Ishmael Amarreh

E-mail: amarreh@wisc.edu

Research Project:

Advances in neuroimaging technologies provide a powerful approach to exploring the genetic basis of individual differences in complex behaviors and susceptibility to neuropsychiatric illness. Recently, functional MRI (fMRI) studies have established important physiologic links between genetic polymorphisms and robust differences in information processing within distinct brain regions and circuits that have been linked to the manifestation of various diseases. In the Lab of Dr. Meyerand, I will be using Imaging Genomics, which is new research area that is concerned with linking functional gene variants and brain information processing. The goal of this research is the development of new biomarker for psychiatric illness. By identifying new genes that may be linked to illness, a tailored approach of clinical treatment will be possible in the future.

In addition to Imaging Genomics, I will be investigating the structural brain abnormality in idiopathic pediatric Epilepsy compared to normal using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). I will be using DTI to develop a map and characterize brain connections in this clinical population. The main goals for this research are to identify DTI markers of early damage in new-onset idiopathic pediatric epilepsy and to characterize the differences in longitudinal DTI trajectories for this population compared to normal development.

As a dual-Degree student in Neuroscience and public policy, I also intend to explore the interface of brain science and public policy. This program offers the opportunity to learn skills that will enable me to work with policy maker to apply my research knowledge in helping design public policy.