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Dissertation Defense (IPN): Apoorva Kaushik
Apr 19, 2024, 12:00 - 2:00 PM
KB 229
Dissertation Defense for the PhD in Neuroscience for Apoorva Kaushik
Dissertation Chair: Frank Krueger, PhD (SSB/IPN)
Title: Structural Neural Correlates of Social Networks
Abstract: Social networks are vital for human interactions, with the social brain hypothesis positing neocortex size evolved to meet social cognitive demands, yet neural associations remain unclear. This dissertation utilizes the Social Network Index, voxel-based morphometry, and diffusion tensor imaging to probe gray and white matter associations. Findings revealed an inverse link between dorsomedial prefrontal cortex and network size, mediated by cognitive empathy, and greater white matter integrity in the superior longitudinal fasciculus. Distinctive associations between cingulum integrity, cognitive empathy, and network size were also found. These findings deepen our understanding of social cognition and neural substrates, particularly in social networks.