Wichita State University
Welcome to the Neuroimaging Lab
Room 335, John Bardo Center
The main goal of the Neuroimaging Lab is to develop advanced optical neuroimaging technologies, both hardware and software, and apply them to clinical applications.
Sections
About the Lab
At our Neuroimaging Lab, we are dedicated to advancing our understanding of the brain through cutting-edge optical neuroimaging techniques. We develop methodologies for a state-of-the-art optical neuroimaging method, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), to enhance its performance. Our second mission is to unravel the complexities of neural processes and contribute to the development of innovative approaches for diagnosing and treating neurological and psychiatric conditions. We aim to bridge the gap between neuroscience and clinical applications, fostering collaborations that enhance both scientific discovery and patient care.
Advancement in fNIRS technology: fNIRS is a non-invasive optical neuroimaging technology that offers several advantages over traditional MRI when studying human movement. It boasts portability, affordability, and a higher tolerance to motion artifacts. Like fMRI, fNIRS measures cortical blood oxygenation as a proxy for cortical activation. However, it breaks free from the spatial constraints imposed by MRI, enabling experimental setups involving activities like walking, social interaction, and motor tasks. Despite its potential, fNIRS technology still faces some challenges. I aspire to propel fNIRS technology forward for the betterment of the growing fNIRS community. While smaller in scale compared to fMRI and EEG communities, the fNIRS community is undergoing rapid expansion. I aim to enrich this community by pioneering innovative data processing algorithms and pipelines that address pressing issues such as motion artifacts and multimodality challenges in fNIRS. My goal is to create a comprehensive toolbox for conducting analysis using fNIRS data, simplifying the process for researchers and facilitating human brain studies through fNIRS while promoting fNIRS research's replicability.
Clinical applications using fNIRS: Our second objective is to utilize fNIRS as a versatile tool for exploring human brain activity, advancing our fundamental knowledge of the brain, and addressing clinical neurological, psychology and psychiatry challenges. The distinct advantages of fNIRS, such as its adaptability to motion and affordability, enable a broader range of human studies while promoting medical equity. This research has the potential to unveil neural dysfunctions in conditions like stroke and ASD, offering insights into innovative interventions and therapies, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of the human brain and the resolution of clinical issues.
Join us as we explore the fascinating world of the brain, driven by curiosity and a commitment to excellence in research.