Christian McHugh

Dr. Christian McHugh is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Physics Department at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. He holds a PhD in Physics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2022) and dual degrees in Physics and Biomedical Engineering from the University of Delaware (2015). His research focuses on interdisciplinary medical physics, including molecular imaging with hyperpolarized xenon and dual-modality contrast agents, alongside physics education research. He has contributed to advancements in MRI techniques for thermometry and molecular targeting, with notable work on perfluorocarbon nanodroplets and gas microbubble detection via hyperCEST.

Dr. McHugh teaches courses such as HON 201: Knowing Ourselves and PHY 114: Classical Physics II, emphasizing both foundational physics education and critical thinking. His prior experience includes roles as an MRI Research Specialist at the University of Pennsylvania and research in low-field NMR applications. He actively engages in improving STEM education and science communication within the UMass Dartmouth community.

His research interests span medical imaging modalities, chemical exchange saturation transfer (hyperCEST), and the development of innovative contrast agents. While no scientific awards are explicitly listed, his work reflects impactful contributions to biomedical imaging and physics pedagogy.