Dr. Hemond's research capitalizes on the use of high-resolution MRI sequences, in particular structural, susceptibility-sensitive (iron), and diffusion imaging to characterize microstructural MS lesion features.

Through these detailed MRI assessment, he and his lab aim to discover new biomarkers that can be used to improve medical decision-making at the bedside. Iron rim lesions, for example, are seen almost exclusively in MS but not other disease mimics; these markers will help improve the diagnostic process. Microstructural features of the MS lesion likely give insight into the current and future disease severity. Identifying patients who are at high risk for a more severe disease course will allow a more personalized approach to treatment, reducing harms and maximizing benefits of the increasing number of options available in MS care.  Microstructural lesion characteristics may also yield insight into the pathophysiology of MS itself. 

Dr. Hemond's research additionally aims to capture how these microstrucrual aspects of MS lesions evolve over time, based on the use of different MS disease-modifying drugs and therapies. The lab is also interested in discovering new blood and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, in relationship to MRI. This work is facilitated by close collaboration with Dr. Carolina Ionete and the MS biorepository.

The recent emergence of machine learning and artificial intelligence models has been a boon for imaging research. The lab is now incorporating deep learning models to rapidly accelerate the identification and segmentation of novel structures in the central nervous system that may play important modulatory roles in neuroinflammatory disease identification and prognostication.

Last, Dr. Hemond also leads projects focused on the psycho-neuro-immuonlogical aspects of MS, in particular how behavioral interventions such as mindfulness based stress reduce reduce the "silent symptoms of MS" (such as anxiety, fatigue, depression) and mechanistically act through top-down modulation of the immune system.