Alberto L. Vazquez
Imaging and computational methodologies to examine the physiological state of tissue and vascular regions surrounding implanted electrodes or other brain devices in suitable rodent models. I am particularly interested in the viability and functionality of neurons around these implants using molecular and genetic tools.
My research program focuses on neural, vascular and metabolic imaging of normal brain function with extensions to neurological pathologies. I use an array of computational and experimental methodologies, such as linear/non-linear modeling and characterization of biological systems, optical/fluorescence imaging, two-photon microscopy, calcium imaging, optogenetics and magnetic resonance imaging, to assess nervous system function and dysfunction. Although these methods are mostly implemented in animal models, I focus on methods that can be adapted or applied to humans (e.g. PET or fMRI) or, alternatively, generalizing or distilling information that will inform human studies. It is the goal of my research program to blend imaging modalities in order to advance our understanding of brain function, adapt new technologies and create new avenues for the quantification of physiological and functional parameters that can be used to study, diagnose and/or treat brain pathologies.
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Alberto L. Vazquez
Departments of Radiology and Bioengineering
Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition (CNBC)