MRI machine entices students, faculty

Faculty members said the machine would help MU earn more grants.

By Joey Soto

Published Oct. 24, 2008

 A better look at the human brain is now available for MU faculty and students.

The opening of the Brain Imaging Center by the department of psychological sciences will enable further exploration of the complexities of the human brain using functional magnetic resonance imaging technology.

The state-of-the-art machine costs nearly $3.8 million, but is expected to accentuate its value to the university over time.

"Overall, the machine will more than pay for itself because of increased faculty and grant funding," professor Nelson Cowan said. "If we didn't have it, there would be a decrease in grant funding."

The department has already received a grant from Autism Speaks to conduct a study examining autism using the new machine.

"One of the studies we're currently doing is looking at structural differences and functional differences in those with and without autism," professor Shawn Christ said. "The Brain Imaging Center definitely played a part in attaining those funds."

In the past, psychological research using MRI to study brain activity had limited access, inhibiting research progression. Availability was once limited to timeslots from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays at University Hospital, Christ said.

Although many other universities have similar technology, MU's center is unique in its exclusive use.

"In terms of research of brain and mind, the opportunity is very good right now at our facility compared to most," Cowan said. "It's dedicated only for research."

Christ said with the increased access to technology, researchers will become more able to study areas of the brain with a different method.

"Prior to opening the BIC, the majority of research in our department centered on studying behavior and learning about brain from behavior," Christ said. "Now with the Brain Imaging Center, it allows the department as a whole to start studying the brain more directly."

Amanda Savarese, a senior psychological science major, said she views the new center as an important tool in expanding study on fields that have sparked curiosity, but have never before been able to receive adequate research.

"Being on the cutting edge of tech is fantastic and neuroimaging is a new field of psychology," Savarese said. "A lot of people are interested in pursuing the questions that have been out there. It's a new way to get answers to those questions."

In addition to the potential for increased grant funding and attracting experienced faculty, the new technology is posed to positively impact students pursuing a psychology degree.

Students can now receive hands-on experience with MRI technology that would not be possible without the machine's purchase. Graduate and undergraduate students are already being trained to utilize MRI and are playing a pivotal role in analyzing its data, Christ said.

"The field of psychology and funding are moving toward more of a focus on the brain," Christ said. "This technology allows undergrad students applying to graduate school and grad students applying for faculty positions to add tools to their tool belts that make them unique in their market."

Savarese said the technology has enticed her to continue her pursuit of psychology.

"From the first time I saw it, I knew it was something I wanted to continue to be exposed to," Savarese said. "I find the direction neuroscience has taken to be incredibly exciting."

Savarese said she believes she is set for success because of the benefits the Brain Imaging Center represents.

"It's one thing to know the technology is out there," Savarese said. "But it's a whole other thing when we have access to a multi-million dollar fMRI machine with professors who are willing show us how they apply to psychology."