Natalie Zahr

Director of Translational Imaging @SRI

Menlo Park, CA, US

I spearhead all aspects of our animal imaging program. In this role, I have been involved with installing a Bruker preclinical magnet with ancillary equipment; optimization of novel, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences; building of an Arduino-based microstimulator; and establishing appropriate anesthetic protocols for experiments including permitting optogenetic functional MRI and longitudinal tracking of alcohol-exposed cohorts.For human studies, I direct and oversee many aspects of data collection including innovations in recruitment strategies, training of personnel, and conventions for MRI scan organization and backup. I have incorporated novel assays comprising force platform experiments to quantify balance and tremor, computerized tests and questionnaires, and complex blood collection for assessment of analytes including cytokines, chemokines, and other relevant blood markers.Together, these efforts have contributed to multi-level insight into our understanding of how the effects of alcohol or HIV on peripheral physiological processes may contribute to changes in the central nervous system. My translational work in human and animal models has thus far explored the potential contribution of liver integrity, nutrition, and peripheral immune mechanisms on brain macrostructure (MRI), microstructure (DTI), biochemistry (MRS), and function (fMRI).

Northeastern University

Master's degree, Neuropharmacology

UCLA

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Philosophy

Boston University School of Medicine

PhD, Neurophysiology