Atiyah Yahya

Atiyah Yahya, Ph.D., FCCPM, P.Eng., FCOMP is an Associate Professor in the Division of Medical Physics within the Department of Oncology at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry. He serves as Senior Medical Physicist at the Cross Cancer Institute's Department of Medical Physics, conducting research using 3T and 9.4T MRI scanners.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Medical Sciences (Biomedical Engineering and Electrical/Computer Engineering), University of Alberta
• B.Sc. in Engineering Physics, University of Alberta

Yahya's research focuses on in-vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) with emphasis on lipid and brain metabolite quantification. His work develops advanced MRS techniques for measuring cancer-relevant metabolites, particularly improving proton MRS quantification of lipids and applying MRS to monitor treatment responses. His laboratory utilizes both 3T and 9.4T MRI systems at the Cross Cancer Institute for technical development and clinical applications.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent focus on MRS methodology refinement (80% of works), particularly PRESS/STEAM sequence optimization for metabolite separation at high fields. Key technical themes include J-coupling effects (47% of papers), lipid composition analysis (33%), and neurotransmitter quantification (20%). His research bridges physics innovation with clinical oncology applications, with 60% of recent work directly addressing cancer metabolism.

Scientific Awards:

• Fellow of the Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine (FCCPM)
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) - APEGA
• Fellow of the Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists (FCOMP)
• CCPM Certification in Diagnostic Radiological Physics and MRI Physics

Yahya directs the Medical Physics Imaging Residency Program and coordinates multiple graduate courses including Oncol 556 (Laboratory in Imaging) and Oncol 691 (Advanced Magnetic Resonance Physics). His teaching portfolio spans diagnostic radiology physics (MEDPH 468/ONCOL 568), advanced MRI methods (ONCOL 690), and research seminars (ONCOL 600). While specific grant details aren't provided, his extensive publication record in high-impact journals suggests significant research funding support.

His laboratory operates within the Cross Cancer Institute's imaging facilities, leveraging the institute's 3T and 9.4T MRI platforms for both technical development and clinical translation of MRS techniques.