Michigan Minds: How nature helps the brain recharge

Hala Darwish is an associate professor at the University of Michigan School of Nursing and Department of Neurology at Michigan Medicine and assistant dean for community culture at the School of Nursing. Her research integrates neuroscience, mental health and nursing, with a particular focus on cognitive and emotional functioning among people living with neurologic and psychiatric conditions.

Darwish's work explores innovative solutions for cognitive impairment, mood disorders and health disparities, including the use of nature-based virtual reality to bring the restorative power of the outdoors to people who cannot easily access it.