My research used structural and functional MRI to reveal distinctions between auditory centers in living humans. I found that transient activity at the beginning and end of a sound is most pronounced in non-primary areas of auditory cortex. The region of sustained responses may provide a physiological marker for the primary areas, something that has long been needed in the neuroimaging field.
am examining whether auditory cortical areas in the living human brain can be distinguished based on classical features of cortical gray matter previously resolvable only in postmortem tissue. Being able to resolve gray matter structure in vivo opens the way to relating cortical physiology and structure in living humans in ways previously possible only in animals.
Identification of primary auditory cortex in living human. Left: Reconstruction of superior temporal lobe showing distribution of MR parameter R1 (reflecting myelin content) of grey matter. Right: Thresholding the R1 map delineates the primary auditory cortex on Heschl’s gyrus.
Training in SHBT provided me with an open-minded attitude with regard to my career and life in general. This attitude lets me see, be curious and pursue opportunities outside of my specialty field. The rigorous, multi-disciplinary training of the SHBT curriculum and research allows me to feel confident about my abilities and adapt to a variety of new circumstances.
