Research

The Maryland Neuroimaging Center is available to researchers from the University of Maryland and other regional centers. Available for use on-site:

  • Functional MRI Stimulation and
 Response Recording System
  • Real-Time Motion Tracking
  • MR BioPac
  • Physiological Recording System
    • ECG * RESP * PPG * GSR * CO2/O2
  • High-Quality Auditory System
  • Noise-Cancelling Microphone
  • IT Facilities for Imaging
    • DICOM Server *Data Analysis Lab*
  • Eye-Tracking
  • Infrared Participant Monitoring
  • Response Devices

Steps for Conducting Research at the Maryland Neuroimaging Center

  • Contact the MR Physicist Dr. Wang Zhan to discuss project feasibility and technical details*
  • Register New Research Project with the Maryland Neuroimaging Center
  • Schedule Time in the MRI, EEG, and/or practice time in the Mock scanner

*Research must meet IRB requirements

 Do you have questions about how to set up, run, and/or improve your neuroimaging study? Contact the MNC for input and feedback. For technical questions, contact Wang Zhan, PhD. Relevant questions include, but are not limited to:

  • Capabilities and features of the MRI system and the peripheral equipment at the MNC.
  • Creating, testing, and optimizing the scan protocols to answer your research questions, and budgeting your scanning time effectively.
  • Novel data acquisition techniques and pulse sequences (e.g. Structural, fMRI, DTI, ASL, multiband, Spectroscopy, etc…).
  • Safety related issues in the MR environment. This includes working with special populations (e.g. children or stroke patients) or special equipment (e.g. unconventional response tools).
  • Level-2 personnel and Operator training for your staff working at the MNC.
  • Image data storage and access management.

For scientific questions, contact MNC Research Scientist Jeremy Purcell, PhD. Questions from novices or potential users – completely new to neuroimaging – are welcome. Relevant questions include but are not limited to:

  • How to think about how to use neuroimaging to answer the research questions you are most interested in (this is particularly relevant for neuroimaging novices).
  • Setting up novel fMRI experimental designs, and/or reworking a previously developed behavioral experiments so they can be implemented in the scanning environment.
  • Implementing traditional and/or developing novel neuroimaging statistical analyses.
  • Guidance on best practices for data management and analysis after it has left the MNC.
  • Seed Grants are also available to sponsor UMD faculty use of the MRI scanner for the purpose of acquiring funding from an outside agency. Contact Sandy Collier at collier@umd.edu for more information.

Current research fosters collaboration among neuroscientists, psychologists, cognitive scientists, engineers, and physicists.

Undergraduate students

Contact collier@umd.edu for available research opportunities.