Brain Waves and Beyond: An Aussie Researcher Redefines Neuroscience at UNC—Chapel Hill
By Alexander Montano
What if we could decode the brain’s electrical signals to better understand anxiety, depression, or even the flow of a conversation? For Dr. Athena Stein, this isn’t science fiction—it’s the foundation of her research here at UNC.
Dr. Athena Stein
From Backyard Curiosity with Friends to Academic Ambition
This March, I had the pleasure of speaking to, Dr. Athena Stein, a trailblazing neuroscientist from Brisbane who has transformed her childhood curiosity into groundbreaking research. Now at UNC–Chapel Hill, she is redefining personalized neuromodulation to advance safer, non-invasive treatments for psychiatric conditions. My conversation with Dr. Stein began with reflections on early influences in her life—where her seemingly unquenchable curiosity, even as a child constantly asking why, set her on a path toward science. “I was always asking why, and my mum would kind of tear out her hair, saying ‘I don’t know’ constantly… but she said I [would] be a researcher,” she recalls. From chasing bugs on the streets of Brisbane, her early curiosity inspired her to pursue an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science at the University of Queensland with a focus on Neuroscience—an academic path that no longer exists in the same form.
Initially, the idea of entering medicine was enticing. However, after not gaining admission, she turned towards more “hardcore science”. “I didn’t just want to google things for the rest of my life,” she says—a sentiment that resonates with many who are driven by genuine inquiry. This important decision led her to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) before ultimately returning to her love for science by pursuing a PhD in Clinical Neuroscience. During her PhD, she found a love for researching non-invasive brain stimulation. That moment, combined with networking at international conferences, directed her toward the innovative field of non-invasive brain stimulation, blending clinical research with the exploration of neural mechanisms underlying psychiatric conditions
The Science Behind Personalized Neuromodulation
With non-invasive brain stimulation, Dr. Stein was able to explore a novel avenue in the field—the concept of personalized neuromodulation. This approach tailors brain stimulation to individual neurophysiological differences. “The goal is to target network-based biomarkers, such as the individual alpha frequency or other EEG-derived periodic features, to modulate brain activity effectively,” she explains, emphasizing that the vast variability in brain function across individuals is a key challenge. With this technique, she hopes to pave the way for treatments targeting disorders such as depression and anxiety, offering a method that’s as unique as each patient’s neural signature.
Dr. Stein and her new team of undergraduate students recruited to help with her PandA-tACS and CLACS studies
The “PandA-tACS” Study: Tailoring tACS for Antenatal Depression
Building on her innovative work in personalized neuromodulation, her new research project—often referred to as the "Panda" study—aims to tailor transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) for the treatment of antenatal depression. In this groundbreaking project, Dr. Stein explains, "We have designed a new form of tACS that uses more naturalistic stimulation shapes." This shift in focus is particularly promising for pregnant individuals, a group for whom conventional treatments may pose risks or be less acceptable.
The CLACS team took part in some tACS training, led by Dr. Stein herself!
Currently in the pilot phase, the Panda-tACS study is gathering safety and feasibility data from both healthy controls and women experiencing antenatal depression, with the hope of developing a safer, more personalized intervention. If the Panda study successfully demonstrates feasibility and tolerability, it could usher in a new era of personalized treatment options for antenatal depression—a condition where treatment choices are limited due to concerns over fetal exposure and adverse effects. By offering a non-invasive alternative that is precisely tuned to an individual’s unique neural profile, this research has the potential to significantly improve outcomes for pregnant patients. Moreover, the study’s collaborative framework, which involves interdisciplinary experts in neurophysiology, clinical research, and psychiatry, highlights a commitment to overcoming the regulatory and logistical challenges inherent in translating laboratory findings into clinical practice.
Cultural Shift: Research in Australia versus the U.S.
Dr. Stein’s relocation from Australia to UNC–Chapel Hill reflects a broader cultural shift in her research journey. “In Australia, things are a lot more laid back, but here the pace is just a lot faster… it’s one of the reasons I knew I had to come here to further my career,” she remarks. The fast-paced, resource-rich research environment in the U.S. offers more opportunities for collaboration, funding, and exposure to leading experts in the field—advantages that have been pivotal in propelling her research forward.
Dr. Stein showing some new school pride with fellow lab members from the Carolina Center for Neurostimulation
Outside of the Workplace: Balancing Hobbies, Life, and Her Vision for the Future
Despite the demands of cutting-edge research, Dr. Stein makes no compromise when it comes to maintaining a balanced life. "I try to pack my week full but take my weekends off to visit new places. I also foster cats which has been a great balance,” she shares. This dedication to work–life balance not only recharges her creativity but also reinforces the importance of personal well-being in a demanding academic career. By exploring new places and engaging in hobbies, she finds fresh inspiration that contributes to her innovative approach in the lab. Looking ahead, Dr. Stein has a clear vision for her career and the future of personalized neuromodulation. “I see myself eventually in a PI role—mentoring and inspiring while pushing the boundaries of what personalized neuromodulation can do,” she envisions. Her ambition is not only to continue advancing research that transforms psychiatric care but also to nurture the next generation of scientists through mentorship and collaborative inquiry.
Research Focus Summary and Future Directions
Dr. Stein’s research focuses on unraveling the complexities of brain stimulation by blending clinical insights with innovative technological applications. Her work on personalized neuromodulation seeks to address the inter-individual variability that often hampers the effectiveness of traditional brain stimulation therapies. By targeting specific biomarkers and neural signatures, she aims to create interventions that are not only effective but also tailored to each patient's unique needs. This approach has wide-reaching implications for treating mood disorders, and her current work on the Panda-tACS study exemplifies the potential to bring personalized, non-invasive treatments to underserved populations.
If her current studies prove successful, Dr. Stein’s research could revolutionize the treatment landscape for conditions like antenatal depression. The Panda-tACS study’s pilot phase is a critical step toward establishing safer, more effective treatment paradigms that minimize risks associated with conventional therapies. With the promise of precision-targeted interventions, the impact of her work may extend far beyond UNC–Chapel Hill, potentially reshaping clinical practice in psychiatry worldwide.
Dr. Stein’s Advice for Undergrads
For students and emerging researchers, Dr. Stein’s journey serves as both inspiration and a practical guide. She emphasizes the importance of finding intrinsic motivation and building a diverse mentorship network. “I didn’t have one mentor—I had several across different areas. It really helped to see all the facets of research,” she advises. Her message to students is clear: embrace every opportunity, learn from varied experiences, and always stay curious.
The team took a minute to snap a silly photo with the PI of the lab, Dr. Flavio Frohlich
Find out more about the Frohlich Lab/Carolina Center for Neurostimulation and Dr. Steins’ work.