Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellow

Associate Director, Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (WIN)

Co-Director, WIN Physics Group

Associate Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, Medical Sciences Division

WIN Diversity & Inclusion Champion

Pronouns: she/her

Related Links

WIN Physics Group

• Diffusion Acquisition & Reconstruction
• FMRI Acquisition & Reconstruction
• Microstructural Imaging
  

Full Curriculum Vitae

I develop novel methods for acquiring, reconstructing and analyzing MRI scans of the brain. Much of my research focuses on techniques for studying brain function and connectivity. My current work characterises tissue microstructure with MRI in conjunction with complementary technologies like microscopy. I helped to establish the UK Biobank brain imaging protocol, and am undertaking studies with this data as an external user.

My group is helping to advance the state of the art in MRI through improvements in signal sensitivity and specificity. We are developing methods to measure aspects of tissue microstructure that are central to neuronal health and disease. We are improving our understanding of MRI data in living subjects through scans of post-mortem brains in combination with light microscopy in the same tissue. Many in our group are developing the next generation of diffusion and functional MRI acquisition techniques for studying brain connectivity, by taking advantage of ultra-high field scanners and sophisticated signal processing. Finally, we are developing biophysically principled methods for data "harmonisation" to enable the translation of large-scale studies like UK Biobank into smaller-scale neuroimaging studies and clinical settings.

These methods will enable neuroscientists to study the brain with greater precision. My group is actively involved in collaborations with neuroscience colleagues in Oxford and elsewhere to study neuronal health and disease.

Finally, I am passionate about diversity & inclusion in academia, and the need to improve research culture. I hold a number of related leadership roles, including leading EDI for the WIN Centre, the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, and the Medical Sciences Division.

I have regular DPhil opportunities for candidates with a background in physics, engineering or neuroscience. Projects will usually be designed collaboratively with the candidate. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss possible projects, including an up-to-date CV.

media coverage

Wired (October 2018)

Scientific American (September 2016)

BBC Radio 4 'All in the Mind' (November 2015)