Kubu, Cynthia, PhD

Dr. Cynthia Kubu is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist and clinician scientist in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at MetroHealth and a Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Bioethics at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Kubu has served as the lead neuropsychologist in functional neurosurgery teams, including epilepsy and deep brain stimulation (DBS) for neuropsychiatric disorders. She is internationally recognized for her research at the intersection of neuropsychology, neuromodulation, and neuroethics, with a focus on prioritizing patients’ voices and values.

Dr. Kubu’s research employs both qualitative and quantitative methods to address critical ethical and clinical questions in neuropsychology, particularly regarding personality, identity, and patient-centered outcomes in neuromodulation.

RESEARCH PROGRAMS

• Neuropsychology of Neuromodulation – Investigating the cognitive, behavioral, and personality changes associated with neuromodulation treatments such as DBS for epilepsy, major depression, OCD, and pain.
• Neuroethics – Leading empirical and conceptual research on ethical issues in neurosurgery and neuromodulation, with an emphasis on patient perspectives and informed consent.
• Patient-Centered Outcomes – Developing and validating outcome measures that reflect patient goals and lived experience, and examining the ecological validity of these measures in clinical trials.
• Stigma and Identity in Neurological Disorders – Exploring the impact of neuropsychiatric disorders and their treatments on patient identity, self-perception, and societal stigma.

MAJOR PROJECTS & FUNDING

• NIH-Funded Research, Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator on NIH grants including R01MH114853 and RFMH123407, focused on personality, identity, and ethical issues in neuromodulation.
• Neuroethics and DBS, Leading projects on the lived experience of patients undergoing DBS, including the impact on personality and the development of public engagement programs to reduce stigma.
• Development of Patient-Centered Metrics, Collaborating on multi-site studies to create and implement outcome measures that align with patient goals in neuromodulation and psychiatric neurosurgery.
• International Guidelines, Contributor to international clinical and ethical guidelines for neuromodulation, including consensus statements and best practices for psychiatric neurosurgery.

HONORS & RECOGNITION

• Toyoko Yamashita Award for Service, Women Faculty of the School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 2026
• Chief of Staff Award to increase diversity in upper academic faculty ranks, Cleveland Clinic, 2018
• Neurological Institute Research Scholar, Cleveland Clinic, 2017
• Fellow, in recognition of outstanding contributions to the field, American Psychological Association, 2013
• Innovator Award, Cleveland Clinic, 2007