Cassandra Sampaio Baptista

My research focuses on functional and structural plasticity with learning and rehabilitation.

I use a combination of MR methods and histological techniques in both human and rodents.

During my Dphil I tested whether factors such as performance level or amount of practice influence brain changes at a functional, structural and neurochemical level in humans. I have also used animal models of learning in combination with MRI and histology to investigate the underlying cellular mechanisms of white-matter structural plasticity.

Recently I have developed an interest in real-time feedback fMRI in order to investigate how intentional modulation of brain activity can lead to functional brain changes and behavioural improvements and thus be applied to rehabilitation of stroke patients.