Jia Guo’s research focuses on the improvement of technology and methods to advance magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) in translational brain research. Of particular interest, Jia has dedicated his effort to develop MRI-based tools and computational modeling methods in mouse models at 9.4T designed to measure ‘slow functional’ changes in the brain - slow changes in synaptic density or slow changes in functional neurochemistry. The goal is to provide state-of-the-art magnetic resonance methodologies in order to enhance its translational potential in understanding the neurobiology of mental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.