AME - Analysis of cortical thickness in aging and dementia
This project investigates how the thickness and shape of the brain’s cortex change throughout life, from infancy to old age, with a particular focus on aging and neurodegeneration (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease). The primary goal is to understand the mechanical and biological factors that govern cortical morphology. The REU student will work with publicly available MRI datasets (e.g., OASIS-3) to reconstruct cortical surfaces using Freesurfer, analyze cortical thickness and curvature metrics, and compare findings across different age groups and developmental stages. Tasks include segmentation quality control, computational surface analysis, statistical comparisons, and participation in data synthesis and manuscript preparation.
This lab offers a unique and interdisciplinary environment where engineering principles are applied to understand complex biological systems, particularly the human brain. We use tools from mechanics, computation, and image analysis to investigate questions with direct relevance to neuroscience and public health.
Students will benefit from close mentorship, frequent feedback, and meaningful professional development. The lab has a strong track record of undergraduate involvement: past REU students have co-authored published papers, contributed to successful grant proposals, and presented at national conferences. Group meetings foster collaboration, and weekly one-on-one meetings ensure personalized support.