header-logo
Crash Lab at ZVAMC
Zablocki VA Medical Center Labs

About the Zablocki VA Medical Center Laboratories

Housed on the campus of the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, the ZVAMC Laboratories are composed of a dynamic group of collaborative researchers conducting basic science and translational investigations at the intersection of neurosurgery and biomedical engineering.  
Kosher working in Sled Lab at ZVAMC
Dr. Narayan Yoganandan of ZVAMC Labs in conversation

Our People

The Zablocki VA Medical Center Laboratories support a team of over 20 full-time faculty, students and staff specializing in neurosurgery and biomedical engineering. Each member contributes uniquely to the wealth of knowledge generated by our distinctly collaborative environment.

Learn more about ZVAMC People

Optogenetics Equipment

ZVAMC Facilities

The Zablocki VA Medical Center Laboratories house one of the largest injury biomechanics research facilities in the nation. Spanning 40,000 square feet, the facilities' featured capabilities include dedicated spaces for whole-vehicle crash testing, NCAP testing, sled testing, seat strength testing, and the characterization of biological tissue mechanical properties. 

Learn more about ZVAMC Facilities

Research Themes

Research at the Zablocki VA Medical Center Laboratories includes discrete investigations into spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, biomechanics of the spine, and the human tolerance to injury upon impact. 

sci-image card

Spinal Cord Injury

Current Spinal Cord Injury research at the ZVAMC labs combines clinical and basic science practices to investigate imaging, function following injury, and reanimation.

Learn More About SCI Research
ZVAMC Spine Biomechanics

Spine Biomechanics

ZVAMC's Spine Biomechanics research program seeks to provide patient-specific modeling of the spine to aid in treatment planning and create personalized solutions to patients suffering from spine disorders.

Learn More About Spine Biomechanics Research
spine biomechanics-image card

Trauma Biomechanics

Trauma Biomechanics research at the ZVAMC labs includes investigations into human tolerance to injury, mechanisms of injury, methods of investigating injury, as well as the design and evaluation of related interventions. 

Learn More About Trauma Biomechanics Research
Student presenting research

Student Opportunities

The team at the Zablocki VA Medical Center Laboratories is dedicated to creating opportunities for the next generation of researchers, neuroscientists and biomedical engineers. No matter your level of experience, the ZVAMC Labs have an opportunity that is open to you!

Learn more about Student Opportunities

Recent News

See All Neurosurgery News

2024 Imagine More Dinner Benefits Neurosciences Research and Patient Care

July 9, 2024

More than 350 people attended the 11th annual Imagine More Dinner to raise awareness and funds for the Neuroscience Research Center (NRC) at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Kajana Satkunendrarajah, PhD

Making Neurons “Dance” to Help Patients Recover

March 13, 2024

MCW researchers study the connection between neurons and music and the potential for treatment for neurological disorders.

Drs. Max Krucoff and Julie Kolinski Named Among Milwaukee’s ‘40 Under 40’

January 11, 2024

The Milwaukee Business Journal has named Drs. Max Krucoff and Julie Kolinski, both Medical College of Wisconsin faculty members, to this year’s prestigious 40 Under 40 list.

Department of Neurosurgery Receives a $3M Continuation Award from the Department of Defense

January 4, 2024

Narayan Yoganandan, PhD, professor of neurosurgery, received a $3 million continuation award from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) for ongoing research that started in 2021. This brings the total award amount to $8 million.

Sense of Community: MCW neurologist reflects on Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy

Sense of Community: MCW Neurosurgeon Resident Reflects on Waukesha Christmas Parade Tragedy

November 16, 2023

On call during the tragedy, MCW resident Dr. Omar Hussain was moved by the community’s response.

Contact Us

Zablocki VA Medical Center
VA Neuroscience Labs
Research 151
5000 W. National Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53295
(414) 384-2000 ex. 41534
Zablocki VA Medical Center Google map location

© 2025 Medical College of Wisconsin.  All rights reserved.  | Terms and Privacy | Web Accessibility Statement

Non-Discrimination Statement
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic. MCW’s policy as well as federal and state laws and regulations prohibit unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Notice of Compliance with Laws and Commitment to Civil Rights
The Medical College of Wisconsin is committed to full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations in the pursuit of our missions. Consistent with recent federal guidance, we affirm our commitment to individual merit, fairness, and equal treatment in all aspects of academic and institutional decision-making. As part of this commitment, we are actively reviewing our policies and materials to ensure they align with federal nondiscrimination obligations.