Professor of Neuroimaging and Senior Physicist at the Bangor Imaging Centre in the School of Psychology and Sports Science.

My research falls into three broad areas: the use of magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy to investigate basic neurologic and physiologic processes in health and disease; the use of these techniques to measure changes associated with neurotransmission and neural activity in health and disease; and investigating the impacts of physiologic challenges (e.g. hypoxia, concussion, exercise) on the brain.

I also interact with colleagues from the College of Medicine and Health Sciences on MRI study design, data acquisition and processing and the resources available to help with their research questions, my aim is to keep the Bangor Imaging Unit a world-class centre for neuroimaging research in North Wales.

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 Physiology

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, Alzheimer's) 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 Masters in Neuroimaging, and lecturer for the “Introduction to Neuroimaging” and "Introduction to Neuroimaging analysis" modules.  I have supervised 10 PhD students to completion, and currently have co-supervision of 4 others. Furthermore, I regularly supervise Masters students research projects that intersect with my interests in neurochemistry and cerebral physiology, having already successfully supervised over 30 Masters 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. 

Lab Website

  • PhD: Application of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to animal models of cerebral ischaemia
    University of Queensland, 2002
  • Other: 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

Supervisor:

1 Masters Student projects in 2024-25

6 undergraduate disertations

PhD supervision -

First supervisor:

Ferrida Ponce

Joseph Smith (Recently passed Viva)

Matthew Rogan - Graduated

Pauliina Sorvino - Graduated

Shelby DeMeulenaere - Graduated

Karolina Rusiak - Graduated

Alex Currie - Graduated

Aygul Khusnulina - Graduated

Second / Co-Supervisor:

Vallilath Madham Vinod Ramakrishnan

Steffi Studt

Nia Wyn-Williams

Myrto Mantazaria - Graduated

Joshua Payne - Graduated

Gabriella Rosetti - Graduated 

Justin Lawley - Graduated

 Self-funded (inc. agency-funded) projects: Professor Mullins welcomes informal enquiries from prospective PhD students interested in projects related to functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy, imaging of cerebral physiology, and/or neuroimaging in general. Please submit a draft research proposal (1-2 pages) to p.mullins@bangor.ac.uk.

Competitive scholarship opportunities available: None at present, but I am always ready to investigate opportunities.

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

  • PublishedBilateral regional extracranial blood flow regulation to hypoxia and unilateral duplex ultrasound measurement error
    Friend, A., Rogan, M., Rossetti, G., Lawley, J., Mullins, P., Sandoo, A., Macdonald, J. & Oliver, S., 1 Jul 2021, In: Experimental Physiology. 106, 7, p. 1535-1548 14 p.
    Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
  • PublishedFrequency drift in MR spectroscopy at 3T
    Hui, S. C. N., Mikkelsen, M., Zöllner, H. J., Ahluwalia, V., Alcauter, S., Baltusis, L., Barany, D. A., Barlow, L. R., Becker, R., Berman, J. I., Berrington, A., Bhattacharyya, P. K., Blicher, J. U., Bogner, W., Brown, M. S., Calhoun, V. D., Castillo, R., Cecil, K. M., Choi, Y. B. & Chu, W. C. W. & 115 others, Clarke, W. T., Craven, A. R., Cuypers, K., Dacko, M., de la Fuente-Sandoval, C., Desmond, P., Domagalik, A., Dumont, J., Duncan, N. W., Dydak, U., Dyke, K., Edmondson, D. A., Ende, G., Ersland, L., Evans, C. J., Fermin, A. S. R., Ferretti, A., Fillmer, A., Gong, T., Greenhouse, I., Grist, J. T., Gu, M., Harris, A. D., Hat, K., Heba, S., Heckova, E., Hegarty, J. P., Heise, K.-F., Jacobson, A., Jansen, J. F. A., Jenkins, C. W., Johnston, S. J., Juchem, C., Kangarlu, A., Kerr, A. B., Landheer, K., Lange, T., Lee, P., Levendovszky, S. R., Limperopoulos, C., Liu, F., Lloyd, W., Lythgoe, D. J., Machizawa, M. G., MacMillan, E. L., Maddock, R. J., Manzhurtsev, A. V., Martinez-Gudino, M. L., Miller, J. J., Mirzakhanian, H., Moreno-Ortega, M., Mullins, P. G., Near, J., Noeske, R., Nordhøy, W., Oeltzschner, G., Osorio-Duran, R., Otaduy, M. C. G., Pasaye, E. H., Peeters, R., Peltier, S. J., Pilatus, U., Polomac, N., Porges, E. C., Pradhan, S., Prisciandaro, J. J., Puts, N. A., Rae, C. D., Reyes-Madrigal, F., Roberts, T. P. L., Robertson, C. E., Rosenberg, J. T., Rotaru, D.-G., O'Gorman Tuura, R. L., Saleh, M. G., Sandberg, K., Sangill, R., Schembri, K., Schrantee, A., Semenova, N. A., Singel, D., Sitnikov, R., Smith, J., Song, Y., Stark, C., Stoffers, D., Swinnen, S. P., Tain, R., Tanase, C., Tapper, S., Tegenthoff, M., Thiel, T., Thioux, M., Truong, P., van Dijk, P., Vella, N., Vidyasagar, R., Vovk, A., Wang, G., Westlye, L. T., Wilbur, T. K., Willoughby, W. R., Wilson, M., Wittsack, H.-J., Woods, A. J., Wu, Y.-C., Xu, J., Lopez, M. Y., Yeung, D. K. W., Zhao, Q., Zhou, X., Zupan, G., Edden, R. A. E., Nakajima, S. L. & Honda, S., 1 Nov 2021, In: Neuroimage. 241, 118430.
    Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
  • PublishedMinimum Reporting Standards for in vivo Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRSinMRS): Experts' consensus recommendations
    Experts' Working Group on Reporting Standards for MR Spectroscopy, 1 May 2021, In: NMR in biomedicine. 34, 5, e4484.
    Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
  • PublishedReversal of neurovascular coupling in the default mode network: Evidence from hypoxia
    Rossetti, G., d'Avossa, G., Rogan, M., Macdonald, J., Oliver, S. & Mullins, P., Apr 2021, In: Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism. 41, 4, p. 805–818 14 p.
    Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2020

2019

  • PublishedMethodological consensus on clinical proton MRS of the brain: Review and recommendations
    Wilson, M., Andronesi, O., Barker, P. B., Bartha, R., Bizzi, A., Bolan, P. J., Brindle, K. M., Choi, I.-Y., Cudalbu, C., Dydak, U., Emir, U. E., Gonzalez, R. G., Gruber, S., Gruetter, R., Gupta, R. K., Heerschap, A., Henning, A., Hetherington, H. P., Huppi, P. S. & Hurd, R. E. & 29 others, Kantarci, K., Kauppinen, R. A., Klomp, D. W. J., Kreis, R., Kruiskamp, M. J., Leach, M. O., Lin, A. P., Luijten, P. R., Marjańska, M., Maudsley, A. A., Meyerhoff, D. J., Mountford, C. E., Mullins, P. G., Murdoch, J. B., Nelson, S. J., Noeske, R., Öz, G., Pan, J. W., Peet, A. C., Poptani, H., Posse, S., Ratai, E.-M., Salibi, N., Scheenen, T. W. J., Smith, I. C. P., Soher, B. J., Tkáč, I., Vigneron, D. B. & Howe, F. A., Aug 2019, In: Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. 82, 2, p. 527-550 24 p.
    Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
  • PublishedRegional Striatal Cholinergic Involvement in Human Behavioral Flexibility
    Bell, T., Lindner, M., Langdon, A., Mullins, P. G. & Christakou, A., 17 Jul 2019, In: Journal of Neuroscience. 39, 29, p. 5740-5749 10 p.
    Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

  • Published1H-MRS at 4 Tesla in minimally treated early schizophrenia.
    Bustillo, J. R., Rowland, L. M., Mullins, P. G., Jung, R., Chen, H., Qualls, C., Hammond, R., Brooks, W. M. & Lauriello, J., 1 Jun 2010, In: Molecular Psychiatry. 15, 6, p. 629-636
    Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2001

1998

1996

1995

2024

  • Probing the neurometabolic changes associated with hypoxia induced alterations in perfusion.

    n 2017 we reported a paradoxical decrease in cerebral blood flow (CBF) in response to hypoxia within the posterior cingulate cortex, and then in 2021 we found an apparent hypoxia induced reversal of neurovascular coupling within this region. Since then we have been further investigating this phenomenon, using magnetic resonance spectroscopy based techniques. I will describe three recent experiments by my PhD Student Matthew Rogan further exploring the neurometabolic alterations associated with this decrease in CBF the PCC during hypoxia.

    5 Jun 2024

    Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)
  • Probing the neurometabolic changes associated with hypoxia induced alterations in perfusion.

    In 2017 we reported a paradoxical decrease in cerebral blood flow (CBF) in response to hypoxia within the posterior cingulate cortex, and then in 2021 we found an apparent hypoxia induced reversal of neurovascular coupling within this region. Since then we have been further investigating this phenomenon, using magnetic resonance spectroscopy based techniques. I will describe three recent experiments by my PhD Student Matthew Rogan further exploring the neurometabolic alterations associated with this decrease in CBF the PCC during hypoxia.

    14 Mar 2024

    Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)

2022

  • BU-IIA Funded Project: Tackling Rugby Union’s Headache: Validity of a handheld medical device for the rapid assessment and evaluation of mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI).

    Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) or ‘concussion’ affects 42 million people globally per year, with evidence emerging of an increased risk associated with history of repeated mTBI in the development of neurodegenerative disease. Therefore, accurate diagnosis is a priority, particularly in populations who are at a higher risk of acute and repeated mTBI, such as those participating in high-risk sports like Rugby Union. In practice, diagnosis is complex and relies on subjective clinical evaluation. Advances in brain imaging may provide a solution for misdiagnosis but has time and cost related barriers when rapid or repeated head injury assessment is required. Therefore, the primary aim of this study will be to evaluate the utility of an innovative handheld device that provides a rapid assessment of mTBI via changes in ocular micro-tremor (OMT). The study will assess the validity of the device in the Rugby Union setting to diagnose (i) acute pitch-side mTBI, (ii) mTBI 48-hours following a suspected injury when symptoms can be more pronounced and assess (iii) the long-term effects of a competitive Rugby Union season on brain function using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and assess potential correlates of brain imaging and OMT.

    If successful, this proof of concept study will likely be expanded to an International research project possibly within the URC European professional league. It is linked to ongoing research within HBS regarding concussions, particularly related to sports injuries.

    Involvement of Welsh Rugby Union Medical and Player Welfare Department, Rygbi Gogledd Cymru, Head Diagnostics Ltd,

    Funding awarded through the Bangor University Innovation and Impact Award (Research Wales Innovation Funding). Value = £33,133

    4 May 2022 – 30 Apr 2023

    Activity: Other (Contributor)
  • BU-IIA Funded Project: Preparation for an application of a feasibility trial for Oro-sensory exercise training for patients with chronic fatigue symptoms

    Fatigue is a common symptom associated with many medical conditions like obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and COVID 19, i.e., long COVID. Fatigue manifests itself in the form of exhaustion and tiredness. Indeed, fatigue has a profound impact on sufferers’ quality of life, while treatment schemes are limited and focusing mainly on graded exercise training (GET). Exercise treatment, however, does not recognize potential problems with effort-reward imbalance in fatigue patients affecting motivation for investing effort in tasks. Recently, we have investigated the influence of evaluative conditioning using a novel technique on self-selected exercise intensity and effort sensation in healthy sedentary individuals (Kubis et al. 2021; https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0257953). Outcomes show that individuals self-select exercise intensity significantly higher than control individuals after the conditioning training even weeks after the training. Analyses revealed that the intensity of exercise selected was a function of integrated reward over effort costs. This opens the opportunity to use this type of training for patients with fatigue conditions, conditioned reward (based on our Oro-sensory exercise training) would potentially enable patients to improve their effort-reward imbalance enabling them to increase the intensity of daily activities and reduce fatigue symptoms. Conclusively, our grant application uses funds for bespoke equipment and testing of portable systems which can be used in exercise rehabilitation settings as well as for developing/writing a grant application for a proof of concept / feasibility trial.

    Funding awarded through the Bangor University Innovation and Impact Award (Research Wales Innovation Funding). Value = £6947

    1 Apr 2022 – 31 Mar 2023

    Activity: Other (Contributor)

2021

  • Ethics and consent for clinical trials

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

    14 Jun 2021

    Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)
  • Validation of the MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience

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

    3 Jun 2021

    Activity: Types of External academic engagement - Membership of peer review panel or committee (Contributor)

2020

2019

2018

2017

  • Headway North Wales Conference

    Presentation on "Neuroimaging and Neurochemistry Research in Brain Injury"

    Estimated Attendees - 100

    1 Mar 2017

    Activity: Participation in Academic conference (Invited speaker)

2016

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

    Moderator of the Poster Pitch session

    125 attendees

    16 Aug 2016

    Activity: Participation in Academic workshop, seminar, course (Chair)
  • 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 Aug 2016 – 17 Aug 2016

    Activity: Participation in Academic workshop, seminar, course (Organiser)
  • 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 Aug 2016 – 17 Aug 2016

    Activity: Participation in Academic conference (Speaker)