Hello, I’m a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Radiology at Northwestern University in the lab of Dr. Michael Markl. My research focuses on blood flow imaging using MRI for application in patients with cardiovascular disease. The technique is called 4D flow MRI and measures blood flow velocities in the heart and large vessels. Specifically, I work to develop imaging tools using quantitative methods such as reverse flow mapping and pulse wave velocity estimation. The goal is to improve the evaluation of blood flow in patients with aortic dissection and cryptogenic stroke.
I first became interested in MRI as a research assistant in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Cincinnati. There, I contributed to multiple imaging projects and published my first study evaluating brain morphometry in bipolar disorder. During that time, I decided to pursue my PhD almost ten years after I had completed my undergraduate degree. And, I’m very glad I made that choice. My work as a PhD student and postdoc has been incredibly rewarding. I have also become involved in science outreach through Northwestern Science in Society. They are dedicated to science education and public engagement and I have participated in events such as their image contest and science talks. Recently, I was selected by the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine as a finalist for their Young Investigators’ Award. This is a huge honor and I’m excited about presenting my work in their upcoming conference. The corresponding paper, “Parametric Hemodynamic 4D flow MRI maps for the Characterization of Chronic Thoracic Descending Aortic Dissection,” was published last year in the Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Through Chicago Women in STEM, I hope to extend my scientific network and learn from others through the sharing of experiences and career insights. I would also like to contribute to the community of women interested in STEM.