About our Lab

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Meet the Team

Founded in 2019 by Dr. Brad Strong, the UC Davis Medical Extended Reality Research Group is an academic lab pioneering advances in medical extended reality. Using augmented reality tools, the lab fosters education and advanced medical innovation to enhance clinical outcomes.

The lab's cross-disciplinary team incorporates students and educators from the departments of otolaryngology, neurosurgery, and radiology as well industry-leading companies and research institutions.The collaborative and innovative approach enhances student engagement and prepares future healthcare professionals with cutting-edge skills in a rapidly evolving field.

Brad Strong MD: Executive Director

Dr. Strong is a fellowship trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who is internationally recognized for his expertise in computer aided surgery (augmented reality, virtual surgical planning/visualization, 3D printing, intra-operative navigation/imaging), whose research and clinical care focus on utilization of augmented reality in maxillofacial reconstruction.

Brandon Strong MS: Scientific Director

Brandon Strong is the scientific director managing lab resources.

Arnaud Bewley: Otolaryngology Director

Dr. Bewley is Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology at UC Davis and a fellowship-trained head and neck cancer surgeon specializing in the comprehensive management of tumors of the face, mouth, throat, thyroid, and neck. He brings expertise in microvascular reconstruction, transoral robotic surgery, and endocrine and skull base surgery, with a focus on optimizing both oncologic outcomes and post-operative function. His research explores cancer care, skin cancer treatment, and surgical education through simulation.

Kia Shahlaie, MD, PhD: Neurosurgery Director

Dr. Shahlaie is a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon that specializes in complex cranial surgery. He is an expert in management of brain tumors, meningioma, skull base and pituitary tumors, trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm, epilepsy, and movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia. He specializes in minimally invasive brain surgery, is an award winning instructor at the UC Davis School of Medicine, and has published more than105 peer-reviewed articles and 15 book chapters.

Osama Raslan MD: Radiology Director

Osama Raslan is a fellowship trained neuroradiologist with special interest in advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques of brain tumors and advanced imaging visualization including medical 3D printing and augmented reality.