Feindel Virtual Brain and Mind Lecture Series: The cost of untracked diversity in brain-Imaging prediction
Dr Oualid Benkarim presents, "The cost of untracked diversity in brain-Imaging prediction".
Registration available here.
Speaker: Oualid Benkarim, Ph.D.
The Neuro, McGill University
Abstract: Brain-imaging research enjoys increasing adoption of supervised machine learning for single-subject disease classification. Yet, the success of these algorithms likely depends on population diversity, including demographic differences and other factors that may be outside of primary scientific interest. In this talk, I will discuss our recent work on using propensity scores as a composite confound index to quantify diversity due to major sources of population stratification. I will show, across various analysis scenarios, the extent to which cross-validated prediction performances are interlocked with diversity, the relationship of diversity with the instability of extracted brain patterns, and the role of prevailing deconfounding practices in mitigating the full consequences of population diversity.
Bio: Oualid Benkarim is a postdoctoral researcher at the Montreal Neurological Institute of McGill University. Previously, he obtained his PhD in Information and Communication Technologies from Pompeu Fabra University, Spain and a MSc in Artificial Intelligence from University of Barcelona, Spain. His research focuses on biomedical image analysis and machine learning, with a particular interest in the study of neurodevelopmental disorders and the development of robust and generalizable methods for disease classification.
The Feindel Virtual Brain and Mind (VBM) Seminar Series will advance the vision of Dr. William Feindel (1918–2014), Former Director of the Neuro (1972–1984), to constantly bridge the clinical and research realms. The talks will highlight the latest advances and discoveries in neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience, and neuroimaging.
Speakers will include scientists from across The Neuro, as well as colleagues and collaborators locally and from around the world. The series is intended to provide a virtual forum for scientists and trainees to continue to foster interdisciplinary exchanges on the mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment of brain and cognitive disorders.
