Valentina Mazzoli, PhD

My research group's central focus is the application of MRI to study the structure and function of muscle in the body. We develop and validate novel imaging techniques to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment monitoring for musculoskeletal disorders. This work stems from my passion to connect across clinical applications, biomechanics, and basic science to offer new insights into muscle physiology, benefiting patients with conditions such as muscular dystrophy and other degenerative muscle diseases.

An area of particular interest is the application of quantitative MRI to study skeletal muscle aging and sarcopenia, to characterize tissue composition and detect early degenerative changes in the musculature of older adults, which can facilitate the adoption of effective strategies to delay or prevent further degeneration.

One of our primary goals is to establish quantitative MRI biomarkers that can be integrated with biomechanics and biophysical modeling to enable early detection of muscle diseases, improve the monitoring of novel therapeutic interventions, and ultimately help to preserve or restore skeletal muscle health.