Charlie Rey is a second-year neuroscience PhD student at the University of Utah, where he works in Dr. Elizabeth Wilde’s lab investigating traumatic brain injury (TBI) outcomes through computational analysis. His research utilizes advanced statistical methods with the LIMBIC-CENC dataset to uncover novel correlations between imaging and behavioral outcomes, aiming to better characterize TBI symptoms and recovery trajectories. Charlie is a part of the team exploring the potential of photobiomodulation, studying the effects of red light therapy as a treatment for TBI-related symptoms. Charlie’s journey in research began in 2015 in Emery Brown’s lab at MIT, where he first developed an interest in neurophysiology, which then expanded into chronic pain research under Norman Taylor at the University of Utah. In 2020, he co-founded his first company to develop software that streamlines healthcare workflows. His current venture—a digital platform designed to simplify case documentation for cardiac perfusionists—has deepened his interest in bridging scientific and business communities. Through his role with the Utah Innovation Fund, Charlie supports healthcare-focused innovations and develops skills in evaluating early-stage ventures.
