
