University of Michigan Functional MRI Laboratory

Jon-Fredrik Nielsen, Ph.D.

Associate Research Scientist, Biomedical Engineering

1067 BIRB
2360 Bonisteel Blvd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2108

Phone: (734) 647-7728
Email: jfnielse@umich.edu
Website: http://www.umich.edu/~jfnielse/

Dr. Nielsen's research aim is to develop improved MRI methods for imaging brain function. Existing BOLD functional MRI (fMRI) produces images with poor spatial resolution, and little or no signal near air cavities such as the frontal sinus and ear canals. This limits our ability to study detailed functional architecture, and to reliably assess activation in the orbitofrontal cortex. We hypothesize that the use of parallel transmission technology, improved 3D RF pulse design, and novel pulse sequences based on balanced SSFP can yield a robust and high-quality protocol for routine fMRI imaging, enabling novel studies of brain function in health and disease.