Lecture by Leslie Baxter, PhD (Mayo Clinic Arizona)

Neuroimaging Methods for Brain Mapping. An Overview of Using Neuroimaging for Clinical and Research Applications

Neuroimaging research has done much to further our understanding of the brain-behavior relationship, and there are many diverse technologies available. Functional MRI, white matter tractography, PET and MEG imaging all have specialized uses in providing a greater understanding of general principles of brain functioning as well as providing practical diagnostic and treatment information for clinical patients.  Dr. Leslie Baxter is a Clinical Neuropsychologist and neuroimaging researcher who has worked with dozens of neurosurgeons, imaged thousands of patients, and worked on many diverse research projects.  Her main interest is in combining neuroimaging with cognitive measures to understand brain-behavior relationships in patients with neurological conditions. This includes performing comprehensive brain mapping by combining functional MRI, diffusion tensor imaging, and intraoperative electrocortical stimulation mapping for patients who need surgery for brain tumors, epilepsy and other disorders.  She has specific research interests in brain tumors, autism, emotion, and aging. While clinicians and researchers use the same basic neuroimaging tools, there are practical differences in implementation and interpretation.  This talk will describe some of the commonly used neuroimaging applications with stories of real-world examples, and will review differences in approach to consider in designing for and using these tools to address specific clinical or research questions.     

Location:  Think Tank, 4th Floor