Kevin M. Koch

Kevin M. Koch PhD is a Professor in the Department of Radiology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he serves as Executive Director of the Center for Imaging Research and Vice Chair of Translational Research. With a background in physics (BS from Truman State University, PhD from Yale), he has made significant contributions to medical imaging research, particularly in MRI technology development and clinical applications.

Dr. Koch's research spans multiple domains of medical imaging with a focus on overcoming technical challenges in MRI. His primary areas include metal artifact reduction techniques for imaging near orthopedic implants, quantitative susceptibility mapping for concussion assessment, diffusion-weighted MRI for spinal cord and joint imaging, and advanced 4D MRI for joint kinematics analysis. His work bridges physics, engineering, and clinical medicine to solve practical imaging problems.

His publication record demonstrates consistent productivity with 87 publications showing an evolution from fundamental MRI physics to clinical applications. Recent work emphasizes quantitative imaging biomarkers, AI-enhanced reconstruction techniques, and translational applications in orthopedics and neurology. The publications reveal collaborative work across multiple disciplines including radiology, orthopedics, neurology, and biomedical engineering.

Scientific Awards:

• Goldwater Scholar in Science and Mathematics (1998-2001)
• GE Healthcare Thought Leader Award (2010)
• Chairman's Award, GE Healthcare (2013)
• Big Ideas of 2013, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (2013)
• Finalist for Paper of the Year (2018)
• Cover Article, Journal of Neurotrauma (2021)
• Orthopaedic Implants Research Section Podium Award (2022)

Dr. Koch has mentored numerous students and junior faculty members, including postdoctoral researchers, clinical fellows, and graduate students. His research has been supported by substantial funding from NIH, DOD, and industry partners including Siemens Healthcare and GE Healthcare, with current grants totaling over $5 million in direct funding. As Executive Director of the Center for Imaging Research, he oversees a major institutional resource supporting advanced imaging research across multiple disciplines.

The Center for Imaging Research under Dr. Koch's leadership provides state-of-the-art imaging capabilities including advanced MRI sequences, metal artifact reduction technology, and quantitative imaging analysis tools. The center serves as a hub for collaborative research between physicists, engineers, radiologists, orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, and other clinical specialists working to translate imaging innovations into clinical practice.