Global Perspectives: The Significance of Visiting Scholars in Research and Teaching at the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences - Part 2 of 4: Dr. Ais Sheldon, PhD
BACKGROUND
Ais Sheldon (they/them) completed their undergraduate and master’s degrees in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of York, UK, where they were first introduced to brain imaging using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Reflecting on this experience, Ais noted, “There is something very special about imaging a person's brain, knowing that this holds all their thoughts, feelings and memories. Cortical architecture is incredibly intricate, and just as every person is an individual, our brains are also completely unique.” Subsequently, they pursued a PhD in Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Oxford, UK, specializing using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MR-spectroscopy) to non-invasively measure brain chemistry in a clinical cohort of individuals who have vision loss from inherited retinal degeneration. Following this, Ais completed their first postdoctoral position focusing on functional MR-spectroscopy, specifically investigating dynamic changes in human brain chemistry.
RESEARCH AND CONNECTION
Ais (right) setting up a participant to measure their visual function.
Ais’ research non-invasively investigates the human visual system in both health and in conditions that cause visual dysfunction. They specialize in ultra-high field imaging (3 and 7 tesla) and predominantly use static, dynamic and multi voxel MR-spectroscopy to measure human brain chemistry within the visual cortex. They also use a variety of other MRI techniques including population receptive field (PRF) mapping, which maps the topographic organization of the visual world within the primary visual cortex. In addition, Ais has a background in psychophysics, which they use to measure visual function, such as the ability to discern contrast between images.
CONNECTING WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
In 2022, Ais attended the Vision Sciences Society conference in St. Pete Beach, FL, where they presented their PhD research. During this event, they met Dr. Michael-Paul Schallmo, PhD, who would later become their mentor. At the conference, Dr. Schallmo introduced Ais to the Psychosis Human Connectome Project, which focuses on understanding differences in the brain’s visual system in people with psychosis. Ais and Dr. Schallmo discussed this project in detail, in particular how MR-spectroscopy can be used to better understand the role of brain chemistry in psychosis. Reflecting on the significance of the project, Ais remarked, "I recognised that this was an opportunity for us to combine our skills to analyze a substantial dataset that could help us better understand brain function in those with psychosis." This led Ais to apply for funding to conduct postdoctoral research at the University of Minnesota. Ais is now here for a two-year term through the President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship.
TIME WITH OUR DEPARTMENT
Ais is aiming to gain a deeper understanding of the role of brain chemistry in individuals with psychosis, and how this affects the visual system, for example, during hallucinations. They plan to analyze data from the Psychosis Human Connectome Project, with the objective of understanding how brain chemistry changes in individuals with psychosis, and to determine if there are similar changes among their biological relatives without psychosis. Additionally, Ais plans to use machine learning methods to predict symptom levels based on patterns of brain chemistry.
LIVING IN THE USA
Minnesota winters are truly something to experience, especially if you've yet to find yourself in the middle of one. In the meantime, Ais has been soaking up the warm summer sun, something they don’t often get back home. They have already explored lakes, beaches, and various food spots, with vegan soul food from Trio Plant Based being a favorite. On something they found surprising about the Twin Cities, was discovering the indoor theme park inside the Mall of America!
ON A FINAL NOTE
Ais has felt welcomed into the department since day one, as well as by the broader community. “I feel very at home here, which I deeply appreciate, especially since I moved to the States alone, leaving behind everyone I know and love,” they shared. As a non-binary lesbian, Ais also noted that they feel “very comfortable in my identity here, which is really important, I find that this is a very supportive environment for being true to yourself."
