Dr. Barbe is a classically trained Anatomist with expertise in Neurobiology/Neuroscience and Musculoskeletal Biology with international recognition. She has 35 years of experience examining various aspects of peripheral and central neuroplasticity, ranging from changes occurring in the bladder (i.e., peripheral), spinal cord and brain after injury or gene knockout. One key focus of her lab since 2004 is examining methods of reinnervation of the bladder and related tissues after decentralization of the bladder after spinal root injury (with Dr. Ruggieri). She is now also examining the effects of bladder inflammation on bladder integrity and function. Another key focus of her lab since 2000 is studying the effects of repetition and force on tissues as a consequence of an upper extremity overuse injuries, using a unique operant rat model developed in her laboratory. Using this model, she has examined the effects of varying levels of repetitive and forceful work tasks on musculoskeletal and nervous system pathophysiology, focusing on injury and inflammation initially, and how these processes induced tissue degeneration and sensorimotor dysfunction. She is currently exploring inducers of tissue fibrosis and degeneration occurring with overuse, and effective interventions. She has over 230 peer-reviewed publications, and an H-index of 57. She is currently funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the National Institute of Health’s National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, and the Department of Defense. Dr. Barbe serves on the KURe Advisory Committee.