Graduate Student
Email: dana.parker@uci.edu
Dana Parker
About Me
Projects
Research Interests
Fun!
I received a Bachelors of Music in Education from University of the Pacific in 2013 and directed a program of over 300 students for 5 years. During this time I completed a Master’s of Science in Psychology focusing on neuropsychiatry. After earning my M.S. I began my research career at the Stanford University School of Medicine’s Psychiatry department where I discovered my passion for MRI and coding. From there I moved to the Neuroscience department and worked as an Imaging and Data Research Scientist for the John Day Lab working on both brain and whole-body diffusion imaging. As a graduate student in the Yassa lab I hope to continue my contributions to the world of diffusion MRI while working on Alzheimer’s Disease and neurodegeneration. I am particularly interested in the application of neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) and how it can be applied to the aging population via multishell MRI scanning.
Lab Research Projects
I contribute to the following research areas in the Translational Neuroscience Laboratory.
I love all things diffusion MRI and hope to apply this technique in new ways to Alzheimer’s Disease and aging in general.
Having just moved to Orange County after living in Northern California my whole life I am loving getting to know the area and all of the great outdoor beach and water activities. My husband (a San Diego native) has been converting me to a SoCal person and a typical weekend has us spending time outside with our amazing corgi Jinxx and then finishing the evening off with craft cocktails. I also enjoy reading, playing video games and pretending to be good at pickleball.
What the lab means to me…
“As both a non-traditional student and a neuroscientist, the opportunity to spread my wings and develop new diffusion techniques in the lab is truly a gift. Many environments would look down on someone with such a unique background, but already it is clear that the diversity and experiences that each lab member brings to the table are not only welcomed here but encouraged. It is a very special space to call home.”
