Herz Research

Noa Herz, PhD
Principal Investigator

Dr. Herz earned her PhD in Psychology through a research excellence track in Israel. She subsequently completed Postdoctoral Fellowships at Tel Aviv University and the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Herz has diverse methodological background with expertise in MEG, fMRI, rTMS, LFP electrophysiology, and deep brain stimulation. In June 2023, Dr. Herz established her own lab within Jefferson's Department of Neurology, where her research focuses on the electrophysiology of human memory.

When not studying the mysteries of the memory system, she’s still trying to figure out where she left her car keys.

James Bruska
Software Engineer

James Bruska is the owner and lead software engineer of Bruska Technologies LLC (bruska.tech) contracting with the Herz Lab. After having worked in computer security and chemical technologies, he fell in love with psychology/neuroscience (especially positive psychology and memory). He first worked in Dr. Michael J Kahana’s lab for two years and then branched out on his own by starting his own company. Now he provides support for multiple psychology/neuroscience labs. He leads or helps with developing closed-loop stimulation systems, 2D and 3D experiments, implementing lab data infrastructure, optimizing analysis code, training other lab members to write efficient/readable code, and even helps with hiring new programmers for labs. He hopes to continue doing this for a long time as each new project helps another lab contribute an exciting discovery to the field. His other pastimes include music, snowboarding, rock climbing, capoeira, eating, sleeping, and programming for fun.

Jackie Kim
Clinical Specialist, Research Assistant

Jackie Kim is a clinical specialist and research assistant in the Department of Neuroscience. In the Herz Lab, she assists in collecting and analyzing invasive EEG data from patients in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit. Jackie received her B.A. in Philosophy and Biological Sciences with a concentration in neurobiology and behavior. Previously, she completed an honors thesis investigating how attention influences memory encoding using scalp EEG data. She is currently interested in understanding mind and brain-related disorders, from epilepsy to addiction, using cognitive neuroscience or more qualitative methods. Her hobbies include oil painting and hamster care.

Melinda Wisdom
Volunteer Researcher

Melinda Wisdom is a volunteer researcher in the Jefferson Neuroscience Department assisting with creating a high school outreach program. They are working at the Herz Lab after completing two years of national service with AmeriCorps in schools, most recently with the School District of Philadelphia. Melinda holds a BA in neuroscience and a BM in trombone performance and loves how neuroscience and art intertwine. Melinda likes to read and sing with Choral Arts Philadelphia in their free time.