Pilot Projects

COBRE for Restoration of Neural-Based Function

Request for Applications (RFA) and Submission Guidelines

2025 - 2026 Funding Cycle

Key Dates

RFA Release Date: November 17, 2025
Letter of Intent Due: December 15, 2025
Application Due Date: January 5, 2026

Pilot Project Program Overview

The COBRE for Restoration of Neural-Based Function Pilot Project Program aims to attract junior and senior investigators into the field of neural-based function and recovery research, promote utilization of the COBRE cores, develop new collaborations and mentoring relationships, and provide preliminary data for subsequent high-quality extramural research awards (NIH R-series and equivalents) and peer-reviewed manuscripts.

COBRE Mission

A better understanding of the experience-dependent nature of neural plasticity will enable us to investigate and exploit inherent neural recovery processes to develop and translate novel mechanism-based interventions to improve function in the home or community.

Pilot Project Categories

The COBRE funds projects in two categories:

1. Early Stage and New Investigator Awards provide mentored research experiences for investigators that meet the definition of NIH Early Stage Investigators (ESIs), as well as for investigators at any stage new to the field of neural-based function. These projects should use COBRE cores to conduct research that aligns with the COBRE mission. These projects will provide important preliminary data for NIH Career Development applications (K-series), research grants (R-series) or their equivalents.
   Award Amount: Up to $30,000
   Award Duration: 12 months
2. Discovery Awards provide strategic support to explore the feasibility of projects that align with the COBRE mission leading to collaborative R01s or center grants.
   Award Amount: Up to $30,000
   Award Duration: 12 months

To Apply

Submit the application using the REDcap form.

Program Questions

Steven Kautz, Ph.D.
kautz@musc.edu

Administrative Questions

LuAnne O’Connor Email:
harleylu@musc.edu
843-792-3320

Key Elements of the COBRE for Restoration of Neural-Based Function Pilot Project Program

The program's main objective is to promote the growth of the COBRE for Restoration of Neural-Based Function through the development of new extramural funding and the utilization, enhancement, and advancement of critical technologies and COBRE core services. The pilot project program is not designed to provide ongoing support for a long-term project or supplemental support for ongoing funded research projects.

Program Eligibility

• Investigators may submit only one application as PI or MPI in any pilot project category per annual funding cycle. In addition, investigators may serve as a Mentor for only one Mentored Investigator Pilot Grant per annual funding cycle. Investigators may serve as Co-Investigator on multiple applications. Applicants with current IDeA (e.g., COBRE, CTR, or INBRE) research funding are not eligible for funding under this opportunity.
• The PI of a pilot project proposal in any category must be a faculty member at the Medical University of South Carolina and possess an earned doctoral degree. Collaboration with investigators at other institutions is encouraged in roles such as Co-Investigator, Consultant, Collaborator, Advisory Member, Mentor, or Co-Mentor, as appropriate. Individuals who are not US citizens or Permanent Residents are eligible to apply as PI if the terms and conditions of their faculty appointment allow submission to extramural funding agencies.
• Applicants for Early Stage and New Investigator Awards may not have been or currently be PI of an NIH R01, P01 sub-project, or equivalents (e.g., VA Merit awards).
• Applicants for Discovery Awards may be faculty of any rank at MUSC and should have a record of accomplishment in their chosen field.
• Previous recipients of Early Career and New Investigator Awards are not eligible to compete again for additional funding in this category.

Pilot Grant Mechanism–Specific Requirements

• Early Stage and New Investigator Awards require PIs to designate a primary research mentor for the pilot project, who may be from inside or outside MUSC. The mentor must have recognition as an accomplished scientist in his/her chosen field, a strong history of competitive research support, and a track record of success in training independent investigators. Applications must include a detailed letter from the proposed mentor describing the Mentoring Plan (e.g., frequency of mentor/mentee meetings, access to space and/or equipment, scientific knowledge to be gained [e.g., methods, techniques]). Multiple PIs are not allowed in this category.
• Discovery Awards: No specific requirements beyond fitting within the COBRE’s mission.

Budget

Projects may not be used to provide ongoing support for established research or provide bridge funding. Indirect costs (F&A) are not allowed on pilot projects or subawards. Funds may be requested for standard allowable expense categories such as key personnel and technical support (including fringe benefits at institutionally established rates), research supplies, professional travel directly beneficial to the proposed research, and other direct costs such as laboratory animal costs, research subject compensation, and data analysis/statistical support. Pilot project funds may not be used for equipment, administrative support, subscriptions, memberships, renovations, or alterations.

Funded Pilot Projects

Year 1

Principle Investigator: Jesse Dean, Ph.D.
Project Title: Application of Ultrasound Technology to Enhance the Quantitative Measurement of Post-Stroke Behavior and Function
PI Department: Health Professions
Project Dates: 12/01/2014 to 11/30/2015

Principle Investigator: Stephen Tomlinson, Ph.D.
Project Title: Complement-Dependent Inflammation and Experience-Dependent Neural Plasticity after Stroke
PI Department: Microbiology & Immunology
Project Dates: 12/01/2014 to 3/31/2016

Principle Investigator: Alexander Awgulewitsch, Ph.D.
Project Title: Exploring Potential Roles of Hox Genes in Stroke Recovery
PI Department: Medicine
Project Dates: 12/01/2014 to 08/31/2016

Principle Investigator: Xingbao Li, M.D.
Project Title: Paired Associative Stimulation Modulates Motor Excitability and Plasticity in Chronic Stroke Patients: a Comparison of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Acupuncture
PI Department: Psychiatry
Project Dates: 2/01/2015 to 3/31/2017

Principle Investigator: Donna Roberts, M.D.
Project Title: fMRI BOLD Signal as a Biomarker for Optimal Dosing of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of Rehabilitation in Chronic Stroke Patients
PI Department: Radiology
Project Dates: 7/1/2015 to 12/31/2016

Principle Investigator: Na Jin Seo, Ph.D.
Project Title: Sensory Stimulation to Enhance Hand Function Post Stroke
PI Department: Health Professions
Project Dates: 05/05/2015 to 03/31/2017

Year 2

Principle Investigator: Aiko Thompson, Ph.D.
Project Title: Operant down-conditioning of the soleus H-reflex in spastic hemiparesis after stroke
PI Department: Health Sciences & Research
Project Dates: 11/01/2015 to 03/31/2017

Principle Investigator: Bonnie Martin-Harris, Ph.D.
Project Title: Novel Training Approach for Treatment of Swallowing Impairment Patients with Refractory Dysphagia after Stroke
PI Department: Otolaryngology
Project Dates: 03/01/2016 to 08/31/2016

Year 3

Principle Investigator: Healther Bonilha, Ph.D.
Project Title: Role of the Insular Cortex in Swallowing Impairment and Recovery after Stroke
PI Department: Health Sciences & Research
Project Dates: 07/01/2016 to 06/30/2017

Principle Investigator: Catrina Robinson, Ph.D.
Project Title: The Role of Obesity on Stroke Recovery in a Mouse Model of Ischemic Stroke
Project Dates: 01/01/2017 to 12/31/2017

Principle Investigator: Arthur Riegel, Ph.D.
Project Title: Behavior and neuronal function following a single vs multiple sessions of rTMS in a rat chronic stroke model
PI Department: Neurosciences
Project Dates: 01/01/2017 to 12/31/2017

Year 4

Principle Investigator: Pratik Chhatbar, Ph.D.
Project Title: Realistic Measurements of tDCS-Modulated Activity and Electric Fields in the Human Brain in Vivo
PI Department: Neurology
Project Dates: 10/01/17 to 09/30/18

Principle Investigator: Manual Levy, Ph.D.
Project Title: Neural Bases of rTMS-Driven Plasticity
PI Department: Neurosciences
Project Dates: 12/1/17 to 11/30/18

Principle Investigator: Colleen Hanlon, Ph.D.
Project Title: Assessing Bipedal Coordination in an MR environment: Efficacy and Feasibility of a Novel Device
PI Department: Psychiatry
Project Dates: 12/1/17 to 11/30/18

Year 5

Principle Investigator: Jesse Dean, Ph.D.
Project Title: Integration of Postural Control Measures to Enhance the Development of Assessments and Interventions for Post-Stroke Functional Mobility
PI Department: Health Professions
Project Dates: 1/1/19 to 12/31/19

Principle Investigator: Michelle Woodbury, Ph.D.
Project Title: A Novel Therapy + e-Learning Self-Management Program for Stroke Survivors
PI Department: Health Professions
Project Dates: 1/1/19 to 12/31/19

Principle Investigator: Takashi Sato, Ph.D.
Project Title: Neural Mechanisms Underlying Cortical Reorganization Following Stroke
PI Department: Neurosciences
Project Dates: 3/1/19 to 2/29/20

Principle Investigator: Dorothea Jenkins, M.D.
Project Title: Advanced Neuroimaging to Determine Safety and Target Engagement of taVNS for Neurorehabilitation for Neonatal Stroke
PI Department: Pediatrics
Project Dates: 4/1/19 to 3/31/20

Year 6

Principle Investigator: Leonardo Bonilha, M.D.
Project Title: Using High-Density Electroencephalography to Decipher Speech from Brain Activity
PI Department: Neurology
Project Dates: 4/1/19 to 3/31/20

Principle Investigator: Ryan Ross, Ph.D.
Project Title: Priming Upper Extremity Motor Practice with Aerobic Exercise (PUMP-Ex): A Feasibility and Pilot Study
PI Department: Health Sciences & Research
Project Dates: 1/1/20 to 12/31/20

Principle Investigator: Nathan Rowland, M.D.
Project Title: Direct Measurement of Motor Cortical Responses to Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
PI Department: Neurosurgery
Project Dates: 1/1/20 to 12/31/20

Year 7

Principle Investigator: Dorothea Jenkins, MD
Project Title: taVNS and N-Acetylcysteine for Oromotor Rehabilitation after Brain Injury in Infants of Diabetic Mothers
PI Department: Pediatrics
Project Dates: 1/1/21 to 12/31/21

Principle Investigator: Serena-Kaye Sims, Ph.D.
Project Title: The Role of Intranasal Administration of BDNF on Neonatal Stroke Recovery
PI Department: Neurosciences
Project Dates: 1/1/21 to 12/31/21

Year 8

Principle Investigator: Christine Holmstedt, M.D.
Project Title: Impact of Intense Physical Therapy on Functional Mobility Outcomes in the Acute Stroke Population (<24 hrs post-stroke)
PI Department: Neurology
Project Dates: 7/1/21 to 6/30/22

Principle Investigator: Gretchen Seif, DPT
Project Title: Dry Needling: Neurophysiological Effects in Persons with Spasticity due to Stroke
PI Department: Rehabilitation Sciences
Project Dates: 3/1/22 to 2/28/23

Principle Investigator: Gabrielle Scronce, Ph.D.
Project Title: Effects of Psychosocial Factors on Adherence to Home Exercise Programs for Upper Extremity Recovery Among Stoke Survivors
PI Department: Health Sciences & Research
Project Dates: 4/1/22 to 3/31/23

Year 9

Principle Investigator: Christopher Sege, Ph.D.
Project Title: Advancing the Assessment of Cognitive Functioning in Chronic Stroke: An Event-Related Potential Approach
PI Department: Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
Project Dates: 4/1/23 to 3/31/24

Principle Investigator: Christopher Gregory, Ph.D.
Project Title: Enhancing Mobility and Psychosocial Function in Individuals following Stroke with Obesity via Weight Loss and Exercise
PI Department: Health Sciences & Research
Project Dates: 4/1/23 to 3/31/24

Principle Investigator: Kelly McGloon, Ph.D., OTR/L
Project Title: Extending taVNS paired with infant CIMT into a home-based setting: Technology development requisite for a randomized trial
PI Department: Extending taVNS paired with infant CIMT into a home-based setting: Technology development requisite for a randomized trial
Project Dates: 4/1/23 to 3/31/24