Laleh Rad

Laleh Rad is an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Radiology at Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering. She holds joint appointments in Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering departments. Her research focuses on computational modeling for medical imaging safety, particularly addressing MRI-related risks in patients with implants like DBS devices and cardiac leads. She collaborates with industry partners (Siemens, Medtronic), regulatory bodies (FDA), and clinical teams to develop safer imaging protocols and neurostimulation therapies.

• Education: PhD from EPFL (Switzerland), MSc from University of Tehran, postdocs at Harvard and University of Toronto
• Led development of novel MRI coils and lead designs to reduce RF heating
• Over 50 peer-reviewed publications and multiple patents in MRI safety and neuromodulation

Research Interests emphasize patient-specific modeling for DBS optimization and CIED safety, leveraging collaborations with radiologists, neurologists, and pediatric specialists. Her lab's work spans computational simulations, experimental validation, and clinical translation.

Key innovations include trajectory-optimized DBS leads, adaptive MRI coils, and machine learning models predicting RF heating risks. Current projects explore low-field MRI safety, pediatric imaging solutions, and multi-segment lead designs.

Grants and industry partnerships support translational research bridging engineering and clinical practice. The Rad Research Lab maintains strong ties with Feinberg School of Medicine, fostering bench-to-bedside innovations in neuroengineering and cardiovascular therapies.