Meet the Team

Jose ‘Pepe’ Contreras-Vidal, PhD (Fellow IEEE, Fellow AIMBE) is Cullen Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Director of the NSF Research Center for Building Reliable Advances and Innovations in Neurotechnology (IUCRC BRAIN) at the University of Houston. He has pioneered noninvasive brain-machine interfaces and wearable exoskeletons to restore motor function in individuals with disabilities. His work at the nexus of art and science is opening new windows to study the neural basis of human creativity while investigating the power of the arts as a modulator of brain activity. His career development in biomedical engineering was highlighted by the journal Science. Dr. Contreras-Vidal is a member of the National Advisory Board for Medical Rehabilitation Research (NABMRR) at the National Institute of Health. His research has been supported by the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, DARPA, Industry and Philanthropy. His research has been highlighted in The Economist, Nature, Science, Der Spiegel, and Wall Street Journal, among others.

Dr. Parikh is an associate professor with tenure and the Director of the Center for Neuromotor and Biomechanics Research in the department of Health and Human Performance at the University of Houston. His research has been supported by NIH, NSF, Mission Connect Foundation. Dr. Parikh’s research focuses on furthering our knowledge about the role of human brain in movement control and in learning new movement skills with a long-term goal of utilizing this new knowledge to design novel interventions to improve clinical outcomes. His research team (Parikh Lab) uses concepts from neurophysiology and biomechanics and apply a wide range of techniques, including non-invasive transcranial direct current and magnetic brain stimulation (tDCS and TMS), surface electromyography, and electroencephalography. Dr. Parikh and his team publish their scientific discoveries in some of the prestigious journals in the field of neurophysiology, including Cerebral Cortex, Journal of Neurophysiology, Journal of Applied Physiology, and Neuroscience. Dr. Parikh has experience mentoring 25+ high school, undergraduate, and graduate students in his laboratory. Dr. Parikh’s graduate and undergraduate research assistants have received 20+ awards for research. This mentoring experience recently won him the 2021 University of Houston Faculty Excellence Award in Undergraduate Research Mentoring, a university level award that recognizes the mentorship efforts of University of Houston faculty at all stages of their careers. Dr. Parikh regularly serves as an ad-hoc reviewer for several NIH study sections. He is on the editorial board of several journals including Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, Frontiers in Medical Engineering – Clinical Engineering section, and Frontiers in Neurorobotics.

Instructional Associate Professor, Director of Endeavour S-STEM Program, University of Houston

With over two decades of experience, Jenny, an industrial engineer, was appointed as Workforce Program Director in 2024 at the University of Houston’s BRAIN Center, where she focuses on advancing Workforce Development initiatives. Known for her dedication to excellence and innovation, Jenny plays a pivotal role in shaping program policies, implementing strategic solutions, and representing the Center on both domestic and international stages. Her work has enabled her to lead transformative initiatives, forge valuable partnerships, and extend the Center's impact on a global scale.

Jenny’s expertise in business development, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement gives her a comprehensive approach to operational management. Her demonstrated success in implementing effective strategies and driving organizational growth underpins her ability to guide the UH BRAIN Center toward continued prominence and success.

Passionate about The BRAIN Center’s summer programs, which enhance students’ educational experiences, Jenny is committed to leveraging her skills to further the Center's growth. Through teamwork and community engagement, she strives to elevate its reputation both nationally and internationally.