Question and Answer Session with Dr. Lars A. Ross
In the heart of the University of Rochester Medical Center, research assistant professor Lars A. Ross, PhD, is making strides in the field of Imaging Sciences and Neuroscience. His work focuses on understanding the intricate process of multisensory integration in the brain, a phenomenon that allows us to perceive and interpret information from different sensory modalities.
Ross, a former PhD student at The City College of New York, completed his studies in cognitive neuroscience before moving to Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany, where he earned a graduate degree in psychology. His journey led him back to the institution where he now works, drawn by an opening in the Imaging Sciences Department for a researcher specializing in perfusion post-processing, a novel technique in neuroimaging used to diagnose brain tumors.
Ross's research extends beyond the laboratory, delving into the development and application of advanced MRI methods to study brain microstructure, connectivity, and pathology. He is particularly interested in investigating neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease using imaging biomarkers. Furthermore, he employs multimodal imaging approaches to understand brain injury, recovery, and plasticity.
The simplicity and broad applicability of a quote from Andy Warhol resonate with Ross. "Sometimes people let the same problem make them miserable for years when they could just say, 'So what?'" Warhol's words offer a piece of advice that Ross finds appealing, and he believes it has relevance to both his work and personal life. The quote encourages a proactive and solution-oriented approach to problem-solving, a mindset that Ross strives to embody in his research.
Ross's primary research focus lies in audiovisual speech perception, but he also explores differences in multisensory integration in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism. In recent years, his work has been predominantly behavioural experiments and neuroimaging, employing psychophysics, electroencephalography, and transcranial direct current stimulation.
Despite the appeal of Warhol's advice, Ross acknowledges that following it can be challenging. Nevertheless, he finds inspiration in the quote's message, using it as a reminder to maintain a positive outlook and persevere in the face of obstacles. As he continues his research at the University of Rochester Medical Center, split between the Imaging Sciences and Neuroscience departments, Ross remains committed to making significant contributions to our understanding of the brain and its functions.
Ross's research transcends the borders of traditional neuroscience, delving into health-and-wellness arena by employing advanced MRI methods to examine neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's. While the simplicity and broad applicability of Andy Warhol's quote motivate him, Ross's work in science, particularly audiovisual speech perception and multisensory integration in neurodevelopmental disorders, underscores the importance of a proactive and solution-oriented approach when confronting research challenges.
