We focus on two main areas of research: (1) neural basis of cognitive control and decision-making, with emphasis on statistical methods for modeling hemodynamic responses in decision-related neuroimaging studies, and (2) the clinical implications of neurovascular deficits in brain tumors and other vascular disorders. We developed a set of statistical techniques to measure neurovascular coupling differences across individuals or groups and to control between-subject variance in neurovascular coupling to improve the estimation of the underlying neural activity. We also developed methods to measure disruption of neurovascular coupling (i.e. BOLD asynchrony) by infiltrative glioma to estimate extent of tumor infiltration and predict risk of recurrence.
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MEPrep: A robust pipeline for multi-echo fMRI denoising and preprocessing (Imaging Neuroscience, 2026) – A fully integrated multi-echo fMRI preprocessing pipeline that introduces ICA-based denoising prior to optimal echo combination, yielding substantial improvements in signal quality, reliability, and functional connectivity estimates over existing approaches.
Chronic convection-enhanced delivery of MTX110 into the brainstem for pediatric diffuse midline glioma, phase I trial (Neuro-Oncology Pediatrics, 2026) – A phase I clinical trial demonstrating the safety and feasibility of chronic convection-enhanced delivery (CED) of MTX110 into the brainstem using an implantable pump, enabling sustained, repeat dosing and improved tumor coverage in pediatric diffuse midline glioma.
A translational neuroscience & computational evaluation of a D1R partial agonist for schizophrenia (TRANSCENDS): Rationale and study design of a brain-based clinical trial (Journal of Psychiatric Research, 2026) – A translational, biomarker-driven clinical trial testing D1/D5 receptor partial agonism in schizophrenia using fMRI measures of spatial working memory circuits to quantify target engagement.
The borderline personality disorder feature of identity instability predicts temporal discounting in a community sample: An exploratory study (Personality Science, 2025) – Among the nine diagnostic BPD features, only identity instability was associated with higher temporal discounting. Thus, individuals with BPD features may discount delayed rewards due to their fragmented sense of self, coupled with negative future expectations..
Timing of Planning Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Patient Selection for Adaptive Radiation Therapy in Newly Diagnosed High-Grade Glioma (Red Journal/IJROBP, 2025) – Radiation therapy planning for high-grade glioma typically relies on a single postoperative MRI, assuming stable tumor and brain architecture throughout treatment. Though the gross tumor volume and surrounding tissues can shift after surgery and throughout RT, its rate of change, predictors of the movement magnitude, and impact on different dosing strategies are not well understood. This study uses meta-analysis and prospective MRI data to optimize MRI timing and identify patients who may benefit from adaptive RT (ART). We provide recommendations for clinical decision-making.