About the event

Functional Neuroimaging in the Era of Big
Data and Open Science

Abstract: In the past thirty years, functional neuroimaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have revolutionized the study of the human brain. At the same time, problems with reproducibility and replicability have plagued the field, owing in part to historically small sample sizes, a plethora of choices at the data preprocessing and analysis stages, and a lack of transparency in reporting. In this talk, I will give a general introduction to fMRI, its strengths, and its weaknesses. I will then survey some of the issues surrounding reproducibility and replicability of neuroimaging studies. Some remedy may come in the form of Open Science practices, which I will also discuss.

Speaker Biography: Dr. Nicole Lazar is the Department Head and Professor of Statistics at Penn State. Dr. Lazar received her PhD in Statistics from the University of Chicago in 1996. She received her MS in Statistics from Stanford University in 1993, and a BA in Psychology and Statistics (highest honors) from Tel Aviv University in 1988. Her research interests include the foundations of statistical inference and the analysis of functional neuroimaging data. In particular, she has worked on fundamental inferential topics such as model selection, multiple testing problems, and likelihood theory, specifically in the context of modern large-scale data analysis problems. She has done pioneering work on the statistical analysis of cognitive neuroscience data, with a focus on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Most recently, Lazar has been involved in the application of topological data analysis methods to scientific questions of interest in psychology and climatology. These techniques are at the interface of statistics, mathematics, and computer science, and exemplify her cross-disciplinary approach to research. A more complete biography and list of her history can be found on her faculty page.

The Calvin and Jean Long Distinguished Lecture in Mathematics

An endowed fund that brings internationally renowned mathematics scholars to the WSU campus to discuss research and current topics. A public lecture geared toward community members and members without a deep mathematical background is paired with a more in-depth colloquium with faculty and students.

The lecture honors Calvin Long, professor emeritus (1956–92) and former department chair (1970–78) and his wife, Jean.