Donna J. Cross

Donna J. Cross, PhD, serves as Research Associate Professor in the Department of Radiology & Imaging Sciences at the University of Utah, directing the NeuroImaging and Biotechnology Laboratory (NIBL). Her work pioneers neuroimaging applications to transform therapeutic and diagnostic approaches for neurological disorders and dementia through advanced techniques like MR-guided focused ultrasound and molecular imaging.

Dr. Cross's academic foundation includes a PhD and BSE from the University of Michigan, senior fellowship training at the University of Washington, and additional studies at Michigan State University. Her educational journey established the groundwork for her innovative research in brain imaging and therapeutic development.

Her research program spans neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, and dementia, with emphasis on Alzheimer's disease mechanisms, spinal cord injury treatment via focused ultrasound, and intranasal drug delivery systems. NIBL's projects integrate molecular imaging, AI-driven analysis, and cross-species models to address critical gaps in neurological care. Recent publications demonstrate accelerating focus on AI-enhanced imaging biomarkers, avian cognition models for human brain function, and microtubule-stabilizing therapies for neurodegeneration. These works reveal growing interdisciplinary convergence between computational neuroscience, therapeutic delivery systems, and translational neurotrauma research.

As 2022/2023 president of the SNMMI Brain Imaging Council and active NIH study section participant, Dr. Cross shapes national research priorities. Her laboratory receives funding from the International Atomic Energy Agency and Alzheimer's Association for multi-center dementia imaging and intranasal therapy development. NIBL operates as a multidisciplinary hub with faculty collaborators, lab technologists, and student researchers advancing seven core projects from brain mapping to traumatic injury therapeutics.