Nan Xu
Statistical learning and dynamic analysis in functional neuroimaging data
Abstract:
The Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) brain dynamic processes measured by functional MRI have served as sensitive indicators of various brain disorders. Traditional methods focus mainly on the temporal variability of the resting brain, which limits insights into causal dynamics and their role in conditions such as post-concussive visual motion sensitivity (PCVMS). My research bridges this gap by introducing innovative statistical learning and analytical techniques to elucidate the spatiotemporal causal dynamics within brain networks in different brain conditions. The findings have illuminated key brain functions, such as attention control, and have identified potential biomarkers for PCVMS. These new methods advance our understanding of brain function and the mechanisms underlying disorders, thereby enhancing the fields of neuroimaging and therapeutic intervention.
Speaker: Nan Xu , UMD Fischell Department of Bioengineering
Dr. Nan Xu is an Assistant Professor in the Fischell Department of Bioengineering at the University of Maryland, College Park, with affiliate appointments in Electrical & Computer Engineering and the Neuroscience & Cognitive Science Program. She directs the Imaging- and Neuro-computations for Precision Informatics Research (INSPIRE) Lab, where her work integrates computational science, applied mathematics, and neuroscience to address biomedical challenges. Her research develops advanced computational models and dynamic analyses of functional neuroimaging data to reveal new insights into brain function, neurological disease, and informatics applications.
Dr. Xu earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Electrical & Computer Engineering and Mathematics from the University of Rochester, followed by an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Electrical & Computer Engineering at Cornell University. She pursued interdisciplinary postdoctoral training at Georgia Tech, Emory University, and MIT before joining UMD. Her work is supported by the NIH BRAIN Initiative K99/R00 award.
Host: Jeffery Klauda
Seminars start at 4:00 pm, and refreshments will be served at 3:45 pm. All seminars are held in the 2136 Physical Sciences Complex (#415) unless otherwise noted.