Neuronal activation detection with fMRI
Developing statistical methods to detect activation-related changes in complex-valued fMRI measurements, with current emphasis on information carried by MR signal phase.
Current research
Statistical inference for complex-valued fMRI.
In Marquette’s Functional Magnetic Resonance Image Analysis Lab, I study statistical models for detecting changes associated with neural activity in complex-valued MR measurements, with particular attention to information carried by signal phase.
Phase-only detection with unrestricted magnitude
Developing and evaluating detection models in which condition-related changes are expressed through phase while signal magnitude remains unrestricted, using likelihood-based estimation, profiling, simulation, and hypothesis testing.
Independent computational project
Generalized Open-System Spin Simulator for MRI
Six interactive demonstrations connecting spin-½ density-matrix dynamics with ensemble-scale MRI behavior. The sequence covers unitary precession, Lindblad relaxation, spherical phase-space representations, driven steady states, and multi-isochromat stimulated echo formation.
Launch the simulations ↗01Zeeman precession→
02T2 dephasing→
03Wigner & Husimi-Q maps→
04T1 driven steady state→
05Hahn spin echo→
06Stimulated echo pathways→
Education
Physics, Mathematics, and Statistics.
My academic background combines undergraduate training in biophysics and mathematics with graduate study in computational, mathematical, and statistical methods.
2025—Present
Ph.D. in Computational Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, in progress
Marquette University · Milwaukee, Wisconsin
2025—Present
M.S. in Applied Statistics, in progress
Marquette University · Milwaukee, Wisconsin
2021—2025
B.S. in Biophysics (Physics) · Minor in Mathematics
Marquette University · Cum laude · Sigma Pi Sigma
Selected graduate coursework
Theory of Probability · Computational Probability · Mathematical Statistics · Time Series · Regression · Scientific Computing · Linear Algebra · Design of Experiments · Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Medical College of Wisconsin)
Selected undergraduate coursework
Quantum Mechanics · Electrodynamics · Waves and Oscillations · Computation Methods in Physics · Statistical Machine Vision · Introduction to MRI Analysis · Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory · Differential Equations · Cellular Neurobiology
Teaching
Teaching experience.
Teaching assistantships in the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences at Marquette University.
Calculus I
Teaching assistant.
Business Calculus
Teaching assistant for two semesters.
Modern Elementary Statistics
Teaching assistant.
Biostatistical Methods and Models
Teaching assistant.
Earlier work
Undergraduate research.
Computational and experimental work in reflectance confocal microscopy, image reconstruction, and biological-tissue optics.
Reflectance confocal microscopy
This work combined computational imaging, numerical simulation, and experimental scanner characterization. I developed image-reconstruction and signal-processing methods for reflectance confocal microscopy, modeled light propagation through biological tissue, and investigated scanner-induced image artifacts. The work resulted in a peer-reviewed publication and seven distinct research posters presented across nine conferences.
Methods and contributions
- Developed signal-processing and image-reconstruction methods for reflectance confocal microscopy.
- Applied FFT-based convolution to confocal image reconstruction and enhancement.
- Built Monte Carlo simulations of light propagation through biological tissue.
- Characterized high-frequency galvanometer scanner response and investigated methods for reducing image artifacts.
Research areas
Confocal microscopy · Image reconstruction · FFT convolution · Monte Carlo simulation · Biological-tissue optics · Scanner characterization
Research outputs
Publication and presentations.
Peer-reviewed work and selected presentations from undergraduate research in computational optical imaging.
Peer-reviewed publications
Donahue, D., McEvoy, O., & Erickson-Bhatt, S. “Noise Reduction and Image Reconstruction for a Custom-Built Confocal Imaging System.” Journal of Undergraduate Research in Physics and Astronomy, 34, 100004 (2024). DOI: 10.1063/10.0034185 ↗
Poster presentations
McEvoy, O., Rowe, D., & Erickson-Bhatt, S. “Mitigating Image Artifacts from Inertial Non-Linearity in High-Frequency Galvanometer Scanner Response.” Klinger College of Arts and Sciences Celebration of Research · November 13, 2024 · Marquette University
McEvoy, O., Rowe, D., & Erickson-Bhatt, S. “FFT Convolution for Enhancement and SNR Reduction of Reflectance-Based Confocal Microscopy Images.” Klinger College of Arts and Sciences Celebration of Research · November 13, 2024 · Marquette University
Donahue, D., McEvoy, O., & Erickson-Bhatt, S. “Optimization of Optical Imaging Parameters in a Custom-Built Confocal Microscope.” SPST Virtual Conference · April 19, 2024
McEvoy, O., Donahue, D., & Erickson-Bhatt, S. “Signal Processing and Image Reconstruction of Reflectance Confocal Microscopy Data.” SPST Virtual Conference · April 19, 2024
McEvoy, O., Donahue, D., Tyler, S., & Erickson-Bhatt, S. “Development of MATLAB-Based Image-Processing Methods for Laser-Light Confocal Microscopy in Two and Three Dimensions.” WAPT/SPS National Physics Conference · November 3–4, 2023 · Marquette University Klinger College of Arts and Sciences Celebration of Research · November 13, 2023 · Marquette University
Donahue, D., McEvoy, O., Tyler, S., & Erickson-Bhatt, S. “Analysis of Customized Optical Parameters in a Laser-Scanning Confocal Microscope.” WAPT/SPS National Physics Conference · November 3–4, 2023 · Marquette University Klinger College of Arts and Sciences Celebration of Research · November 13, 2023 · Marquette University
McEvoy, O., Donahue, D., & Erickson-Bhatt, S. “Development of Monte Carlo Simulation Code to Model Light Propagation Through Biological Tissues.” Klinger College of Arts and Sciences Celebration of Research · November 13, 2022 · Marquette University