Elena Barbieri

Developing insights into the future of cognitive rehabilitation, Elena Barbieri is a Research Assistant Professor in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Northwestern University. With a Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Milano-Bicocca, obtained in 2012, she has dedicated her career to understanding and improving language deficits in individuals with stroke-induced aphasia. Her research is particularly focused on sentence processing and the neural reorganization that occurs as a result of treatment. Elena's work is at the intersection of cognitive neuroscience and clinical application, aiming to bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and practical treatment strategies. Her innovative approach has garnered support from prestigious institutions, including grants from the National Institute on Aging and the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. These grants have been instrumental in advancing her research and developing new methodologies for assessing and treating aphasia. In addition to her research, Elena is deeply committed to education and mentorship, guiding the next generation of scientists in the field of cognitive rehabilitation. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of integrating research with clinical practice, encouraging students to think critically and creatively about the challenges faced by individuals with language impairments. Elena's contributions to the field are not only academic but also practical, as she collaborates with clinicians to implement evidence-based interventions that can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by aphasia. Her work continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the treatment and understanding of language processing disorders. Through her dedication and expertise, Elena Barbieri is making significant strides in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation, offering hope and tangible solutions to individuals and families affected by language deficits. Her ongoing research promises to yield further insights into the mechanisms of neural reorganization and the potential for recovery in aphasia, paving the way for more effective and personalized treatment options.