Feindel Virtual Brain and Mind Lecture Series: Multiscale cognitive science and open science in epilepsy

Dr. Raul Cruces presents, "Multiscale cognitive science and open science in epilepsy". 

Registration available here.

Speaker: Raul Rodríguez Cruces, MD, PhD

 MICA laboratory, McConnell Brain Imaging Center, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University

Abstract: Cognitive neuroscience has increasingly become an integrative and multiscale research program, focusing on the availability of diverse sources of data to describe the brain organization and the transitions between health and disease. Multimodal imaging has provided a novel framework to assess brain structure, connectivity and function in vivo. However with multiple databases and modalities, new paradigms to optimize processing and quality control should be explored. To this end, we have developed a pipeline that integrates processing modules for structural, microstructure-sensitive, diffusion-weighted, and resting-state functional MRI to automatically generate connectome models of neural organization across different spatial scales. Furthermore, we assess the reproducibility across datasets, and the sensibility of connectome derived metric within and between databases in epilepsy and healthy subjects, to finally unravel the interactions between brain structure and function with cognitive performance.

Bio: Raul obtained his MD with Laurate distinction in Mexico, and graduated with honors from the PhD program in Biomedical science at the National Autonomous University of Mexico where he worked under the supervision of Prof. Luis Concha in the field of epilepsy and cognition. He is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the MICA Lab of the BIC, McGill University. His current work focuses on understanding the complex relationships between cognition and brain function and structure. His current research involves integrative multiscale imaging methods and connectome analysis to grasp the dynamics between health and disease. Over the last years he has also worked on open science initiatives, such as micapipe (http://micapipe.readthedocs.io), a multimodal MRI processing pipeline, and diverse datasets to foster open and reproducible brain research.

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.