Director of the Bangor Imaging Centre in the School of Human and Behavioural Sciences, home to a research dedicated 3T whole body MRI system used for functional and structural imaging studies. 

Liaising with researchers from the College of Human Sciences on study design, data acquisition and processing and resources available to help with their research questions, my aim is to keep the Bangor Imaging Unit a world-class center for neuroimaging research in North Wales.

My personal research falls into three broad areas: development and validation of MRS techniques for the detection of neurotransmitters; the use of these techniques to measure changes associated with neurotransmission and neural activity in health and disease; and the use of magnetic resonance imaging to investigate basic neurologic and physiologic processes in health and disease. My current ongoing research however is focused on two of these areas: the study of functional neurochemical changes through the use of functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy (fMRS); and measurement of changes in cerebral physiology and blood flow.

fMRS

Based on the same principles as MRS, fMRS collects multiple MRS spectra in a dynamic series to study metabolite concentration changes during brain function. fMRS is able to measure changes in neurotransmitters over very short time scales, in seconds rather than minutes, either alone, or combined with other measures of neural activity such as EEG and BOLD.  Direct measurement of neurotransmitter and neurometabolite changes allows fundamental questions to be addressed regarding the excitatory, inhibitory and metabolic processes underlying neural activity.

Cerebral Phsyiology

Understanding the what, how, and why, of cerebral blood flow (CBF) changes, has implications for many fields of research, from clinical conditions (stroke, brain injury, hypoxia, Alzhiemers) to basic cognition (fMRI is based on blood flow changes).  Similarly, it is important to understand the physiologic drivers for change, and what other changes in physiology affect CBF.  Current work is investigating the effects of prolonged hypoxic exposure as might be experienced at altitude on CBF and cognition, the effects of healthy ageing, and possible relationships between resting levels of neurotransmitters and blood flow.

Teaching activities

I am the course director of the MSc in Neuroimaging, and lecturer for the “Introduction to Neuroimaging”, "Introduction to Neuroimaging analysis", “Advanced Techniques in Neuroimaging” and "Advanced Neuroimaging analysis" modules.  I have supervised 4 PhD students to completion, and currently have co-supervision of 4 others. I also supervise several MSc students’ neuroimaging research projects that intersect with my labs research interests in neurochemistry and cerebral physiology, having already successfully supervised 28 MSc students to completion.

Wider Scientific Involvement

Recognizing the importance of open and shared science I am actively involved in collaborative research with colleagues in the USA, Ireland, Norway and the UK. I am also a well-respected member of the international magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) research community,having been on the organizing committee for several international symposia, and recently involved in developing the Minimum Reporting Standards for Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. 

• PhD: Application of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to animal models of cerebral ischaemia
  University of Queensland, 2002
• Arall: Biochemistry Honours
  James Cook University of Far North Queensland, Townsville, 1995
• BSc: Chemistry and Biochemistry
  James Cook University of Far North Queensland, 1993

Programe Director:

Masters in Neuroimaging

Module organiser and Lecturer:

Introduction to Neuroimaging.

Introduction to Neuroimaging analysis

Advanced Neuroimaging analysis

Supervisor:

6 Masters Students projects in 2019-20

10 undergraduate disertations

PhD supervision -

First supervisor:

Matthew Rogan

Joseph Smith

Second Supervisor:

Myrto Mantazaria

Vallilath Madham Vinod Ramakrishnan

Joshua Payne - Graduated

Pauliina Sorvino - Graduated

Shelby DeMeulenaere - Graduated

Gabriella Rosetti - Graduated 

2022

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2021

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2020

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2019

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2018

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2017

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2016

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2015

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2014

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2013

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2012

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2011

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2010

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2009

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2008

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2007

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2006

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2005

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2004

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2003

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2001

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1998

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1996

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1995

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2021

• Ethics and consent for clinical trials

  A talk on the ethical considerations for clinical trials, and how consent should be obtained.

  14 Meh 2021

  Gweithgaredd: Cyflwyniad llafar (Siaradwr)
• Validation of the MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience

  External validator for the MSc in Neuroscience and MSc in Psychology at Bournemouth University

  3 Meh 2021

  Gweithgaredd: Mathau o waith ymgysylltu academaidd allanol - Aelodaeth o banel neu bwyllgor adolygu cymheiriaid (Cyfrannwr)

2020

• PHOENIX GLOBAL RESEARCH ETHICS WORKSHOP

  Speaker and attendee. Presented on the process and Structures of Research Ethics Committees

  5 Hyd 2020

  Gweithgaredd: Cymryd rhan mewn cynhadledd (Siaradwr)
• External Examiner for MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience

  1 Medi 2020 →

  Gweithgaredd: Mathau o waith ymgysylltu academaidd allanol - Aelodaeth o banel neu bwyllgor adolygu cymheiriaid (Cyfrannwr)

2019

• Review and validation of the Masters in Psychiatric Research

  Re-validation of the MSc in Psychiatric research.

  20 Tach 2019

  Gweithgaredd: Arholiad (Arholwr)
• Towards a Theory for Functional MRS

  Invited Talk given at the Cogniton and Brain Sciences Unit, Cambridge University

  Audience numbers = 20

  1 Ebr 2019

  Gweithgaredd: Sgwrs wadd (Siaradwr)
• Towards a Theory for Functional MRS

  Invited talk on fMRS

  Attendees = 20

  12 Maw 2019

  Gweithgaredd: Sgwrs wadd (Siaradwr)

2018

• Editing School

  Editing School - a three day workshop on the sue of MEGA-PRESS for edited MRS of Neurometabolites.

  Attendees = 40

  3 Rhag 2018 – 6 Rhag 2018

  Gweithgaredd: Cymryd rhan mewn cynhadledd (Siaradwr)
• Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

  Guest Lecture on the Neurosciences module "Reading the brain, imaging the mind", and the Masters in Neuroimaging.

  Attendees - 20 and 25

  13 Tach 2018

  Gweithgaredd: Sgwrs wadd (Siaradwr)
• International Society for Magnetic resonance in Medicine

  Invited Talk on functional Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in the weekend Educational Sessions.

  16 Meh 2018 – 21 Meh 2018

  Gweithgaredd: Cymryd rhan mewn cynhadledd (Siaradwr)
• External Examiner for the undergraduate Neurosciences Program at Kings College London.

  1 Meh 2018 – 30 Meh 2020

  Gweithgaredd: Arholiad (Arholwr)
• Towards a Theory for Functional Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

  Invited Talk on my work in functional Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

  Attendees = 100

  17 Mai 2018

  Gweithgaredd: Sgwrs wadd (Siaradwr)

2017

• Headway North Wales Conference

  Presentation on "Neuroimaging and Neurochemistry Research in Brain Injury"

  1 Maw 2017

  Gweithgaredd: Cymryd rhan mewn cynhadledd (Siaradwr gwadd)

2016

• International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine Workshop on MR Spectroscopy

  Moderator of the Poster Pitch session

  16 Awst 2016

  Gweithgaredd: Cymryd rhan mewn gweithdy, seminar, cwrs (Cadeirydd)
• International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine Workshop on MR Spectroscopy

  Shortly after introduction of in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) also first localized in vivo magnetic resonance spectra (MRS) were acquired in the early 1980s. In vivo MRS has evolved during the last 25 years in terms of localization quality and spatial resolution, acquisition speed, artifact suppression, number of detectable metabolites and quantification precision and has profited especially from improvements in B0 shim quality over the years and the significant increase of magnetic field strength that recently became available for in vivo investigations. Today it allows for non-invasive and non-ionizing determination of tissue concentrations and metabolic turn-over rates of various metabolites and compounds in animals or humans, is applied for clinical diagnostics and has established as an important tool for physiological research. In addition to late breaking results, this workshop examines the substantial advances in MRS acquisition, processing and analysis methods that have been achieved by the MRS community during the last 10 - 15 years. The workshop will feature invited scientific presentations, proffered papers, a poster session and discussion to work toward consensus in the areas of standardization, harmonization, quality assurance and guidance on best practices in MRS methodology. Target Audience This workshop is designed for MR Physicists including Ph.D. students; Postdoctoral Fellows and faculty who develop methodology and support clinical and physiological research based on MRS; as well as Psychiatrists, Neurologists, Neuro Radiologists, and Body Radiologists, who will benefit from the comprehensive overview and consensus discussions in order to define the state-of-the art of spectroscopy. The workshop is organized by the ISMRM MR Spectroscopy Study Group. Educational Objectives Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to: Describe current MRS(I) data acquisition methodology including sequences, pre-scans and hardware requirements; Discuss current MRS(I) data processing, reconstruction and analysis methods; Compare the pro´s and cons´s of advanced MRS and MRSI methods; Identify advanced MRS(I) methods that made it into application in clinical and basic research; Summarize minimum quality standards with regard to data acquisition, processing, analysis and reporting for physiological or clinical MRS studies; and Support the ongoing consensus discussion about state-of-the-art, unmet needs and still existing limitations.

  15 Awst 2016 – 17 Awst 2016

  Gweithgaredd: Cymryd rhan mewn gweithdy, seminar, cwrs (Trefnydd)
• International Society for Magnetic resonance in medicine workshop on MR spectroscopy

  ISMRM workshop on MR spectroscopy.

  Speaker in Session on reporting standards for MRS articles - 125 attendees

  14 Awst 2016 – 17 Awst 2016

  Gweithgaredd: Cymryd rhan mewn cynhadledd (Siaradwr)

• KESS II East Phd with Agroceutical Products Ltd BUK2E029

  01/02/2020 – 02/08/2023 (Wrthi'n gweithredu)

• fMRI Research: Choice, Special Offers, and decision making

  01/06/2013 – 19/02/2014 (Wedi gorffen)

• NeuroSKILL

  01/03/2012 – 31/07/2017 (Wedi gorffen)