Epilepsy Youth Forum at the Duncan NRI

The Epilepsy Youth Forum was held at the Duncan NRI on Friday, October 10th, 2025.  

Sponsored by the Cain Labs, Epilepsy Foundation Texas, LivaNova Epilepsy and VNS Therapy, the forum featured panelists Dr. Sonali Sen, Dr. Kimberly Houck and Arturo Zaldana (Texas Children’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Center), Christopher Justl (ECO, Epilepsy Foundation Texas) and 2 youth speakers.  This well-attended event was free and open to the public.

The forum was hosted by local high school student Jessica Pradhan and moderated by Danielle Lance Purpich. Attendees learned about the biology and treatment of epilepsy as well as heard personal stories from panelists. Demonstrations of acute epilepsy intervention techniques were performed and attendees also had the opportunity to learn about research from the Cuddapah lab at the NRI. 

About the Host

Jessica Pradhan completed a research internship with Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital studying vagus nerve stimulation as a treatment for epilepsy which sparked her interest in the condition.  As she learned more, Jessica became aware that most information about the condition is geared towards adults.  She started Wavelength, a network for youth with epilepsy with the "goal of connecting her peers and others with information to promote learning, understanding and advocacy for young individuals with epilepsy".