Dan Franc

Ph. D. 2008

Thesis Title:

Quantification of uncertainty in DTI tractography of cerebral white matter

Current Position:

Co-Director, Adult Hydrocephalus Center, Department of Neurology, Pacific Neuroscience Institute.

Former Position:

Resident, Neurology, University of California - Los Angeles

Major Advisor(s):

Kelvin O. Lim, M.D.

Research Description:

We are investigating white matter pathology and physiology using magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in neuropsychiatric disease populations, including schizophrenia, cocaine addiction, fetal alcohol syndrome, diabetes mellitus and myotonic dystrophy. White matter integrity is additionally being investigated in animal models of these diseases at high magnetic field using diffusion-weighted imaging sequences that we are currently developing.
In order to better understand the nature of the MR diffusion-weighted signal, we are modeling the effects of noise and MRI acquisition parameters on the diffusion signal.

Lab Rotations:

  • Karen Ashe
  • Walter Low
  • Kelvin Lim

Graduate Level Minor:

  • Medicine

Selected Publications:

  • Franc DT, Muetzel RL, Robinson PR, Rodriguez CP, Dalton JC, Naughton CE, Mueller BA, Wozniak JR, Lim KO, Day JW. Cerebral and muscle MRI abnormalities in myotonic dystrophy. Neuromuscul Disord. 2012;22(6):483-491.
  • Franc DT, Kodl CT, Mueller BA, Muetzel RL, Lim KO, Seaquist ER. High connectivity between reduced cortical thickness and disrupted white matter tracts in long-standing type 1 diabetes. Diabetes. 2011;60(1):315-319.
  • Kodl CT, Franc DT, Rao JP, Anderson FS, Thomas W, Mueller BA, Lim KO, Seaquist ER. Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) identifies deficits in white matter microstructure in subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus that correlate with reduced neurocognitive function. Diabetes. 2008;57(11):3083-9.
  • Lim KO, Wozniak JR, Mueller BA, Franc DT, Specker SM, Rodriguez CP, Silverman AB, Rotrosen JP. Brain macrostructural and microstructural abnormalities in cocaine dependence. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2008;92(1-3):164-172.

Awards and Honors:

  • Neuro-Physical Computational Science NIH Predoctoral Training Program, 2006-2007

Home Town:

  • Knoxville, Iowa
Dan Franc