Behind the Brain

I recently spoke with Pier Bressan, a recent graduate in Neuroscience and Psychology from Boston University. He currently works as a research assistant in the Neurophotonics Center’s Boas Lab, where researchers are exploring how the brain recovers after injury. “Our lab uses advanced optical imaging techniques to study brain function,” Pier explains. “One part of the lab works on fundamental neuroscience and imaging method development, and the other applies those tools to disease models, including stroke — which is where my work is focused.”

Understanding Stroke and Brain Blood Flow

Pier’s research looks closely at the brain’s smallest blood vessels — the capillaries — and how they behave after an ischemic stroke, when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked. Stroke disrupts the brain’s delicate blood supply, and studying these microvascular changes could help guide future treatments. A key area of interest is the penumbra, the brain tissue surrounding the core of the stroke injury. In this
region, cells are impaired but still alive, making it an important target for recovery efforts.

Optical Imaging for Recovery Research

The Boas Lab uses optical spectroscopy and imaging to track how blood flow patterns change over time in animal models of stroke. These non-invasive imaging techniques allow researchers to monitor the same regions in the brain repeatedly, giving insight into how recovery unfolds. “By following these changes over days and weeks, we can get a better sense of which patterns of blood flow are associated with better outcomes,” Pier says.

Ethics and Animal Welfare

Pier’s work involves research in mice, conducted under strict ethical oversight. “We take animal welfare seriously,” he emphasizes. “All procedures are reviewed and approved by our institutional animal care committee, and our goal is to minimize discomfort while gathering data that can help patients. We understand that their purpose is to advance research that will ultimately help people, but that doesn’t diminish our responsibility to treat them with proper care”.

From Italy to Boston

Pier’s journey to neuroscience began in Italy, where he was also a competitive swimmer. He moved to the U.S. to attend Boston University, balancing Division I athletics with academics before focusing fully on research. Now, he is preparing to apply to medical school with the goal of becoming a neurosurgeon. “Neurosurgery combines research, precision, and patient care,” Pier says. “It’s a career that allows me to keep asking scientific questions while directly helping people.”

This interview highlights the important work being done at Boston University’s Boas Lab to better understand brain recovery and develop strategies that could improve outcomes for stroke patients in the future.