Essa Yacoub

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.