Sub-Cellular MRI Models of Brain Microstructure for Bridging Neuroscience and Precision Medicine

Sub-Cellular MRI Models of Brain Microstructure for Bridging Neuroscience and Precision Medicine

Benjamin T. Newman, PhD

The brain is a highly complex organ sensitive to environmental, behavioral, lifestyle, clinical, and genetic factors. By developing structural and diffusion MRI based models of sub-cellular architecture, it is possible to quantify subtle changes in the brain resulting from these factors. Subject-specific patterns and spatial distributions from multiple modalities can identify areas particularly sensitive or vulnerable to factors of interest. These principles are illustrated in projects examining the relationship between epigenetic aging and neuronal degeneration, adolescent brain development and screen-time usage, and axonal properties in autism.

Ben Newman is a postdoctoral research associate in the Van Horn Lab at the University of Virginia, where he investigates microstructural neuroimaging metrics. He received his PhD in Neuroscience from the UVA School of Medicine developing assessments of free water and cellular microstructure from diffusion MRI with Dr. Jason Druzgal. Prior to this, he received an MSc in Psychology creating models of recollection memory processes with Dr. Akira O'Connor, and a BSc in Neuroscience from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. He also worked as a post-baccalaureate research technician under Dr. Chamith Rajapakse at the University of Pennsylvania using 3D manufacturing techniques, CT, and MRI to investigate and replicate bone microstructure and vasculature.