Skip to main content

# Alexandra Badea

Associate Professor in Radiology
Radiology
alexandra.badea@duke.edu
Box 3302 Duke University Medic, Durham, NC 27710
Center for in Vivo Microscopy, Room 139 Bryan Research Building, Durham, NC 27710
Manage Profile
Embed Profile Data

## Overview

I have a joint appointment in Radiology and Neurology and my research focuses on neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. I work on imaging and analysis to provide a comprehensive characterization of the brain. MRI is particularly suitable for brain imaging, and diffusion tensor imaging is an important tool for studying brain microstructure, and the connectivity amongst gray matter regions.
I am interested in image segmentation, morphometry and shape analysis, as well as in integrating information from MRI with genetics, and behavior. Our approaches target: 1) phenotyping the neuroanatomy using imaging; 2) uncovering the link between structural and functional changes, the genetic bases, and environmental factors. I am interested in generating methods and tools for comprehensive phenotyping.
We use high-performance cluster computing to accelerate our image analysis. We use compressed sensing image reconstruction, and process large image arrays using deformable registration, perform segmentation based on multiple image contrasts including diffusion tensor imaging, as well as voxel, and graph analysis for connectomics.
At BIAC my efforts focus on developing multivariate biomarkers and identifying vulnerable networks based on genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease.
My enthusiasm comes from the possibility to extend from single to integrative multivariate and network based analyses to obtain a comprehensive picture of normal development and aging, stages of disease, and the effects of treatments. I am working on multivariate image analysis and predictive modeling approaches to help better understand early biomarkers for human disease indirectly through mouse models, as well as directly in human studies.
I am dedicated to supporting an increase in female presence in STEM fields, and love working with students. The Bass Connections teams involve undergraduate students in research, providing them the opportunity to do independent research studies and get involved with the community. These students have for example takes classes such as:
BME 394: Projects in Biomedical Engineering (GE)
BME 493: Projects in Biomedical Engineering (GE)
ECE 899: Special Readings in Electrical Engineering
NEUROSCI 493: Research Independent Study 1

## Current Appointments & Affiliations

Associate Professor in Radiology · 2021 - Present Radiology, Clinical Science Departments
Associate Professor in Neurology · 2023 - Present Neurology, Behavioral Neurology, Neurology
Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering · 2017 - Present Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering
Member of the Center for Brain Imaging and Analysis · 2018 - Present Duke-UNC Center for Brain Imaging and Analysis, Institutes and Centers

## Education, Training & Certifications

University of Patras (Greece) · 2003 Ph.D.

## Web Links

See my Duke University School of Medicine Page - Click Here See my Duke Radiology Page - Click Here