Dr. Avery Berman

I am an Assistant Professor in Physics and a Scientist at the Royal Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research (https://www.theroyal.ca/research). My research involves the development of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) techniques that image brain activity and microvascular physiology with increasing spatial resolution and increased physiological sensitivity and specificity.

Functional MRI is non-invasive and does not use ionizing radiation, which has made it the most widely used imaging modality for the non-invasive study of the organization of the human brain. The MRI signal contains rich information related to the underlying brain physiology. We develop acquisition and analysis strategies to extract this physiological information to improve our interpretation of functional MRI signals and to provide quantitative biomarkers for studying mental health and neurological disorders.

Our laboratory is located at the Institute of Mental Health Research. We use a synergistic combination of biophysical modelling and the development of novel pulse sequences and acquisition strategies primarily using the research-dedicated 3-T hybrid PET-MRI system at the IMHR. Being situated in the IMHR gives us broad exposure to a range of topics and expertise in mental health and neuroscience, making for a stimulating interdisciplinary environment.

For opportunities in my lab, please contact me. I recommend you please include 1) a summary of your research interests, 2) a curriculum vitae, 3) contact information for individuals willing to provide references.