Jason Diaz

University of Pennsylvania, California University of Pennsylvania, Baltimore VA Medical Center

Papers

Total Citations

178

H-Index

About

Dr. Jason Diaz is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of neurosurgery and robotics, with key contributions in two distinct domains: robotic skull base surgery and neurorehabilitation. His early landmark work demonstrated the feasibility of using the da Vinci Surgical System for transoral approaches to the craniocervical junction and skull base, with cadaveric studies (2009, 67 citations; 2010, 56 citations) establishing foundational principles for minimally invasive robotic access to these complex anatomical regions. These studies remain highly cited benchmarks for surgeons exploring robotic alternatives to traditional open approaches. In a striking shift to neurorehabilitation, Dr. Diaz investigated how reward-based feedback in robotic ankle training enhances motor recovery after stroke. His 2014 study (55 citations) showed that increased reward not only improved motor control but also induced greater cortical efficiency, providing early evidence that motivational factors can optimize robotic therapy outcomes. This work bridges robotics engineering with cognitive motor learning principles, offering practical insights for designing more effective rehabilitation protocols. Dr. Diaz’s career exemplifies how robotic technologies can transform both surgical intervention and post-stroke recovery.