John Kurhanewicz

John Kurhanewicz, PhD is a Professor in Residence at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), holding joint appointments in Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Urology, and Pharmaceutical Chemistry. He is a faculty member in the UCSF-UCB Bioengineering Graduate Group and directs the UCSF Body Research Interest Group, the Biomedical NMR Lab, and the Kurhanewicz Laboratory. His research focuses on advanced MRI techniques for prostate cancer diagnosis and therapy monitoring, particularly through hyperpolarized 13C metabolic imaging. He has led numerous NIH-funded projects and clinical trials, contributing to over 230 peer-reviewed publications and 19 book chapters.

Education: B.S. in Chemistry from University of South Florida/New College (1982), Ph.D. in Physical Organic Chemistry from University of South Florida, Tampa (1987), and postdoctoral training in MRI/MRS at UCSF (1990).

Research Interests: Prostate cancer imaging, molecular imaging development, hyperpolarized MRI technology, and translational applications of metabolic imaging. His work aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and personalized treatment approaches for prostate cancer patients through advanced imaging modalities.

Key Achievements: Developed the multiparametric 1H MRI prostate cancer staging exam used at UCSF, led the first clinical trial of hyperpolarized 13C MRI, and mentored over 120 students and junior faculty. Awards include Phi Beta Kappa and the Outstanding Chemistry Alumnus award from USF.

Grants & Funding: Principal Investigator on multiple NIH grants totaling decades of support, including projects on hyperpolarized MRI clinical translation and co-clinical imaging metadata standards.

Labs/Teams: Directs the Biomedical NMR Lab and Kurhanewicz Lab, focusing on cutting-edge MRI and molecular imaging technologies. Collaborates extensively with oncology and engineering teams to advance imaging biomarkers.