AI Research Catalyst Fund Awardees Virtual Seminar Series

“AI-Enabled Imaging Biomarker Identification Utilizing Percolation Theory in Alzheimer’s Disease”

by Parker Kotlarz
Undergraduate student in J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering conducting research in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering
PI: Dr. Juan Claudio Nino

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

ABSTRACT:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease accounting for 60%-80% of cases of dementia with symptoms including memory loss, confusion, changes in personality, social  withdrawal, and language difficulties. Our objective is to identify biomarkers for AD through the quantification of the associated changes in the diseased brain’s neural network (connectome). Utilizing fMRI data, connectomic and percolation theory analysis can be augmented by the use of HiPerGator and machine learning techniques. As a proof of concept for this approach, this talk will demonstrate the validity of employing percolation theory on an AD mouse model by examining anterior-toposterior connectivity, vulnerability, and connectivity quantifiers. Additionally, an introduction to our work with the ADNI human database will also be presented.

Bio:  

Parker Kotlarz is an undergraduate student in Dr. Juan Nino’s lab where he currently focuses on utilizing graph theory to elucidate brain connectivity changes. Parker has previously worked on machine learning in materials science development with his work published in Computational Materials Science. Additionally, he has researched memristive technology, currently with a book chapter accepted, and manufactured devices to study the neuromuscular junction. Parker has presented at numerous conferences for his various works including the National Academy of Neuropsychology’s annual conference, Association for Psychological Science Virtual Conference, Neuroscience Next 2020, and Networks 2021. He is heavily involved in the medical field outside of research including interning at Anchor Neuroscience, volunteering at the Health and Hope Clinic, and serving on the Student Health Advisory Council. He also acts as a leader in the UF community as a BMEntor and as vice president of Tau Beta Pi Florida Alpha.

Wednesday, September 15, 2021
12:00PM – 1:00PM
Via Zoom

RSVP below. Instructions to attend talk via Zoom will be emailed to you.