Jeremy Strain, PhD

I am a third-year postdoctoral research associate currently positioned at Washington University in St. Louis. My work has consisted of deciphering anatomical correlates of cognitive change. During my graduate studies at the University of Texas at Dallas, my research revolved around using structural imaging markers to differentiate between variants of dementia (Alzheimer disease and frontotemporal dementia, or FTD) to assist in clinical diagnosis. The bulk of this research was devoted to identifying localized regions of impaired white matter that uniquely coincided with FTD pathology. Additionally, I transitioned to studying the impact of concussions, but retained an emphasis on brain-behavior relationships.  As an initial member of the retired National Football League Concussion project, my work consists of understanding how traumatic events lead to chronic anatomical changes. Specifically, utilizing diffusion tensor imaging, white matter hyperintensities, and volumetrics, I investigated the role of concussion in the subsequent development of memory dysfunction. After completion of my PhD degree, I joined the lab of Dr. Beau Ances at Washington University. Under his tutelage I have applied the imaging techniques that I developed during my graduate training in combination with positron emission tomography (PET).  Acquiring this new skill set has expanded the utility of my former skills and led me to ask more specific questions regarding the association with disease progression and neurodegenerative outcomes.  For this work, I was awarded a Registration Fellowship to be an oral presenter at the recent Alzheimer Imaging Conference (2017).