Our research approach starts with the brain. The overarching goal is to improve health. We take a bottom-up and neurobiological approach to understanding brain function. We primarily use Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), although we occasionally use ElectroEncephaloGraphy (EEG).
In one current project we are focused on aging and Alzheimer’s Disease. We focus on the hippocampus and its substructures. We are using high resolution functional MRI to examine how neuro-vascular properties of this brain region change with age and pathology (funded project PSI2017-84933). In another project we are exploring new ways to improve data analytic methods of functional MRI (funded project PSI2017-91955-EXP). We are especially focused on improving the temporal resolution of fMRI. Finally, we are interested in how subcortical regions of the brain play a role in the production of speech. Speech pathology is often the result of damage to subcortical regions and understanding their precise role may improve therapy design.
In a previous lifetime I used techniques from experimental psychology to make claims about cognition. I am no longer interested in this approach.