Craig H. Meyer is a Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Radiology & Medical Imaging at the University of Virginia. He holds a Ph.D. from Stanford University and leads the Rapid MRI Research Group, focusing on developing advanced MRI techniques for cardiovascular disease, neural disorders, and pediatrics. His work integrates physics, signal processing, and machine learning to improve MRI acquisition and processing speed. Education: Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Stanford University. Research Interests: Medical and Molecular Imaging, Signal and Image Processing, Biomedical Data Sciences, Biomechanics, and Cardiovascular Engineering. His innovations include fast spiral imaging, conjugate phase reconstruction, and machine learning-enhanced MRI denoising. Awards: Notably includes the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Team Science (2014), Fellowships from NAI (2021), AIMBE (2015), and ISMRM (2013). He also authored two landmark MRI papers recognized as pivotal in the field. Teaching: Courses include BME 6310 (Computation and Modeling in Biomedical Engineering) and BME 8782 (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). He emphasizes translational research, with applications in clinical MRI advancements and collaborative interdisciplinary projects. Labs/Groups: Rapid MRI Research Group focuses on cutting-edge MRI technologies, including real-time cardiac imaging and artifact reduction through deep learning.
Steven Meikle is a Professor of Medical Imaging Physics and Head of the Imaging Physics Laboratory at the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney. He also serves as Deputy Director (Preclinical) of Sydney Imaging and Deputy Director of the National Imaging Facility's Sydney node. His expertise spans advanced imaging technologies, with a focus on PET/SPECT instrumentation and molecular imaging. He holds a B.App.Sc.(Hons) from the University of Technology Sydney and a PhD from the University of New South Wales. Research focuses include developing novel PET systems like Open-field PET (for freely moving rodents) and Total Body PET, which enhance imaging sensitivity and enable real-time behavioral studies alongside brain function analysis. Collaborations include Tsinghua University (China) and UC Davis (USA). He leads projects on motion correction, quantitative imaging, and AI-driven analysis. Key achievements include over 180 peer-reviewed publications, editorial roles in Physics in Medicine and Biology , and leadership in professional societies. Awards include IEEE Senior Membership and Australian Institute of Physics Fellowship. Current student projects explore Total Body PET applications, motion correction, and radiopharmaceutical evaluation. Teaching roles include medical physics courses in diagnostic radiography and medical physics programs. He advises on imaging ethics, facility implementation, and translational research bridging basic science and clinical applications.
Essa Yacoub is a Professor in the Department of Radiology at the University of Minnesota, affiliated with the PhD Program in Medical Physics and the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research. His work focuses on advancing MRI and fMRI technologies, particularly at ultrahigh magnetic fields (e.g., 10.5 T), to achieve unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution in brain imaging. He leads projects in RF coil design, noise reduction algorithms, and developmental neuroimaging. Roles: Professor, Medical Physics Program Faculty Affiliations: Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology Research emphasizes high-resolution fMRI applications, including layer-specific brain mapping, pediatric neurodevelopment studies (e.g., Baby Connectome Project), and translational tools like BIBSNet for infant brain segmentation. His innovations bridge hardware engineering (RF coils) and software (denoising pipelines) to tackle challenges in mesoscopic-scale imaging. Key contributions include optimizing imaging protocols at 7T/10.5T, developing NORDIC denoising for submillimeter data, and advancing understanding of brain networks in aging and neurological disorders. His work is foundational for large-scale initiatives like the Human Connectome Project and non-human primate neuroimaging collaborations. Grants and collaborations focus on translational imaging technologies, while educational contributions include training through the Medical Physics PhD Program. Ongoing efforts aim to refine ultra-high field MRI applications for clinical and basic neuroscience research.
Helmut H. Strey is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Stony Brook University. His research focuses on micro- and nanotechnologies for quantitative biology , including single-cell analysis, cancer metabolism modeling, and functional MRI data analysis. He holds academic appointments since 2008 and has pioneered technologies like tumor-on-a-chip and optical decoders for translation stages. Education: PhD in Biophysics (Technical University München, 1993), postdoctoral training at NIH (1994-1998). Awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2000-2005), Dillon Medal (2003), and Weston Visiting Professorship (2020). Research interests span cell-to-cell variability , Warburg effect in cancer , and Bayesian analysis of time-series data . His lab develops tools for 3D tumor microenvironments, MRI-compatible drug delivery systems, and biomimetic neural circuit models. Teaching includes advanced numerical methods in biomedical engineering, quantitative biology, and biomolecular analysis. Active in open hardware projects, including microfluidics controllers and IoT devices for health monitoring.
Spencer L. Bowen, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where he is a member of the Radiology Research section and serves as a PET research scientist. His work is centered on advancing nuclear imaging technologies for clinical and research applications in oncology, neurology, and cardiology. Education: Bachelor's in Biomedical Engineering – University of Washington, Seattle Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering – University of California, Davis Research Fellow – Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA Dr. Bowen's research focuses on the development of advanced PET imaging systems, including dedicated breast PET/CT scanners and hybrid PET-MR technologies. He investigates image acquisition techniques, reconstruction algorithms, attenuation and scatter correction methods, and partial volume correction to improve quantitative accuracy. His work spans hardware design, software development (e.g., the Masamune processing tool), and clinical translation. His recent publications highlight innovations in cardiac and neurological PET quantification, breast imaging, and hybrid PET/MR systems. Themes include attenuation correction in PET/MR, dynamic PET modeling, and the impact of image processing on clinical interpretation. Scientific Recognition: Research featured on the cover of the Journal of Nuclear Medicine Work covered by press outlets Dr. Bowen actively contributes to the scientific community as a reviewer for leading journals including Journal of Nuclear Medicine , Medical Physics , Physics in Medicine and Biology , and IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science and Transactions on Medical Imaging . His lab, the Bowen Lab, is engaged in ongoing research and is currently recruiting PhD graduate students, indicating active grant support and research momentum. He leads a research team focused on developing tomographic tools for precision medicine. The Bowen Lab is dedicated to creating and refining nuclear imaging technologies to enhance both clinical care and scientific discovery, with a strong emphasis on quantitative, high-resolution imaging across multiple disease domains.
Reza Farivar-Mohseni is an Associate Professor at McGill University , affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences . He serves as a Scientist at the RI-MUHC (Montreal General Hospital site), contributing to the Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience (BRaIN) Program and the Centre for Translational Biology . Research Interests: Dr. Farivar-Mohseni’s work focuses on cortico-cortical communication, information processing in the brain, and disruptions in neurological disorders like traumatic brain injury. He specializes in advancing non-invasive brain imaging (MRI) for both fundamental and clinical applications, particularly improving concussion detection and diagnosis. Publications: His research spans high-resolution MRI, visual perception, and functional imaging. Key themes include depth-cue invariance in object recognition, gamma-band neural representations, and cortical deficits in amblyopia. Recent studies (2025–2022) address computational neuroscience, vision screening tools, and neural imaging techniques. Labs & Collaborations: He collaborates with the MGH-MRI Research Platform and works within the Centre for Translational Biology , focusing on translating imaging advancements into clinical tools.
Daniel B. Vigneron, PhD is a Professor at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging. He serves as Director of the Hyperpolarized MRI Technology Resource Center (HMTRC), Director of Human Imaging Core Services, Director of Advanced Imaging Technologies SRG, and Operations Director of the Surbeck Laboratory for Advanced Imaging. As a core member of the UCB/UCSF Graduate Group in Bioengineering, Vigneron has established himself as a leader in molecular imaging research with over three decades of experience at UCSF. Vigneron's research focuses on developing advanced functional and metabolic MRI techniques, particularly hyperpolarized carbon-13 technology, for studying prostate cancer, brain tumors, and other diseases. His work enables non-invasive imaging of metabolic processes, allowing clinicians to monitor therapy effectiveness and guide treatments. The HMTRC, which he founded in 2011 with NIH funding and recently secured a 5-year renewal for, has supported 20 external projects domestically and 15 internationally, produced 239 publications, and trained 149 researchers. Vigneron's lab develops novel coil and software techniques for high-field MRI, MR spectroscopy, and diffusion imaging at 3T and 7T for studying brain, prostate cancer, and other organs. His recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward clinical translation of hyperpolarized carbon-13 MRI across multiple organ systems. The research spans abdominal imaging with advanced denoising techniques, cardiac metabolism studies, whole-brain coverage applications, and cerebral perfusion analysis. This work represents a significant shift from basic science toward practical clinical applications in oncology, cardiology, and neurology, with particular emphasis on standardization for multi-center studies. Scientific Awards: 2022 Outstanding Faculty Mentoring Award from UCSF Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging Vigneron has mentored 149 trainees throughout his career, with several former students now serving as faculty members including Duan Xu, Peder Larson, and Susan Noworolski. As Principal Investigator overseeing eight grants, he has secured significant NIH funding for the HMTRC and other research initiatives. His administrative leadership extends to co-chairing the department's Safety and Compliance Committee, where he has helped establish robust safety protocols for PET-MR programs. Vigneron's mentoring philosophy emphasizes adapting to individual needs at different career stages, moving from instructor to coach to manager to cheerleader as trainees progress. The Vigneron Lab, located in Byers Hall on the UCSF Mission Bay campus, operates within the Surbeck Laboratory for Advanced Imaging. The lab group develops novel acquisition techniques and hardware for multinuclear MR spectroscopy, with particular focus on hyperpolarized carbon-13 metabolic imaging. The HMTRC serves as a hub for team science, bringing together researchers from diverse disciplines to advance metabolic imaging technology and its clinical applications.
Jozien Goense is an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), holding joint appointments in the Department of Psychology and Department of Bioengineering. She is also affiliated with the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology and the Neuroscience Program. Her primary research focuses on biomedical imaging, particularly functional MRI (fMRI) and its applications in understanding neurovascular coupling and cortical layer-specific activity. She is recognized for contributions to high-resolution fMRI methodology and laminar imaging techniques. Her work integrates advanced MRI techniques with neurophysiological studies, often using non-human primate models to validate findings in human studies. She has pioneered layer-specific fMRI approaches to map activity across cortical layers, particularly in the motor and visual cortices. Her expertise includes ultra-high field MRI (7T+), BOLD signal modeling, and software development for neuroimaging analysis (e.g., LayNII). Key research themes include the physiological basis of BOLD responses, neurovascular coupling mechanisms, and the application of laminar fMRI to study brain function in health and disease. She has collaborated extensively with neuroscientists, engineers, and clinicians to advance imaging technologies and their translational potential. Publications highlight her contributions to understanding dopamine and acetylcholine effects on neurovascular responses, resting-state gamma-band abnormalities in schizophrenia, and the development of high-resolution imaging protocols. Her work bridges basic science and clinical applications, including studies on vascular contributions to dementia and neuropharmacology. She has received the Beckman Seed Grant as part of a Bioengineering Faculty team, supporting innovative research initiatives. Her lab employs cutting-edge imaging tools and multidisciplinary approaches to unravel brain function at cellular and systems levels.
Wenfeng Zhao is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Binghamton University. He holds a PhD from the National University of Singapore (2014) and BS/MS degrees from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (2007-2009). Prior to this role, he conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Minnesota's Biomedical Engineering Department. His research focuses on neural engineering, compressed sensing, ultra-low-power VLSI systems, and in-memory computing. Key areas include hardware security, biomedical signal processing, and energy-efficient computing architectures. His work spans applications in neural interfaces, cryptographic hardware, and IoT edge devices. Recent publications highlight advancements in block-cipher-in-memory architectures, emotion recognition via EEG analysis, and energy-efficient FPGA accelerators for neural networks. His research also addresses challenges in cryogenic memory systems and MRI-compatible neural recording devices. Zhao's contributions emphasize interdisciplinary approaches at the intersection of hardware design, signal processing, and cybersecurity. His lab develops novel solutions for low-power embedded systems and trustworthy IoT infrastructure.
Nico Buls is a Researcher in the Department of Radiology at Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel). His work focuses on translational projects in medical imaging physics, radiation dosimetry, and engineering, with an emphasis on advanced imaging technologies for diagnostic and interventional radiology. Key research areas include imaging physics, spectral CT techniques, iterative reconstruction in CT, radiation dosimetry, neuro MRI applications, and applied statistics in medical imaging. He leads projects such as the PAD flow study (quantitative blood flow assessment via 4D CT) and the evaluation of lung ventilation using Xenon gas-enhanced CT. Buls collaborates internationally, with active research in Belgium and beyond. Affiliations: UZ Brussel, Research Centre for Digital Medicine. Grants/Projects: 12 active projects including OZR4357 (PhD stipend), PAD flow, and Xenon gas imaging studies. Scientific Awards: Editor's Recognition Award (2014, 2016) Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Fellowship (2011) Young Physicist Grant (2001) Advising/Grants: Supervises 20+ research projects and students, with notable contributions to 4D CT applications and radiation safety protocols. His lab, the Research Centre for Digital Medicine, drives innovation in clinical imaging technologies.
Dr. Shahram Shirani is a Professor and holds the L.R. Wilson/Bell Canada Chair in Data Communications in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at McMaster University. He also serves as Acting Chair of the department. His research focuses on multimedia communications, image/video processing, medical imaging, and hardware architectures. He teaches courses like Image Processing (COMPENG 4TN4) and 3D Image Processing and Computer Vision (ECE 736). Shirani earned his B.Sc. from Isfahan University of Technology (1989), M.Sc. from Amirkabir University of Technology (1994), and Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia (2000). His achievements include the Faculty of Engineering Leadership Fellowship (2014–15) and leadership roles in editorial boards for IEEE Transactions on Multimedia and Circuits and Systems for Video Technology. Research interests include video quality assessment, biomedical signal processing, and edge computing for traffic monitoring. His lab develops algorithms for multimedia representation, compression, and hardware implementation. Recent work includes AI-driven medical sound datasets, real-time noise removal in MRI, and efficient CNN pruning techniques. He advises over 15 graduate students and collaborates on projects like the HLS-CMDS dataset and cardiac segmentation reviews. His lab’s contributions span biomedical engineering, autonomous systems, and smart sensor technologies.
Dr. Tanzil M. Arefin is an Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and Associate Director of the Preclinical Imaging Core at the Center for Advanced Brain Imaging and Neurophysiology (CABIN). His research focuses on developing neuroimaging techniques to study brain functions and microstructures in animal models of human disorders, including neurodegenerative and psychiatric illnesses. He holds affiliations with the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience and the Neuroscience Ph.D. Program. **Education**: Ph.D., Neuroscience, University of Freiburg and University of Strasbourg (2017) M.Sc., Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University and University of Groningen (2012) B.Sc., Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Islamic University of Technology (2007) **Research Interests**: Dr. Arefin's lab employs multimodal MRI methodologies (resting-state fMRI, diffusion MRI, ASL perfusion MRI, MR spectroscopy) alongside optogenetics and chemogenetics to elucidate molecular mechanisms impairing brain plasticity. Current projects include studying cerebellar connectivity's role in non-motor behaviors and developing interventions for alcohol-dependent brains. **Awards**: Magna cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude, Erasmus Mundus Fellowships (both Doctoral and Masters). **Grants & Advising**: Not explicitly listed in texts, but lab activities suggest involvement in NIH-funded projects. Advising details are pending explicit student listings. **Lab & Affiliations**: Arefin Lab focuses on translational imaging tools. Affiliated with UR CABIN and URMC's Neuroscience programs. Location: 430 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY.
Christine Tardif is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery at McGill University. As head of the McConnell Brain Imaging Centre lab at the Montreal Neurological Institute, she develops advanced MRI techniques for in-vivo brain imaging, focusing on quantitative mapping of myelin and cortical microstructure. Her work spans methodological innovation (e.g., multi-modal biophysical modeling) and translational applications across preclinical (7 Tesla) and clinical (3 and 7 Tesla) systems. Undergraduate: B.Eng. in Computer Engineering, McGill University (2004) Master's: M.Sc. in Bioengineering, Imperial College London (2006) PhD: Biomedical Engineering, McGill University (2011) Her research explores myelin dynamics in health and disease, emphasizing its role in neural conduction, brain plasticity, and cognitive functions. The lab investigates dysmyelination in psychiatric disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder) and neurodegenerative conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis) using relaxometry , magnetization transfer , and diffusion-weighted imaging . Recent methodological work includes 3D MERMAID sequences for motion-insensitive diffusion imaging and optimization of magnetization transfer saturation maps. Current projects integrate ultra-high field MRI with histological validation in preclinical models (e.g., marmoset brain sections), aiming to bridge microstructural metrics with macro-scale brain function. Applications span Alzheimer's disease risk assessment via white matter alterations, synaptic density mapping in psychosis, and cortical laminar differentiation studies.
Douglas C. Noll is the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Professor of Radiology at the University of Michigan. He holds key roles as Co-Director of the Functional MRI Laboratory, Co-Lead of the NeuroImaging Core at the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, and collaborator at the Michigan Institute for Imaging Technology and Translation (MIITT). His affiliations include the Michigan Neuroscience Institute, Center for Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, and Michigan Concussion Center. His research focuses on advancing MRI and fMRI technologies to study brain function and neurological disorders. Key projects include rapid image acquisition, artifact elimination, physiological modeling, and MRI-guided therapies like histotripsy. Recent work emphasizes pre-clinical MRI-guided focused ultrasound systems and collaborations with neuroscientists to map brain organization in health and disease. Notable contributions include developing the Oscillating Steady State Imaging (OSSI) technique, the TOPPE framework for MRI sequence prototyping, and tools like FieldMapNet MRI for off-resonance correction. His lab addresses challenges in high-resolution fMRI, real-time motion compensation, and translational imaging for clinical applications. Current efforts span improving MRI hardware-software integration, advancing non-invasive brain therapies, and applying machine learning to enhance image reconstruction and artifact correction. Collaborations bridge engineering, neuroscience, and clinical medicine to tackle complex neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s and brain tumors.
Yonghyun Ha is an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging at Yale School of Medicine. His research focuses on advancing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologies, particularly in low-field MRI systems, RF pulse design, and imaging hardware innovation. He collaborates with experts like Duy Phan, Haifan Lin, and Nikhil Malvankar, contributing to projects such as RF pulse distortion compensation and novel RF coil development. Research Interests: His work spans low-field MRI systems , RF engineering , imaging algorithm optimization , and hardware design . He explores applications like point-of-care imaging and cost-effective MRI solutions. Articles Trends: Recent publications address gradient-free imaging, field-cycling magnets, and deep learning for data compression. His work bridges engineering and clinical needs, emphasizing practical MRI advancements. Advising & Grants: No formal advisees are listed, but his collaborations suggest involvement in interdisciplinary research teams. No specific grants are mentioned, but his projects imply funding through institutional or NIH channels. Labs/Teams: Active in Yale’s Radiology & Biomedical Imaging department, contributing to MRI technology development and translational research initiatives.
