Dr. Nelson is a pioneer in detection of cortical gray matter lesions by MRI and their relationship to cognitive dysfunction in MS. Her current research focuses on multimodal MRI, combining functional MRI and other advanced techniques to assess cognition in MS. Another important research focus is hematopoietic stem cell transplant in MS patients. She has multiple publications on MRI findings in MS; has participated in centralized MRI analysis of important worldwide multicenter trials, and as PI for clinical trials of disease modifying therapies such as Copaxone, Avonex, Tysabri, Gilenya, Vumerity and Ocrevus. She also was the site Principal investigator for the autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (Beat-MS) trial at the University of Minnesota.