As a scientist, I work on model-based cognitive neuroscience projects that leverage ultra-high resolution neuroimaging techniques, particularly 7 Tesla (T) MRI, to investigate the structure and function of small subcortical nuclei involved in learning and decision-making. My research aims to bridge cellular-level findings from animal studies to a deeper understanding of mesoscopic functional neuroanatomy in the human midbrain and striatal regions. In addition to structural and functional imaging, I employ 7 T quantitative MRI to map subcortical vasculature, investigating its physiology and the venous contribution to the BOLD (Blood Oxygen Level Dependent) signal—a key factor in advancing our understanding of neural activity in the human subcortex.

Research methods

• Structural MRI
• Functional MRI
• Quantitative MRI (R1, R2*, QSM)
• Resting state functional connectivity
• Post mortem histology
• Ventral tegmental area (VTA)
• Midbrain
• Striatum
• Reinforcement learning
• Evidence accumulation models
• Subcortical vasculature