Our lab’s research focus is quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI). MRI signals are often designed to reveal qualitative tissue contrast, but there are scientific and clinical advantages for designing qMRI. The methodologies we are developing provide an unprecedented capability to longitudinally and quantitatively measure changes in local brain macromolecule volume and composition within and between individuals. In our work we focus on computing biophysical meaningful and reliable brain tissue characterizations. These abilities are critical for our studies of the neural and cellular bases of development and aging, disease process and behavior variability.

Our QMRI methods also provide great advantage for clinical assessments; it is particularly well suited for clinical trial measurements at different sites and time points. Just as we can quantitatively measure body temperature or blood pressure, we are using qMRI to quantitatively assess brain tissue.

Our long-term goal is to explain individual genetic, behavioral, and physiological differences according to their specific anatomical and functional brain variations.