Dr. Andrew Reilly Segerdahl [He/Him]

I am a senior postdoctoral researcher at the Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (WIN), University of Oxford. The primary aim of my research is to understand how the human brain produces the experience of pain. Presently, we know little about how the brain does this. Consequently, our ability to relieve pain or to prevent it from becoming a chronic disease is severely limited. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) is a powerful tool that makes it possible to safely image human brain structure and record its function noninvasively. My work employs FMRI to identify what the structural and functional correlates of pain are in both healthy adults and patients. My hope is that by understanding the physiological processes of how the brain constructs the perception of pain, it will be possible to develop novel, effective therapeutic approaches to treat chronic pain and to reduce the long-term suffering that is commonly associated with it. My research is funded by the Wellcome.

At the start of 2018, I started working with Dr. Stacie Allan and Dr. Carinne Piekema to create an LGBTQ+ Action Group for the WIN. The aim of this group is to: i) increase visibility of LGBTQ+ scientists and staff at the WIN; ii) promote a message of inclusivity to young students considering a career in STEM; iii) develop a LGBTQ+ “toolbox” of educational materials specific to the WIN; iv) work alongside other diversity-focused efforts within the WIN to ensure our efforts intersect and are synergistic.

More information can be found on the WIN twitter account @OxfordWIN. Andrew's personal twitter: @andysegerdahl