Dr. Ashley Pike, Ph.D., is a postdoctoral fellow in the Brain Imaging Research Center of the Psychiatric Research Institute (PRI). Her mentor is Dr. Tatiana Wolfe, Ph.D., an assistant professor and medical imaging physicist in PRI’s Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Pike’s primary research goal is to implement advanced neuroimaging techniques for clinical problem solving in multiple sclerosis (MS). Her aim is to contribute to the improved diagnosis and treatment of clinical and cognitive deficits among patients with MS and other disorders of myelin. Beyond her work in neuroimaging, Dr. Pike possesses a profound interest in the psychosocial dimensions of MS. She recognizes the significant impact of cognitive impairment on patients’ overall quality of life and is committed to unraveling its underlying mechanisms—an area that currently lacks effective treatment solutions. Her personal experience as an individual living with MS has deepened her dedication to advancing the realm of MS research and enhancing the lives of fellow individuals coping with the condition. Dr. Pike’s multifaceted approach to neuroimaging and her empathetic connection to those living with MS reflect her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on both the scientific community and the lives of individuals affected by MS and other disorders of myelin.
In 2023, Dr. Pike earned her Ph.D. from the Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences at UAMS. In August 2023, Dr. Pike was awarded the prestigious Health Sciences Innovation and Entrepreneurship (HSIE) postdoctoral fellowship at UAMS. Notably, she was honored with a pre-doctoral training scholarship from the T32 NIDA program at UAMS in 2022, underscoring her exceptional dedication and potential within her field.