At Swinburne University’s Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Ms Sarah Catchlove is investigating the alternations in cerebrovascular function and physiology. Her supervisors are Associate Professor Andrew Pipingas, Dr Helen Macpherson and Dr Matthew Hughes.

1 – Briefly tell us about your research project.

My project is investigating the alterations in cerebrovascular function and physiology (including cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen, cerebral blood flow and venous oxygenation) that occur with healthy ageing, and how these parameters are related to cognitive performance. The study involved administering a CO2-enriched gas mixture to participants whilst they were in the scanner to assess CVR. During this procedure participants’ vital signs (HR, SpO2, etCO2 and respiratory rate) were monitored using the new MEDRAD patient monitor. I acquired data using phase contrast, ASL, MRS and TRUST sequences, along with the standard T1 and T2 scans.

2 – What imaging equipment are you using?

MRI

3 – How did you find accessing and using the equipment?

I used the online booking form. It was great, very easy to use. Once my protocol was up and running I found the whole process really smooth.

4 – Did you work across sites?

I didn’t work across sites, just at Swinburne.

5 – Thanks for your time Sarah! It’s great to see the integrated use of VBIC equipment such as the Siemens 3 Tesla MRI scanner bringing benefit to researchers at our various centres. The Neuroimaging facilities are also home to the Elekta Magnetoencephalography system (MEG) to accommodate and facilitate interdisciplinary and multi-modal imaging research. The mission at VBIC’s Swinburne Node is to undertake excellent basic and applied research in brain and psychological sciences, in order to improve the understanding f the human condition and contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities.