Thomas J. Covey PhD
Thomas J. Covey
PhD
Assistant Professor
Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Specialty/Research Focus
Biostatistics; Clinical Neurophysiology; Multiple Sclerosis; Neurobiology; Neurology; Neuropsychology; Psychology
Professional Summary:
I am interested in brain processes that enable cognitive functions and contribute to individual differences in cognitive abilities. My particular focus is assessing brain function associated with stimulus categorization and resource allocation during working memory. Working memory involves a complex set of mental processes that are at the core of human cognition, general intellectual functioning and aspects of daily life. I study working memory and related cognitive processes (i.e., executive functions and cognitive control) in normal human populations and in patients with clinical disorders that compromise these cognitive abilities. This research utilizes a variety of methodological approaches, including dense-electrode EEG and event-related potential (ERP) measures of brain function, psychometric and neuropsychological measurement and MRI measures of brain structure and function.
A central aim of my work is characterizing the nature of large-scale brain network activity that underlies impaired cognitive performance, particularly in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The relationship between the brain and behavior is an emphasis of this research. A major goal of this work is to establish measures of cognitive processing that have clinical value and are useful as outcome measures for translational research.
Another primary area of my work is the examination of neuroplasticity of working memory and other cognitive processes. Along these lines, I am exploring the impact of targeted training of working memory and stimulus interference/distraction control processes on cognition and brain function. This research aims to disentangle the specific neurocognitive mechanisms that are affected by different forms of cognitive training, and to understand the generalizability of these kinds of interventions. My long-term goal is to determine the viability of cognitive training for improving outcomes in cognitively impaired clinical populations, such as patients with MS.
Education and Training:
- PhD, Neuroscience, University at Buffalo (2016)
- MS, Neuroscience, University at Buffalo (2010)
- BS, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Rochester (2008)
Employment:
- Director, Neurology Resident Research Program, Neurology, University at Buffalo (2021-present)
- Faculty, Center for Cognitive Science, University at Buffalo (2019-present)
- Assistant Professor, Neurology, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2017-present)
- Graduate Faculty, Neuroscience Program, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2017-present)
- Research Assistant Professor, Neurology, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2016–2017)
- Laboratory Manager, Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurosciences, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2011–2016)
Awards and Honors:
- National Institutes of Health LRP Award Renewal (2023)
- National Institutes of Health LRP Award (2021)
- Dean‘s Award for Outstanding Dissertation Research (2017)
- Neuroscience Thesis Award (2017)
- Gina M. Finzi Memorial Summer Graduate Fellowship (2012)
- Society for Neuroscience Graduate Student Travel Award (2011)
- Gina M. Finzi Memorial Summer Graduate Fellowship (2011)
Research Expertise:
- Cognitive impairment: Cognitive functioning in patients with Multiple Sclerosis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Cognitive processes: Working memory; executive functions; cognitive control; response inhibition; problem solving and reasoning ability
- Cognitive training: Targeted training of cognitive processes such as working memory, interference control, and selective attention
- Electroencephalography (EEG) and Event-Related Potential (ERP) methods: Using ERP components derived from the ongoing EEG as indices of specific cognitive processes; specific expertise with N2 and P3 ERP component measures
Research Centers:
- Jacobs Neurological Institute
Grants and Sponsored Research:
- October 2023–October 2025
Neural indices of cognitive decline and cognitive resiliency in people with neurological disturbances.
National Institutes of Health
Role: Principal Investigator
$28,321 - September 2021–September 2024
Investigation of behavioral and neural indices of multisensory information processing in Multiple Sclerosis: A novel approach
Department of Defense Multiple Sclerosis Research Program
Role: Principal Investigator
$232,022 - September 2021–September 2023
Investigation of novel neural indices of cognitive decline and methods for cognitive rehabilitation in people with neurological disturbances
National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Program Award
Role: Principal Investigator
$38,343 - October 2020–September 2023
A novel method for the investigation of the neural underpinnings of performance on the Symbol Digit Modalities Test in Multiple Sclerosis
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Role: Principal Investigator
$55,000 - October 2020–September 2022
Supporting an aging workforce in future transportation and delivery work
National Science Foundation
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
$149,580 - January 2021–January 2022
Human-machine interaction and aging
SUNY Research Seed Grant Program
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
$30,000 - January 2018–January 2022
The effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms on behavioral, psychological, and neurophysiological measures of decision making in police officers
National Institutes of Justice
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
$814,158 - October 2016–November 2021
Neurocognitive, electrophysiological and MRI changes associated with low level laser therapy (photobiomodulation) in the treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury: A pilot study
American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery
Role: Co-Investigator
$68,000 - June 2017–October 2021
The effects of working memory training on brain function, structure, and cognition in MS
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
$622,839 - August 2014–April 2016
Does working memory training improve brain function and cognition in healthy individuals and in patients with Multiple Sclerosis?
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Role: Co-Investigator
$60,000
Journal Articles:
- Covey, TJ, Golan, D, Sergott, R, Wilken, J, Zarif, M, Bumstead, B, Buhse, M, Kaczmarek, O, Doniger, G, Penner, I-K, Hancock, LM, Bogaardt, H, Barrera, MA, Morrow, SA, Galetta, S, & Gudesblatt, M. (2023) Peering into the mind’s eye: Combining visual evoked potential and optical coherence tomography measures enhances “insight” into factors underlying the variance in cognitive functioning in multiple sclerosis. Journal of Neurology (Nov)In Press..
- Weinstock, ZL, Jaworski, M, Dwyer, MG, Jakimovski, D, Burnham, A, Wicks, T, Youngs, M, Santivasci, C, Cruz, S, Gillies, J, Covey, TJ, Suchan, C, Bergsland, N, Weinstock-Guttman, B, Zivadinov, R, & Benedict, RHB. (2023) Auditory Test of Processing Speed: Preliminary validation of a smartphone-based test of mental speed. Multiple Sclerosis Journal (Oct) doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/13524585231199311
- Bergmann, C, Becker, S, Sullivan, C, Wilken, J, Golan, D, Zarif, M, Bumstead, B, Buhse, M, Kaczmarek, O, Covey, TJ, Doniger, G, Penner, I-K, Hancock, LM, Bogaardt, H, Barrera, M, Morrow, S, & Gudesblatt, M. (2023) Multiple Sclerosis and Quality of Life: The Role of Cognitive Impairment on Quality of Life in People with Multiple Sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders (Oct)104966. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2023.104966
- Bogaardt, H, Barrera, MA, Attrill, S, Kaczmarek, O, Zarif, M, Bumstead, B, Buhse, MJB, Wilken, J, Doniger, GM, Hancock, LM, Penner, IK, Halper, J, Morrow, SA, Covey, TJ, & Gudesblatt, M. (2023) Cognitive impairment, fatigue and depression in multiple sclerosis: Is there a difference between benign and non-benign MS?. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders (May), 73: 104630. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2023.104630
- Nakuci, J, Covey, TJ, Shucard, JL, Shucard, DW, & Muldoon, SF. (2023) Single trial variability in neural activity during a working memory task reveals multiple distinct information processing sequences. NeuroImage (Apr), 269: Article 119895. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.119895
- Covey, TJ, Shucard, JL, Wang, X, Gregory, M, & Shucard, DW. (2023) Cognitive skill learning in multiple sclerosis: A meaningful component of the neuropsychological profile. Brain and Cognition (Mar), 166: Article 105959. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bandc.2023.105959
- Jackson, DA, Nicholson, R, Bergmann, C, Wilken, J, Kaczmarek, O, Bumstead, B, Buhse, M, Zarif, M, Penner, I-K, Hancock, LM, Golan, D, Doniger, GM, Bogaardt, H, Barrera, M, Covey, TJ, & Gudesblatt, M. (2023) Cognitive impairment in people with multiple sclerosis: Perception vs. performance - factors that drive perception of impairment differ for patients and clinicians. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders (Jan), 69: Article 104410. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2022.104410
- Kulkarni, M, & Covey, TJ. (2023) Examination of the temporal-spatial dynamics of working memory training-induced neuroplasticity. Brain Research (Jan), 1798: Article 148135. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148135
- Duka Glavor, K, Weinstock-Guttman, B, Vuletic, G, Vranic Ivanac, I, Simic, N, Covey, TJ, & Jakimovski, D. (2023) Fitts' tapping task as a new test for cognition and manual dexterity in Multiple Sclerosis: Validation Study. Medicina (Jan), 59(1): Article 29. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59010029
- Covey, TJ, Golan, D, Zarif, M, Bumstead, B, Buhse, M, Kaczmarek, O, Sergott, R, Wilken, J, Sima, DM, Van Hecke, W, Gudesblatt, M. (2022) Individual differences in visual evoked potential latency are associated with variance in brain tissue volume in people with multiple sclerosis: An analysis of brain function-structure correlates. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders (Dec), 68: Article 104116. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2022.104116
- Covey, TJ, Golan, D, Doniger, GM, Sergott, R, Zarif, M, Bumstead, B, Buhse, M, Kaczmarek, O, Mebrahtu, S, Bergmann, C, Wilken, J, Gudesblatt, M. (2022) Prolonged visual evoked potential latency predicts longitudinal worsening of fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders (Nov), 67: Article 104073. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2022.104073
- Shen, S, Chen, H-Y, Covey, TJ, Mercado, E, & Bisantz, A. (2022) Examination of user engagement and subjective states in an online Tetris game. Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (Oct), 1(66): 1887-1891. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1071181322661176
- Van Liew, C, Gudesblatt, M, Covey, TJ, Wilken, J, Golan, D, Zarif, M, Bumstead, B, Buhse, MJ, Ofori, E, & Peterson, D. (2022) The moderating roles of self-efficacy and depression in dual-task walking in multiple sclerosis: A test of self-awareness theory. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society (Apr) doi:https://doi.org/10.1017/S1355617722000200
- Leach, J, Cutter, G, Golan, D, Doniger, G, Zarif, M, Bumstead, B, Buhse, M, Kaczmarek, O, Sethi, A, Covey, TJ, Penner, I-K, Silken, J, & Gudesblatt, M. (2022) Measuring cognitive function in people with MS by SDMT: Useful but not sufficient. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders (Apr)(60) doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2022.103704
- Covey, TJ, Golan, D, Doniger, G, Sergott, R, Zarif, M, Bumstead, B, Buhse, M, Kaczmarek, O, Mebrahtu, S, Bergmann, C, Wilken, J, & Gudesblatt, M. (2022) Longitudinal assessment of the relationship between visual evoked potentials and cognitive performance in people with multiple sclerosis. Clinical Neurophysiology (Mar)(137): 66-74. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinph.2022.02.013
- Zanotto, T, Sosnoff, J, Ofori, E, Golan, D, Zarif, M, Bumstead, B, Buhse, M, Kaczmarek, O, Wilken, J, Muratori, L, Covey, TJ, & Gudesblatt, M. (2022) Variability of objective gait measures across the Expanded Disability Status Scale in people living with Multiple Sclerosis: A cross-sectional retrospective analysis. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders (Feb)(59) doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2022.103645
- Covey, TJ, Golan, D, Doniger, G, Sergott, R, Zarif, M, Kaczmarek, O, Bumstead, B, Wilken, J, Buhse, M, Mebrahtu, S, & Gudesblatt, M. (2022) The relationship between cognitive impairment, cognitive fatigue, and visual evoked potential latency in multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders (Jan)(103349) doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2021.103349
- Covey, TJ, Golan, D, Doniger, GM, Sergott, R, Zarif, M, Srinivasan, J, Bumstead, B, Wilken, J, Buhse, M, Mebrahtu, S, & Gudesblatt, M. (2021) Visual evoked potential latency predicts cognitive function in people with multiple sclerosis. Journal of Neurology (Apr) doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-021-10561-2
- Turtola, ZP, Covey, TJ. (2021) Working memory training impacts neural activity during untrained cognitive tasks in people with multiple sclerosis. Experimental Neurology (Jan)(335) doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113487
- Wang, X, Covey TJ. (2020) Neurophysiological indices of the transfer of cognitive training gains to untrained tasks. Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (May), 171: 1-15.
- Covey TJ, Shucard JL, Shucard DW. (2019) Working memory training and perceptual discrimination training impact overlapping and distinct neurocognitive processes: Evidence from event-related potentials and transfer of training gains. Cognition (Jan), 182: 50-72.
- Covey TJ, Shucard JL, Benedict RHB, Weinstock-Guttman B, Shucard DW. (2018) Improved cognitive performance and event-related potential changes following working memory training in patients with multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis Journal - Experimental, Translational, and Clinical (Jan), 4(1): 1-15.
- Covey TJ, Shucard, JL, Shucard, DW. (2017) Event-related potential indices of cognitive dysfunction and brain resource reallocation during working memory in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Clinical Neuophysiology (Apr), 128: 604-621.
- Covey TJ, Shucard, JL, Shucard, DW. (2016) Evaluation of inhibitory control and distraction using event-related potentials in healthy individuals and patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Lecture Notes in Computer Science (Jun), 9743: 165-176.
- Shucard, DW, Covey, TJ, Shucard, JL. (2016) Single trial variability of the P3 event-related potential as an index of neural efficiency during working memory. Lecture Notes in Computer Science (Jun), 9743: 273-283.
- Covey, T.J., Shucard, J.L., Violanti, J.M., Lee, J., Shucard, D.W. (2013) The effects of exposure to traumatic stressors on inhibitory control in police officers: a dense electrode array study using a Go/NoGo continuous performance task. International Journal of Psychophysiology (Mar), 87(3): 363-375.
- Covey TJ, Shucard, JL, Shucard, DW, Stegen, S, Benedict RHB. (2012) Comparison of neuropsychological involvement and vocational outcomes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Multiple Sclerosis patients. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society (May), 18(3): 541-555.
- Covey TJ, Zivadinov, R, Shucard, JL, Shucard, DW. (2011) Information processing speed, neural efficiency, and working memory performance in Multiple Sclerosis: Differential relationships with structural MRI. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology (Nov), 33(10): 1129-1145.
Books and Book Chapters:
- Covey TJ, Shucard, DW, Meynadasy, M, Mang, T, Arany, PR. (2019) Photobiomodulation in the Brain. In: Photobiomodulation as a potential therapeutic strategy for improving cognitive and functional outcomes in traumatic brain injury. Elsevier, 1-28.
Professional Memberships:
- Cognitive Neuroscience Society (2019–present)
- Society fo Psychophysiological Research (2014–present)
- Society for Neuroscience (2010–present)
- International Honor Society in Psychology, Psi Chi (2009–present)
Presentations:
- "Cognitive performance and enhancement in healthy and neurologically impaired individuals" Academic Talk and Q&A as part of a Graduate Recruitment Webinar for the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (2020)
- "Decoding the neural dynamics of complex cognitive operations: An event-related potential approach" Department of Neurology Grand Rounds; University at Buffalo (2020)
- "Improving efficiency at the desktop of the mind: The effects of working memory training on cognitive performance, brain function, and clinical outcomes" Cognitive Science Colloquium; University at Buffalo (2019)
- "The effects of working memory training on cognitive performance and neural activity" The Center for Hearing and Deafness Seminar Series; University at Buffalo; Department of Communicative Disorders and Sciences (2019)
- "Neurophysiological and behavioral evidence for the efficacy of working memory training as a method for cognitive rehabilitation" Department of Rehabilitation Science Seminar Series; University at Buffalo (2019)
- "Event-related potential evidence for verbal and spatial modality-dependent brain activity during visual working memory" Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience (2018)
- "Improved cognitive performance and enhancement of neural activity following targeted training of working memory" UB Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society; University at Buffalo (2018)
- "Neurocognitive plasticity in normal individuals and in patients with neurological dysfunction" Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology Seminar Series; University at Buffalo (2018)
- "Event-related potentials as an objective functional index of mental fatigue and cognitive performance in multiple sclerosis" Biogen Meeting (2018)
- "Improving performance at the cognitive desktop: The effects of targeted working memory training on neuroscognitive processes in healthy individuals and in patients with Multiple Sclerosis" UB Department of Neurology Grand Rounds; University at Buffalo (2017)
- "Visual-verbal working memory training versus visual search training have overlapping and distinct transfer effects on tasks of spatial working memory and cognitive control: An event-related potential study" Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience; Society for Neuroscience (2017)
- "Use of neurocognitive outcome measures in testing the efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy for the treatment of TBI: A pilot study" Center for Translational and Cllinical Biophotonics Seminar Series; University at Buffalo (2017)
- "Evaluation of inhibitory control and distraction using event-related potentials in healthy individuals and patients with Multiple Sclerosis" Human-Computer Interaction International Conference; ; Foundations of Augmented Cognition (2016)
- "The effects of training working memory and stimulus interference control processes on cognitive performance and underlying brain activity: Preliminary findings" UB Neurology Grand Rounds; Department of Neurology, University at Buffalo (2015)
- "An introduction to Event-Related Potentials (ERPs): The good, the bad, and the noisy" UB Dept of Communicative Disorders and Sciences Colloquium; Department of Communicative Disorders and Sciences, University at Buffalo (2014)
- "The neural basis of cognitive functioning: Methods, experimental findings, and implications" Biology Major Seminar Series; Biology Department, Canisius College (2013)
- "Event-related potential indices of working memory functioning: Implications for the evaluation of cognitive dysfunction in clinical populations and outcomes following targeted training" Brain and Behavior Science Symposium; University at Buffalo (2013)
- "Electrophysiological, behavioral, and structural indices of working memory dysfunction in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus" Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience; Society for Neuroscience (2012)
- "Single trial variability of event-related brain potentials as an index of neural efficiency during information processing" Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience; Society for Neuroscience (2011)
- "Processing speed, neural efficiency and working memory: Their relationship with MRI measures in Multiple Sclerosis" UB Neuroscience Research Day; Society for Neuroscience Buffalo Chapter (2010)
- "Complex, not simple, processing speed is associated with working memory performance and structural MRI indices of brain damage in multiple sclerosis" Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience; Society for Neuroscience (2009)
- "Cognitive training in normal and neurologically impaired individuals" Behavioral Neuroscience Brown Bag Seminar
- "Cognitive training in normal and neurologically impaired individuals." Behavioral Neuroscience Brown Bag Seminar; University at Buffalo
Service Activities:
- Director/Committee Chair, Scientific Research Review Committee, part of the Neurology Resident Research Program (2021–present)
- National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony, North Park Middle School; Keynote Speaker (2021–present)
- Diversity and Outreach Committee, Society for Psychophysiological Research; Committee Member (2020–present)
- Helped develop NEU 600 - course designation for graduate students trained by faculty members in the Neurology Dept. (2020–present)
- Early Career Investigator Research Proposal, National Science Center of Poland; Grant Reviewer (2020–present)
- CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group; Book Proposal Reviewer (2020–present)
- KL2 Mentored Career Development Award Application Reviewer; Application Reviewer (2020–present)
- Chair, Buffalo Neuroscience Research Day Planning Committee; President, Buffalo Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience (2020–2021)
- Beverly Petterson Bishop and Charles W. Bishop Neuroscience Graduate Student Travel Award; Committee Member (2020–present)
- Brain Museum and Neuroscience Careers Presentation to students at Nardin Academy; Community Presentation (2020–present)
- Alternate Senator, UB Faculty Senate; Alternate Senator (2019–present)
- North Park Middle School, Lockport, NY; Career Day Presentation (2019–present)
- Committee Member, Buffalo Neuroscience Research Day Planning Committee; President-elect and Committee Member (2019–2020)
- Neuroscience Program Graduate Education Committee; Committee Member (2019–present)
- Member, Diversity and Inclusion Recruitment Committee (2019)
- Poster Judge, University at Buffalo Neuroscience Research Day (2018–2019)
- Poster Judge, UB Postdoctoral Research Symposium (2018–2019)
- Presentation Judge, Neurology Resident Research Day (2018–present)
- Grant Applications for Research and Evaluation on Decision-Making, National Institutes of Justice; Grant Application Reviewer (2018)
- Arthur O. Eve Elementary School, Buffalo, NY; Career Day Presentation (2018–present)
- Interviewing prospective students for PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences Interview Days; Prospective Student Visit Interviews (2018–present)
- I have reviewed manuscripts for 20+ different journals. The total number of reviews I have completed (counting multiple reviews of the same paper) has been as follows for the following years: 2018: 10 reviews 2019: 16 reviews 2020: 29 reviews 2021: 16 reviews to date; Reviewer (2018–present)