ELCACT/BME Faculty Candidate Seminar: Sossena Wood, Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University

Using Advanced Non-Invasive Imaging Techniques to Interpret Brain Structure and Function

Abstract: Severe vascular diseases, like stroke, lead to devastating, life-altering neural effects and frequently can result in loss of life. Despite significant progress made in disease awareness, detection and treatment, there are limits in our fundamental understanding of vasculature dysfunction and brain abnormalities due to disease burden making this a vital area for exploration. In this talk, I will share how ultrahigh field (UHF) MRI techniques have improved the detection of human disease and tissue damage by overcoming the challenges of UHF MRI. Advances in the development of radiofrequency (RF) instrumentation and RF safety assessments have resulted in the visualization of the human brain anatomy up to 100 micrometers. I will discuss how designing a 3D printed phantom and thermal assessment tools have contributed to improving RF instrumentation. I will conclude why using multi-modal hemodynamic and neural imaging can advance the management and quantify the treatment of vascular diseases with neural effects and neural disorders.

Bio: Sossena Wood is currently a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow at Carnegie Mellon University. She has focused on neuroimaging at ultrahigh field MRI by developing radiofrequency instrumentation and a 3D printed head phantom for RF safety assessments. Her dissertation work was featured in several peer-reviewed journal articles, international abstracts, international talks and a segment of NBC Learn. Her current research interest areas are in developing and designing multi-modal hemodynamic and neuroimaging techniques and analysis to assess vascular diseases with neural effects like sickle cell disease.