Bruce Balcom

Bruce Balcom is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), leading the UNB MRI Centre. His work focuses on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) innovations for material science applications, including porous media analysis, energy technologies, and biomedical imaging. He holds a PhD in Physics and has pioneered methods such as the SPRITE technique, enabling MRI visualization in materials like concrete, polymers, and geological samples.

Research emphasizes MRI pulse sequence development, hardware innovations, and collaborations with academia and industry. Notable achievements include an NSERC Steacie Fellowship and a Canada Research Chair (2002–2016). Current projects span pore size measurement, lithium-ion battery analysis, and rock core studies with major oil companies.

Publications highlight advancements in MRI techniques for fluid dynamics, material characterization, and energy applications. His lab is internationally recognized as a leader in material science MRI, with contributions to low-field MRI systems and portable sensors like the Proteus magnet.

Grants and awards fund research into mechanochemical reactions, battery diagnostics, and shale characterization. Balcom’s work bridges fundamental physics with applied material science, addressing challenges in energy, environment, and engineering.