Allison H. Payne

Allison H. Payne, PhD, is a Research Professor in the Department of Radiology & Imaging Sciences at the University of Utah, where she leads the Focused Ultrasound Group at the Utah Center for Advanced Imaging Research (UCAIR). With expertise in mechanical engineering and magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS), her research focuses on developing novel hardware, treatment planning systems, and monitoring techniques for thermal therapies. She has pioneered a breast-specific MRgFUS system currently in European clinical trials for cancer treatment.

Education

• Postdoctoral Fellowship - University of Utah
• PhD - University of Utah
• MS - University of Utah
• BS - University of Utah

Research Focus

Dr. Payne's work integrates multi-disciplinary approaches in medical device innovation, including: 1) Advanced acoustic modeling and temperature monitoring for precision thermal therapies, 2) Development of tissue-mimicking phantoms for treatment validation, 3) Phase aberration correction techniques for heterogeneous tissues, and 4) AI-enhanced treatment planning systems. Her lab actively translates these technologies to clinical applications in breast cancer, spinal disorders, and neurological conditions through industry partnerships.

Publication Trends

Recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on computational modeling (acoustic-thermal simulations, AI-driven tissue characterization), technical validation of novel MRI sequences for treatment monitoring, and translational device development. Her work consistently bridges engineering innovation with clinical applications, particularly in oncology and neuromodulation. Collaborative studies frequently involve multi-institutional teams addressing standardization challenges in focused ultrasound therapies.

Grants and Leadership

• Co-investigator on NIH R01 grant: 'A tissue viability imaging biomarker for non-invasive breast cancer therapy'
• Holds multiple patents for therapeutic ultrasound systems and temperature monitoring methods
• Leads interdisciplinary collaborations with neurosurgery, oncology, and bioengineering departments

Laboratory and Team

Directs the Focused Ultrasound Laboratory at UCAIR, overseeing faculty, research associates, graduate students, and technical staff. The lab specializes in MRgFUS system design, acoustic modeling, and clinical translation across three core domains: 1) Breast cancer ablation platforms, 2) Spine intervention systems, and 3) Neuromodulation technologies. Current projects include transcranial histotripsy development and open-source software tools for treatment planning.