Dr. Alkire's research work searches to understand the mechanisms by which anesthetics suppress memory, consciousness and pain processing. He has been a pioneer in using anesthetic agents as a research tool to probe the workings of the human mind. He uses neuroimaging technologies such as positron emission tomography (PET), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and high-density electroencephalography (EEG), as well as small animal experimentation, to identify and experimentally manipulate various key sites of anesthetic action in the brain.