The BNC lab is directed by Dr. Yael Jacob, PhD. an Assistant Professor for Psychiatry and Neuroscience. Our research is aimed at understanding how different networks communicate and influence each other and how their interactions underlie pathological brain states. Focusing on developing both network-theory-based MRI analysis methods as well as utilizing the ultra-high field 7-Tesla MRI for real-time neurofeedback procedures and to improve spatial resolution for better modeling of the whole-brain functional and structural networks. We develop and apply new methods to explore the underlying complex brain mechanisms of pathologies such as major depressive disorder (MDD) and general anxiety disorder (GAD) through the lens of systems network approach. Furthermore, we test the brain network correlates of behavioral and pathological differences transdiagnostically across different diverse psychiatric disorders. We then use these network properties to predict individual brain states employing advanced machine-learning and deep-learning algorithms to discern novel biomarkers to facilitate the development of novel prevention strategies, diagnostic tools, and interventions.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member use_icon_font_size=”on” admin_label=”Person” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_align=”center” body_font=”|700|||||||” body_text_align=”center” position_text_align=”center” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”right” height=”740px” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” border_radii_image=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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Dr. Yael Jacob, PhD<\/p>\n
yael.jacob@mssm.edu<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”Projects” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#e3f3fc” link_option_url_new_window=”on” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This study examines small sub-regions of limbic structures such as the hippocampus sub-fields and amygdala sub-nuclei, using combined structural and functional ultra-high field 7-Tesla MRI and connectomic analysis to determine how they relate to core symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/labs.icahn.mssm.edu\/jacoblab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/411\/2023\/03\/AmyHippoSF_FC-300×145.png” title_text=”AmyHippoSF_FC” align=”right” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#e3f3fc” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/labs.icahn.mssm.edu\/jacoblab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/411\/2023\/03\/multi.jpg” title_text=”multi” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#e3f3fc” border_radii=”on|7px|7px|7px|7px” border_color_all=”#0DA0C5″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This study implements the first real-time functional MRI neurofeedback (Rt-fMRI-NF) network-based protocol for up-regulation of the medial orbitofrontal cortex (MOFC) influence on the precuneus brain region in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) to reduce rumination levels. This will allow for more accurate explicit brain connections modulation than the standard single brain region activity; creating a larger opportunity for target clinical neuromodulation treatment in individuals with depression.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/labs.icahn.mssm.edu\/jacoblab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/411\/2023\/03\/Picture_NF-300×260.png” title_text=”Picture_NF” align=”right” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#e3f3fc” border_radii=”on|8px|8px|8px|8px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/labs.icahn.mssm.edu\/jacoblab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/411\/2024\/06\/DigitalPhenotyoingNetworks.jpg” title_text=”DigitalPhenotyoingNetworks” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|7px|7px|7px|7px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We explore network dynamics using real-world passive data, such as the number of steps and screen time and checks, and active data such as the mood and valance daily ratings. We apply different computational analyses to explore network dynamics in relation to psychiatric symptoms for digital phenotyping to identify predictive patterns.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In several Ketamine and Psylocibin clinical studies at the depression and anxiety center, we apply network analysis to explore brain network modularity and flexibility differences from baseline, active and end of treatment. In these studies we aim to enhance our understanding of the mechanism by which psychedelics improve depressive symptoms and to identify neuroimaging biomarkers and clinical markers predictive of response to psychedelics.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/labs.icahn.mssm.edu\/jacoblab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/411\/2024\/06\/PsychadelicsNeuroimaging.jpg” title_text=”PsychadelicsNeuroimaging” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|7px|7px|7px|7px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Participate in our ongoing studies – learn more and sign up here<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”Funding” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#e3f3fc” top_divider_style=”asymmetric2″ top_divider_color=”#00aeef” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”Publications” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”Team” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” top_divider_style=”asymmetric2″ top_divider_color=”#c9f0ff” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_team_member name=”Yael Jacob, PhD” position=”Principal Investigator” image_url=”https:\/\/labs.icahn.mssm.edu\/jacoblab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/411\/2025\/02\/Yael-Jacob_headshot11-scaled-e1740782604572-199×300.jpg” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n yael.jacob@mssm.edu <\/a><\/p>\n Yael is the Director of the BNC Lab. She completed her B.Sc. in Physics, M.Sc. in Medical Science, and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the University of Tel Aviv, Israel. She then conducted a postdoctoral fellowship at the BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute\u00a0(BMEII) at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS) and is now an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at ISMMS. She has\u00a0expertise in the\u00a0<\/span>development and utilization of new computational methods and algorithms using advanced brain imaging techniques\u00a0for\u00a0the study of complex brain network mechanisms that underlie behavioral and pathological differences in psychiatric disorders.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”B. \u00dclgen Kilic, PhD” position=”Postdoctoral Fellow” image_url=”https:\/\/labs.icahn.mssm.edu\/jacoblab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/411\/2025\/02\/B-Ulgen-Kilic-9077218-12-1-scaled-e1740783028741-200×300.jpg” disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Person” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n bengier.kilic@mssm.edu<\/a><\/p>\n \u00dclgen Kilic earned his B.S. in Mathematics from Bo\u011fazi\u00e7i University in Istanbul and completed his Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics at the University at Buffalo, SUNY, NY. He is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Depression and Anxiety Center and the Center for Computational Psychiatry within the Department of Psychiatry. Using advanced methods from network science, dynamical systems, topological data analysis (TDA), and AI\/ML, \u00dclgen\u2019s research focuses on developing data-driven analysis frameworks tailored to neuroimaging data, with the goal of exploring neural dynamics across various cognitive processes, behavioral states, and psychiatric illnesses.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Stuti Bansal” position=”Graduate Student” image_url=”https:\/\/labs.icahn.mssm.edu\/jacoblab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/411\/2025\/02\/STUTI_BANSAL_1298-low-scaled-e1740783551294-200×300.jpg” disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Person” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n stuti.bansal@icahn.mssm.edu<\/a><\/p>\n Stuti Bansal received her B.A. in Neurobiology from the University of California, Berkeley, and subsequently completed a post-baccalaureate fellowship at the NIMH. Currently she is an MD-PhD student at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai training to become a physician-scientist in the fields of psychiatry and neuroimaging. Her main research interests are the neuroanatomical correlates of psychiatric disorders. Her PhD work is focused on diffusion imaging markers of depression.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jenna Jubeir” position=”Graduate Student” image_url=”https:\/\/labs.icahn.mssm.edu\/jacoblab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/411\/2025\/11\/Jubeir_Jenna7-209×300.jpg” disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Person” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nCurrent Projects<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n
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Multidimensional brain connectome features of depression and anxiety.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Network-based real-time neurofeedback using ultra-high field MRI to reduce rumination levels in depression.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Network analysis in the real-world data<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Psychedelics effect on neural networks<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Funding & Awards<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n
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Publications<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\nPubMed<\/a>\n
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Book Chapter<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Lab Members<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n
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