My research focus is the application of diagnostic imaging technologies [particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS)] to measuring hemodynamics (venous and arterial blood flow, and tissue perfusion and diffusion) in vivo.  As the Director of the Research Imaging Facility at the Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI), it is my responsibility to facilitate imaging research, clinical trials, and the application of imaging technologies to the study of cancer and other diseases.  My research aids in the development of new drugs for treating, diagnosing, and curing cancer and related chronic diseases.  As an adjunct member of UNLV’s Department of Health Physics, I contribute to the development of its academic programs, provide research opportunities for undergraduate and especially graduate students, and partner with other faculty on the development of novel research programs.

I am currently involved in three NIH-sponsored population studies involving neuroimaging of the elderly brain: Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS)-Cognition Study (University of Pittsburgh); Iceland Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility Study
(AGES, Icelandic Heart Association); and Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) (University of Nevada School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno).  The first study includes perfusion MRI of the brain using continuous arterial spin labeling (CASL), a technique that labels the hydrogen protons in the arterial blood water instead of using exogenous intravenous contrast.

We are also developing research programs in functional MRI using blood oxygenation-level dependent (BOLD) contrast in association with UNLV and UNR.  Current projects also include the development of: a real-time tracking (RTT), free-breathing navigator for perfusion MRI of the abdomen; integrated and interactive MRI and MRS of the prostate and breast for cancer detection, screening, and tracking; and automated tools for quantitative analysis of tissue structure, function, and biochemistry.