Brenda L. Bartnik-Olson

Brenda L. Bartnik-Olson, PhD is an Associate Professor in both the Radiology Department and the Basic Sciences, Biomed Engineering Science Division at Loma Linda University School of Medicine. She also serves as Co-Director of Research for the Radiology Department. With a PhD from the University of Saskatchewan (2002), Dr. Bartnik-Olson has established herself as a leading researcher in neuroimaging and traumatic brain injury, particularly in pediatric populations.

Her educational background includes:

• Doctor of Philosophy, University of Saskatchewan, 2002

Dr. Bartnik-Olson's research program focuses on advanced neuroimaging techniques to study brain metabolism and structural changes following injury. Her work spans multiple areas including:

• Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) for measuring cerebral metabolism
• Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) for assessing white matter integrity
• Hyperpolarized carbon-13 MRI for studying real-time brain metabolism
• Pediatric traumatic brain injury and concussion
• Neuroimaging biomarkers for predicting functional outcomes
• Quantitative susceptibility mapping for measuring cerebral oxygenation

Her extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on understanding the metabolic and structural changes following brain injury, with particular emphasis on pediatric populations. Her research often involves multimodal imaging approaches and large collaborative efforts through the ENIGMA Consortium, which has resulted in standardized methodologies for multi-scanner studies and identification of key biomarkers for injury and recovery.

Dr. Bartnik-Olson has secured numerous research projects as Principal Investigator or co-investigator, including:

• Steerable Laser Interstitial Thermotherapy (SLIT) Robot for Brain Tumor Therapy (2023-2026)
• Personalized Profiles of Pathology in Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury (2022-2026)
• Federal Pediatric TBI and DAI: Normal appearing brain is not normal (2024-2025)
• Neural basis of social cognition deficits in youth with autism and schizophrenia (2020)

She serves on the MRI Safety Committee (2014-2021) and is a reviewer for Neurotrauma Reports. Her professional society memberships include the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (2015-2021), National Neurotrauma Society (2009-2021), and International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (2006-2021), where she has presented her research regularly. Dr. Bartnik-Olson teaches courses including Cross Sectional Radiographic Anatomy and Topics in Rehabilitation, demonstrating her commitment to education alongside her research endeavors.