Scholarly Focus: Dr. Shih initiated his independent research at the Medical University of South Carolina (2012‐2018) before moving to the city of Seattle. His research uses state‐of‐the‐art in vivo imaging methods to examine the basis of neurovascular function and dysfunction in models of stroke and small vessel disease. His recent studies have focused on microscopic ischemic lesions often observed in VCID (cerebral microinfarcts), and their enduring effects that may contribute to cognitive impairment. A second line of research examines microvascular pericytes and their role in maintaining vascular stability in the developing and adult brain. His research has been continually funded by the NIH (NINDS and NIA), and by

Foundations such as the American Heart Association, Dana Foundation Neuroimaging Award, Alzheimer’s Association New Investigator Award, and Charleston Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease New Vision Award. More information can be found on his lab website: Theshihlab.com.

Research Funding:

2022‐2024            In vivo two-photon imaging of vascular invasion and stem cell translocation in calvarial bone), R21 DE031942-01A1. Role: MPI, Total Award: $518,375

2023‐2028            Pericyte control of capillary perfusion in the Alzheimer's disease brain), R01AG081840-01. Role: PI, Total Award: $4,342,678

2022‐2027            Role of Microglia in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease (CSVD)/Vascular Cognitive Impairment (VCI), R01NS124627. Role: Site-PI, Total Award: $948,621

2022‐2025            Brain Drain: In Vivo Optical Interrogation of Venular Function in Gray and White Matter, R01AG077731. Role: PI, Total Award: $2,459,487

2021‐2024            The Roles of Pericyte-Derived laminin in Neurovascular Function and neurodegeneration, RF1AG065345. Role: Site-PI, Total Award: $1,015,158

2020‐2025            Pericyte structural plasticity and cerebrovascular health, R01AG062738. Role: PI, Total Award: $2,812,649

2017‐2023            Deciphering the Cerebral Microinfarct and its Role in Vascular Cognitive Impairment, R01 NS097775. Role: PI, Total Award: $1,964,790