John A. Sexton, Ph.D.

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Table of Contents

Education

  • Emory University, Atlanta, GA

    Post Doctoral Fellow, August 2010 - August 2011

    Concentration: Methods and Applications for Imaging Brain Connectivity with fMRI
    Principal Investigator: Xiaoping P. Hu

  • Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN

    Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering (Cum Laude) — February, 2010

    Dissertation Title: Development and Evaluation of Alternative Methods for Functional MRI at 7 Tesla
    Advisor: John C. Gore

  • Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN

    M.S., Biomedical Engineering (Cum Laude) — December, 2006

    Concentration: Human Functional MRI with Sensitivity Encoding (SENSE) at 3 Tesla
    Advisor: John C. Gore

  • Rhodes College, Memphis, TN

    B.S., Physics (Honors and Magna Cum Laude) — May, 2004

Awards & Honors

  • Emory University ORDER Teacher-Scholar (2011 - 2012)
  • National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (2004 - 2007)
  • Harold Stirling Vanderbilt Graduate Scholar Fellowship (2004 - 2010)
  • Vanderbilt University Science & Engineering Deanʼs Fellowship (2004 - 2010)
  • Vanderbilt University Dean's List (2004 - 2010)
  • Phi Beta Kappa (2004)
  • Omicron Delta Kappa (2004)
  • Mortar Board (2004)
  • Sigma Pi Sigma (2004)
  • Rhodes College Hall of Fame (2004)
  • Rhodes College Physics Award (2004)
  • Rhodes College Dean's List (2000 - 2004)
  • Rhodes College Presidential Scholar (2000 - 2004)

Research & Training

  • Emory University, Atlanta, GA

    Post Doctoral Fellow, 2010 - Present. Principal Investigator: Dr. Xiaoping P. Hu
    • Applied Support Vector Machine and Support Vector Regression algorithms to resting state connectivity data to predict age and brain maturity
    • Developed procedures for combined fMRI and EEG analysis using 3D source reconstruction and fMRI priors on EEG data
    • Applied Granger Causality Analysis to combined fMRI and EEG data to track information flow in the brain
    • Wrote and edited 30 pages of material on MR physics, the biophysical basis of fMRI, and methods for fMRI and EEG data analysis for a chapter on fMRI for a forthcoming undergraduate-level neuroscience text book
    • Operated Siemens Trio 3T Scanner to obtain human fMRI data

  • Vanderbilt Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, TN

    Research Assistant, 2004 - 2010. Advisor: Dr. John C. Gore
    • Optimized and developed new methods for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the human brain
    • Focused on high magnetic field (7T) fMRI, parallel imaging techniques, and high resolution 3D acquisitions
    • Wrote many custom signal and image analysis scripts in MATLAB and SPM
    • Operated Philips Achieva 3 Tesla and 7 Tesla human scanners to optimize sequences and obtain data
    • Advised colleagues from psychology and neuroscience on sequence selection and scanner usage
    • Designed experiments, collected and analyzed fMRI data, interpreted and presented results
    • Introduced online collaboration software Basecamp to institute, used to improve communication and productivity

  • St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN

    Research Assistant, 2002 - 2004. Advisor: Dr. Robert J. Ogg
    • Studied fMRI data of attention deficits in survivors of childhood brain cancer
    • Analyzed large sets of fMRI data with SPM, interpreted and presented results
    • Contributed to development of collaborative research program between Rhodes College and St. Jude

  • Rhodes College, Memphis, TN

    Research Assistant, 2001 - 2002. Advisor: Dr. Brent K. Hoffmeister
    • Studied ultrasound data of blood pressure collapse episodes in canine heart due to AC leakage current
    • Analyzed large sets of ultrasound images, interpreted and presented results

Teaching

  • Emory University "On Recent Discoveries by Emory Researchers" (ORDER) Class 2011-2012

    Advisors: Dr. David G. Lynn & Dr. Leslie Taylor
    • Interdisciplinary course taught to incoming Freshmen (Fall 2011) and outgoing Seniors (Spring 2012) with the aim of teaching them how to think like researchers, getting them invested in the scientific process, and closing the gap between science at the graduate and undergraduate level
    • Currently collaborating with teacher-scholars from molecular biology, sociology, anthropology, religion and history to develop a unique course that will bring together our current research
    • Helped Freshmen and Senior undergraduate students develop and execute independent research projects
    • Taught two 6-week module each semester about functional MRI and its broad applications to other disciplines
    • More information about ORDER: http://www.graduateschool.emory.edu/about/special.php?entity_id=93

Book Chapters

  • Chapter Title: Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

    Book Title: Neural Engineering, 2nd Edition

    J.A. Sexton, G. Deshpande, Z. Li, C.B. Glielmi, X.P. Hu

    Accepted, will be published in 2012

Journal Papers

  • High Resolution Retinotopic Mapping at 7 Tesla with Multi-Shot 3D Sequences

    J.D. Swisher, J.A. Sexton, J.C. Gore, J.C. Gatenby, F. Tong

    Accepted, will be published in 2012

  • Effects of Sensitivity Encoding and Physiological Noise on Temporal Signal Stability at 7T

    J.A. Sexton, J.C. Gatenby, B.P. Rogers, J.C. Gore

    Undergoing final revisions

  • Prediction of Age Using Resting-State Functional and Effective Connectivity

    Z. Li, J.A. Sexton, G. Deshpande, X. Hu

    Manuscript in preparation

  • Mechanical Response of the Left Ventricle During AC Induced Hemodynamic Collapse

    B.K. Hoffmeister, J.A. Sexton, B.S. Sheals, A.L. de Jongh, R.A. Malkin

    Computers in Cardiology Volume 29 (2002) pp. 701 - 703.

Conference Abstracts & Presentations

  • Prediction of Age using Resting-State Functional and Effective Connectivity

    Z. Li, J.A. Sexton, G. Deshpande, X. Hu

    International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine 2011, Montreal, Canada

  • Wavelet Analysis of the Small-World Human Brain Functional Network in Adolescents Prenatally Exposed to Cocaine

    L. Jiang, Z. Li, C. Coles, M. Lynch, X. Hu. Presented by J.A. Sexton

    International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine 2011, Montreal, Canada

  • Development and Evaluation of Alternative Methods for Functional MRI at 7T

    J.A. Sexton, J.D. Swisher, J.C. Gore, B.P. Rogers, J.C. Gatenby, F. Tong

    International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine 2010, Stockholm, Sweden

  • High Resolution Retinotopic Mapping at 7 Tesla with Multi-Shot 3D Sequences

    J.D. Swisher, J.A. Sexton, J.C. Gore, J.C. Gatenby, F. Tong

    Visual Sciences Society 2010, Naples, FL

  • Effects of Sensitivity Encoding and Physiological Noise on Temporal Signal Stability at 7T

    J.A. Sexton, J.C. Gatenby, B.P. Rogers, J.C. Gore

    International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine 2009, Honolulu, HI

  • A Multi-Resolution Comparison of Single-Shot Gradient-Echo 2D-EPI, 3D-FFE, and 3D-PRESTO for fMRI at 7T

    J.A. Sexton, J.C. Gore, B.P. Rogers, J.C. Gatenby

    International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine 2009, Honolulu, HI

  • Simple Subject-Specific Spatial Smoothing for BOLD fMRI

    R.K. Barry, J.A. Sexton, J.C. Gore

    International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine 2009, Honolulu, HI

  • Susceptibility Weighted Imaging of Human Brain at 7 Tesla

    E.B. Welch, J.A. Sexton, J.C. Gatenby, M.J. Avison, J.C. Gore

    International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine High Field Workshop 2007, Pacific Grove, CA

  • Attention Deficits in Survivors of Childhood Cancer

    R.J. Ogg, J.A. Sexton, P. Zou, R. Butler, R. Mulhern

    Human Brain Mapping 2004, Budapest, Hungary

  • Attention Deficits in Survivors of Childhood Cancer are Associated with Decreased Lateral Occipital and Anterior Cingulate Activation during a Continuous Performance Test

    R.J. Ogg, J.A. Sexton, P. Zou, R. Butler, R. Mulhern

    International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine 2004, Kyoto, Japan

  • Mechanical Response of the Left Ventricle During AC Induced Hemodynamic Collapse

    B.K. Hoffmeister, J.A. Sexton, B.S. Sheals, A.L. de Jongh, R.A. Malkin

    Computers in Cardiology 2002, Memphis, TN

Invited Lectures

Vanderbilt University Grant & Fellowship Workshop, Nashville, TN

  • Seminar: Securing a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship

Manuscript Reviews

  • Reviewed three manuscripts for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (2009)

Additional Experience & Creative Work

These additional pursuits — Web design, development and strategy, and Improvisational Theatre — are important parts of my life. They provide valuable insights into people, relationships and communication, as well as constant opportunities for creative problem solving. These activities make me a better thinker, scientist, and human being than I might otherwise be.

  • Groupmind Media, Atlanta, GA

    Founder & Creative Director, 2007 - Present

  • Jackpie Theatre Workshop, Atlanta, GA

    Artistic Director, 2010 - 2011
    • Oversaw artistic direction for community of over 100 improvisers
    • Coach for Voodoo Cat Orchestra (10 person team)
    • Revised artistic direction and strategic positioning to focus on story-based improvised theatre
    • Served as artistic consultant for all Jackpie shows, including Improv Monster, Improv! The Musical!, Off Book: The Improvised One-Act Play, And First Cut: The Improvised Movie.

  • Fusebox Theatre Company, Nashville, TN & Richmond, VA

    President, Co-Founder, Managing Director, 2008 - 2010
    • Named “Best New Theatre Company” by Critic’s Choice edition of the Nashville Scene in 2008
    • Directed one cast of 7 individuals for 18 months & another cast of 6 individuals for 12 months
    • Managed company of 3 officers and 10 additional cast members using Basecamp
    • Taught 10+ workshops in advanced improvisation to over 100 students in TN, IL, GA, & VA
    • Planned, booked and performed in over 50 successful shows at 5 different venues
    • Produced weekly charity improv jam from Sept. - Nov. 2008; raised over $1,000 for Gilda’s Club
    • Executive producer (design, development, maintenance) of fuseboxtheatre.com
    • Developed Richmond's first training program in long-form improvisation

  • Improv Nashville, Nashville, TN

    Co-Founder, Director of Development, 2005 - 2008
    • Co-founded Nashville’s first professional improvised theatre company
    • Named “#1 Theatre Company” by Nashville Scene Reader’s Poll in 2007
    • Named “Best New Improv Company” by Critic’s Choice edition of the Nashville Scene in 2006
    • Directed two performance casts varying in size between 8-14 individuals each
    • Taught over 200 students of various skill levels in 15 class sessions
    • Performed in over 100 shows at numerous venues
    • House managed over 50 shows

Teaching & Directing

  • Jackpie Theatre Workshop, Atlanta, GA

    • Elective Course: The Improvised One-Act Play (2011)
    • One-Day Intensive: The Four C's of Scenic Improvisation (2011)

  • Vanderbilt Curb Center for Arts, Enterprise & Public Policy, Nashville, TN

    • Workshop: Speed-Creating: Generating Ideas & Connections Quickly With Improvisation (2010)

  • Gilda's Club, Nashville, TN

    • Improvisation Workshop: Introduction to Applied Improvisation (2009)

  • AD2 Nashville, Nashville, TN

    • Improvisation Workshop: Pick Me! Improv as a Skill for Interviewing (2009)
    • Improvisation Workshop: Improvisation in Effective Public Speaking (2007)

  • Vanderbilt Career Center, Nashville, TN

    • Improvisation Workshop: Improv for Team Communication (2009)
    • Improvisation Workshop: The Four C's of Applied Improvisation (2009)

  • FuseBox Theatre Company, Nashville, TN & Richmond, VA

    • Ensemble Direction: Richmond Comedy Coalition — 2009 - 2011
    • Ensemble Direction: FuseBox Ensemble — 2008 - 2011
    • Ensemble Direction: Mouth Odyssey — 2007 - 2010

  • Improv Nashville, Nashville, TN

    • Level 1 Improvisation: 7 six-week sessions (~16 students per session)
    • Level 2 Improvisation: 6 six-week sessions (~12 students per session)
    • Advanced Improvisation: 1 six-week session (7 students)
    • Writing Sketch Comedy: 1 eight-week session (8 students)
    • Ensemble Direction: Improv Nashville Mainstage — 2005 - 2008
    • Ensemble Direction: Improv Nashville Troupe 93 — 2006 - 2008

  • Workshops in Improvisation (selected)

    • Everyone Can Improvise - Southern Illinois University, Carbondale IL, 2010
    • Longform Improvisation: The Harold - Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 2010
    • Indiana Jones-Prov: Avoiding Common Traps - Spontaneous Combustion, Atlanta, GA, 2010
    • Advanced Editing Techniques - Spontaneous Combustion, Atlanta, GA, 2010
    • Conflict Resolution - Spontaneous Combustion, Atlanta, GA, 2009
    • Breaking Routines - Black Box Improv Festival, Atlanta, GA, 2008
    • Strong Initiations & Maintaining Focus - So. ILL. Improv Comedy Festival, Carbondale, IL, 2008
    • The First Two Lines - Black Box Improv Festival, Atlanta, GA, 2007
    • Advanced Scenework: The Tag-Out - Improv Nashville, Nashville, TN, 2006
    • Advanced Scenework: Contents Under Pressure, Rhodes College, Memphis, TN, 2005

Additional Activities

  • Rhodes College Honor Council - 2002 - 2004
  • Rhodes College Student Government, Senator - 2000 - 2002

Skills

  • Public Speaking
  • Problem Solving
  • Leadership
  • Teaching
  • Improvisation
  • Critical Thinking
  • Project Management

Software

  • Adobe Photoshop CS4
  • Adobe Illustrator CS4
  • Basecamp
  • Microsoft Office & Apple iWork Suites
  • Proficiency in MAC & PC Environments

Programming Languages

  • MATLAB
  • XHTML
  • CSS
  • PHP
  • jQuery
  • Wordpress
  • Thesis Theme Framework for Wordpress

References

  • Available upon request.