Salameh, Ahlam, PhD, MSc

Dr. Ahlam Salameh is a neurophysiologist and translational neuroscientist recognized for her expertise in human sensorimotor control, non-invasive brain stimulation, and the development of neuromodulation-based rehabilitation strategies for individuals with neurological impairment.

Dr. Salameh’s research has two thrusts. First, to understand how the nervous system controls muscle coordination during movement and how brain injuries, such as stroke, disrupt this control. Second, to develop mechanism-based neuromodulatory therapeutic strategies to improve motor function for people with neurological conditions that affect movement.

She has led and contributed to multiple federally funded projects investigating brain and spinal mechanisms underlying motor function, including studies using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), EMG, and multimodal neuroimaging in stroke populations. Her long-term goal is to develop mechanism-based neurorehabilitation strategies that bridge neurophysiology and clinical function, with a current focus on timing-dependent afferent–spinal integration as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target in aging and diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Dr. Salameh is also an active contributor to clinical stroke rehabilitation research, including studies of EMG-controlled arm orthoses in acute and subacute stroke, tDCS for gait rehabilitation, and the nationwide StrokeNet tDCS trial for upper limb function. She is committed to mentoring trainees and leading interdisciplinary research teams across her roles at Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, and the Cleveland FES Center.

Dr. Salameh has a unique background that encompasses both basic science and clinical research: She completed her basic science doctoral degree in Physiology and Biophysics at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Afterwards, Dr. Salameh transitioned into clinical research when she joined the Cleveland Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Center as a postdoctoral fellow. Dr. Salameh then furthered her career by becoming a health research scientist at the Cleveland FES Center, concurrently assuming the role of assistant professor in the Department of Neurology at the School of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University.

In July 2023, Dr. Salameh joined Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine as an assistant professor in the Preclinical Science Division where she teaches physiology and neurobiology. Dr. Salameh remains a principal investigator at Cleveland FES Center, adjunct assistant professor at the Department of Neurology, and the director of the Neurophysiology & Neuromodulation Lab (Modulable) at Kent State University.

RESEARCH PROGRAMS

• Sensorimotor neurophysiology and timing-dependent afferent–spinal integration
• Non-invasive brain stimulation (TMS, tDCS) for stroke motor and gait rehabilitation
• EMG-controlled orthoses and myoelectric devices for acute and subacute stroke rehabilitation
• Neuroimaging of stroke recovery (TMS, NIRS, EEG, DTI)
• Neuron–astrocyte intracellular pH homeostasis and acid–base physiology

MAJOR PROJECTS & FUNDING

• Paired Afferent–Spinal Stimulation (PASS), PI on investigation of timing-dependent afferent–spinal integration as a novel biomarker of spinal sensorimotor function in aging and diabetic peripheral neuropathy
• NIH Training Grant, Sleep Medicine Neurobiology and Epidemiology, Case Western Reserve University
• NIH Training Grant, Biology of Inner Ear Workshop
• Nationwide StrokeNet TRANSPORT2 trial, Co-investigator, effects of tDCS on upper limb function in acute and subacute stroke (Stroke, 2026)
• Co-investigator on Intensive Stroke Cycling for Optimal Recovery and Economic Value (ISCORE) randomized clinical trial

HONORS & RECOGNITION

• • TIGRR Workshop Award, American Society of Neurorehabilitation, 2021
  • Robert Gunn Student Awards (Finalist), American Physiological Society, 2015
  • Graduate Student Senate’s Achievement Award, Case Western Reserve University, 2011–2012