Research Programs and Labs Masthead

Laboratory Focus

Imaging-based biomarkers play a critical role in many neuropathologies, ideally giving insight into the structural and functional changes in the brain that lead to clinical manifestations of disease. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is sensitive to downstream indicators of neuropathology but often lacks specificity to the underlying causes of disease. More advanced imaging methods provide unique and complementary information that is directly related to pathophysiology and could have a significant clinical impact that crosscuts all aspects of patient management.

Our research focuses on developing, validating, and translating advanced MRI acquisition and analysis methods to noninvasively assess neurological diseases and disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. These advanced imaging methods include methods to interrogate brain hemodynamics (perfusion MRI), microstructure (diffusion MRI), and brain function (functional MRI). The long-term goal of our research is to develop advanced imaging biomarkers that can inform on the underlying disease pathophysiology.

Ashley Stokes, PhD
Ashley M. Stokes, PhD
Assistant Professor, Neuroimaging Research

Contact Information

Ashley Stokes, PhD
Assistant Professor, Neuroimaging Research
Barrow Neurological Institute
350 West Thomas Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85013
Ashley.Stokes@DignityHealth.org