Dr. Yurii Shepelytskyi is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Lakehead University , with a focus on advanced medical imaging techniques. His research spans hyperpolarized Xenon-129 MRI, Fluorine-19 imaging, and molecular contrast agent development for applications in neuroscience, pulmonology, and neurodegenerative disease detection. Specializes in MRI technology and HyperCEST imaging . Investigates Xenon and Fluorine contrast agents for brain and lung imaging. Develops novel MRI hardware (e.g., passive Lenz resonators) for signal enhancement. Recent work includes optimizing pulse sequences for hyperpolarized Xenon imaging, studying hemoglobin glycation effects via MRI, and advancing PET/MRI integration for high-sensitivity diagnostics. No formal awards, affiliations with labs, or student advising details are publicly documented.
Richard Thompson serves as Professor in the Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, with a cross-appointment in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. His research pioneers novel MRI methodologies for clinical diagnostics and disease mechanism analysis. Education: BSc in Engineering Physics, University of Alberta (1989-1993) PhD in Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta (1994-1999) Post-doctoral Fellowship, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda (2000-2003) Thompson's lab develops MRI techniques from first principles, focusing on cardiac imaging, tissue fibrosis quantification, lung imaging, blood flow dynamics, and exercise-challenge applications. His translational work addresses heart failure, diabetes, obesity, aging, cancer therapy toxicity, and long COVID through collaborations with clinical researchers to improve diagnostic precision and therapeutic design. The integration of rapid imaging and artificial intelligence represents a key innovation thrust in his methodology development. As educator for BME 564: Fundamentals of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, he trains graduate students in NMR physics, image processing, and contrast mechanisms. His lab actively recruits MSc/PhD candidates from engineering, physics, biology, computing science, and medical backgrounds for projects spanning pulse sequence development, big data image analysis, and clinical protocol implementation. Thompson's research group operates at the intersection of medical physics and clinical translation, maintaining strong ties with the International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) while developing specialized imaging protocols for metabolic and cardiovascular pathologies.
Prof. Matthias Ernst is a Private Lecturer at the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, leading the Laboratory for Physical Chemistry. His research focuses on advancing solid-state NMR methodologies, particularly in dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP), hyperpolarized MRI, and protein dynamics analysis. He develops innovative pulse sequences and theoretical frameworks to enhance MAS NMR resolution and sensitivity. Current projects include exploring spin dynamics in biomolecules, optimizing DNP for nanoscale materials, and advancing hyperpolarized imaging techniques. Research Interests: Solid-State NMR, DNP, MAS Spectroscopy, Biomolecular Dynamics, Hyperpolarized MRI, Spin Diffusion, Pulse Sequence Design. Recent work highlights advancements in low-power decoupling methods (e.g., SDPACs, WALTZ), theoretical modeling of Floquet systems, and applications in amyloid fibril analysis. His lab collaborates on silicon and diamond nanoparticle synthesis for biomedical imaging. No scientific awards explicitly mentioned in provided texts. Advising and grants details not available here. His work contributes to structural biology, materials science, and medical imaging through cutting-edge NMR technologies.
Dr Hassane El Mkami is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of St Andrews, School of Physics and Astronomy. His research focuses on advanced spectroscopic techniques such as Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) and Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP), with applications in structural biology, membrane protein dynamics, and biomolecular interactions. He leads projects investigating protein-lipid interactions, distance measurements in biological systems, and novel spin label design for structural studies. Key research interests include: Development of EPR/DEER techniques for nanoscale structural analysis Membrane protein conformational dynamics Bioinorganic chemistry of metal-binding proteins Signal enhancement strategies in DNP Recent work highlights include studies on bacterial outer membrane proteins, copper-based MRI contrast agents, and mechanosensitive ion channels. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across physics, chemistry, and biology to advance understanding of molecular mechanisms in biological systems. Current projects include the HIPER Project (2008-2012), focusing on next-generation ESR technology, and multiple international collaborations in structural biology. His lab contributes to both methodological advancements and fundamental biological discoveries through innovative spectroscopic approaches.
Alexander Nevzorov is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at NC State University, within the College of Sciences. His research focuses on advancing biophysical solid-state NMR spectroscopy and methodologies for studying membrane proteins. He holds a B.S. in Physics and Applied Mathematics from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (1993) and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Arizona (1998). His expertise includes structure determination of membrane proteins, development of NMR pulse sequences, and applications of angular-dependent NMR observables. He has contributed to slow-motional spin dynamics and techniques like repetitive cross-polarization for sensitivity enhancement in NMR studies. Recent work highlights trends in oriented-sample NMR and peptoid-based macrodisc technologies, alongside photonic band-gap resonators for high-field DNP/EPR. His research bridges methodological innovation with structural biology, particularly in native-like lipid environments. Nevzorov has secured grants, including an NSF-BSF collaboration (2023), but no listed scientific awards or advisees. He is involved in developing cutting-edge NMR instrumentation and collaborates on interdisciplinary projects within the Department. He is affiliated with research groups advancing membrane protein studies and solid-state NMR techniques, leveraging facilities like Dabney Hall for his experimental work.
Thomas Theis is an Associate Professor and Goodnight Distinguished Scholar in Molecular Characterization at the Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University (NC State). He leads the Theis Hyperpolarization Lab, which focuses on overcoming NMR/MRI sensitivity limitations through hyperpolarization chemistry. His research integrates chemistry, physics, and engineering to develop molecular imaging tools and portable NMR systems. Education: Ph.D. Chemistry, University of California at Berkeley (2012) M.Sc. Chemistry, University of Göttingen (2006) Research Interests: Thomas Theis' work centers on hyperpolarization techniques using parahydrogen to enhance NMR/MRI signals by up to six orders of magnitude. This enables applications like portable NMR and cost-effective molecular imaging. Key areas include SABRE (Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange), low-field NMR systems, and hyperpolarized molecular probes for biomedical diagnostics. His lab collaborates with institutions such as UNC Chapel Hill, Harvard, and RWTH Aachen University. Publications: Recent work includes advancements in hyperpolarized pyruvate imaging, SABRE-SHEATH dynamics, and low-field MRI innovations. Over 50 peer-reviewed articles highlight his contributions to molecular imaging and quantum sensing. Labs & Teams: He directs the Theis Lab, which specializes in hyperpolarization chemistry, quantum sensing, and biomedical instrumentation. The lab emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration to address challenges in molecular tracking and imaging.
Daniel K. Sodickson, MD, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Radiology and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He also serves as Chief of the Innovation Department of Radiology. His research focuses on advancing biomedical imaging techniques, particularly in MRI, PET, and CT modalities, leveraging parallel imaging, compressed sensing, and AI. He leads a multidisciplinary team developing rapid, comprehensive imaging methods for clinical and industrial applications. Dr. Sodickson earned his MD from Harvard Medical School and PhD from MIT. His postdoctoral training was in Magnetic Resonance Imaging at Harvard's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Early in his career, he pioneered parallel MRI, revolutionizing imaging speed and accessibility. His research interests emphasize rapid imaging, AI-driven diagnostics, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Recent publications highlight AI applications in 3D medical imaging, prostate cancer risk stratification, and novel MRI pulse sequences. He actively engages in translational research, bridging basic science and clinical practice. Notable contributions include advancements in T1/T2 mapping, motion correction, and whole-body MRI ethics. His work aims to enhance diagnostic precision and patient care through technological innovation.
William A. Grissom, PhD, is the Medtronic Professor of Biomedical Discovery and Innovation at the School of Medicine and a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University's Case School of Engineering. He leads the Grissom Lab, which focuses on advancing MRI techniques through novel RF pulse designs, coil innovations, and computational methods to enhance imaging capabilities for ultra-high and low-field applications. His work includes developing real-time MRI-guided therapies such as focused ultrasound, ultrasound neuromodulation for pain treatment, and robotic laser thermal therapy for epilepsy. Collaborations span institutions like Vanderbilt, Stanford, and Harvard Medical School. His research is funded by NIH, DoD, and the Focused Ultrasound Foundation. Research interests emphasize maximizing MRI's informational value by integrating RF advancements with computational strategies. The lab's projects address challenges in imaging precision, real-time monitoring during interventions, and improving therapeutic targeting accuracy. Notable contributions include low-field MRI system designs, artifact mitigation in transcranial applications, and B1+ selective excitation techniques. Grissom's articles reflect a focus on cutting-edge MRI hardware, thermometry innovations, and translational applications of imaging technologies. His work bridges engineering and clinical needs, aiming to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes through advanced imaging systems.
Daniel Vigneron is a Professor in the Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, Bioengineering & Therapeutic Sciences, and Neurological Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine. He holds leadership roles as Director of the UCSF Research Resource Program’s Human Imaging Core Services, Principal Investigator of the NIH/NIBIB P41 Hyperpolarized MRI Technology Resource Center, and Operations Director of the Surbeck Laboratory for Advanced Imaging. He is also a core member of the UCB/UCSF Graduate Group in Bioengineering. Bachelor of Arts: Wesleyan University - Chemistry, Pre-Med Studies Doctor of Philosophy: University of California, San Francisco - Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research Fellow: Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia Visiting Postdoctoral Scholar: University of California, San Francisco - Department of Radiology Dr. Vigneron's research focuses on the development of advanced functional and metabolic MRI techniques, particularly hyperpolarized carbon-13 MRI, for clinical and basic research applications in oncology and neurology. His work enables non-invasive assessment of tumor metabolism, with major applications in prostate cancer and brain tumors. He has pioneered techniques in metabolic imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, and molecular imaging, contributing significantly to oncologic and pediatric imaging. The selected publications reflect a strong trend in hyperpolarized 13C MRI, with emphasis on clinical translation, metabolic quantification, technical innovation in pulse sequences and reconstruction, and applications in prostate cancer, brain tumors, liver, and cardiac metabolism. Recent work also focuses on standardization, data sharing, and multicenter studies to advance the field. World Molecular Imaging Society 2014 Gold Medal Award Academy of Radiology Research 2013 Distinguished Investigator Award International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine 2011 Distinguished Service Award as Reviewer for Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine 2009 Fellow American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering 2007 College of Fellow American Society of Neuroradiology 2007 & 2001 Outstanding Presentation Awards CaP Cure Foundation Prostate Cancer Research Awards (1998–2000) National Cancer Institute 1990 National Research Service Award Wesleyan University 1983 Hawk Prize in Biochemistry Dr. Vigneron has mentored numerous graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and junior faculty, including serving as the PhD Junior Faculty Lead in the Department of Radiology mentoring program (2016–2020). He has been the primary mentor for six NIH K and F mentored career development grants. His research is extensively funded by the NIH, with 27 grants as PI or Co-PI, including 3 P41 center grants, 2 P01s, 2 U01s, and 18 R01s, reflecting sustained and high-impact support for his work in hyperpolarized MRI and metabolic imaging. He leads the Surbeck Laboratory for Advanced Imaging and the Advanced Imaging Techniques Specialized Resource Group, fostering innovation in MRI technology. His team operates within the UCSF Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center and collaborates across multiple departments, integrating engineering, physics, and clinical oncology to translate advanced imaging into patient care.
Dr. Gyula Kotek is an Assistant Professor at Erasmus MC, specializing in Radiology & Nuclear Medicine. His work focuses on advancing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques through innovative methodologies. Current affiliation: Erasmus MC, Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine Research interests include: Development of multi-phase balanced non-steady-state free precession MRI acquisition Deep learning applications for zero echo time (ZTE) MRI image enhancement Improving diagnostic accuracy of pediatric chest imaging protocols Quantitative MRI relaxometry and signal analysis Recent publication trends highlight expertise in: Advanced MRI pulse sequence design Free-breathing motion correction algorithms Lung parenchyma visualization Mathematical modeling of MR signals Multi-parametric imaging frameworks Image quality optimization in pediatric settings
Jarvis Haupt is an Associate Professor and Associate Department Head in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. His work bridges theoretical foundations with practical applications in signal processing, machine learning, and data science. He leads the Haupt Research Group, which focuses on developing novel methodologies for efficient data acquisition and analysis. Education: B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2002) M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2003) Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2009) Postdoctoral Research Associate at Rice University (2009-2010) Professor Haupt's research centers on statistical signal processing and learning theory, with particular expertise in compressed sensing and adaptive sampling techniques. His work develops theoretical foundations for high-dimensional statistical inference while addressing practical challenges in communications, remote sensing, data science, and medical imaging applications. He has made significant contributions to understanding how to efficiently extract information from large datasets through carefully designed measurement processes. His recent publications demonstrate a shift toward neural network theory and applications, particularly examining convergence properties of gradient flow in homogeneous neural networks. Alongside this theoretical work, he continues to apply signal processing techniques to medical imaging challenges, particularly in MRI reconstruction. His interdisciplinary approach bridges theoretical machine learning with practical applications in imaging systems. Scientific Awards: DARPA Young Faculty Award (2014) and Director's Fellowship extension (2016) UMN ECE Russell J. Penrose Excellence in Teaching Award (2015) Multiple Best Paper Awards including at GlobalSIP (2015) and IWSHM (2015) Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship and other undergraduate honors Three U.S. Patents related to adaptive data acquisition and channel estimation Professor Haupt has supervised numerous graduate students and collaborated extensively across disciplines, particularly with researchers in civil engineering, medical imaging, and astrophysics. His research has been supported by multiple grants from NSF, NIH, DARPA, and the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, totaling millions of dollars. Current projects include work on multi-messenger astrophysics, plenoptic imaging, and brain imaging with minimal mobility restriction. He leads the Haupt Research Group, which brings together students and collaborators from electrical engineering, computer science, and various application domains. The group maintains strong connections with industry partners and national laboratories, facilitating the translation of theoretical advances into practical systems.
Saad Jbabdi is Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Oxford, holding a Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellowship. He serves as Head of Diffusion Analysis at FMRIB (Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain) within the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience and is a Lecturer in Engineering at St Hilda's College. His work pioneers advanced neuroimaging techniques for systems-level brain analysis. Professor Jbabdi's research spans diffusion MRI , brain connectivity modelling , and microstructure analysis . His lab develops mathematical frameworks for diffusion-weighted imaging while comparing in-vivo, ex-vivo, and histological techniques across humans and non-human primates. Key initiatives include human-macaque comparative anatomy, novel MR pulse sequence development, dynamic spectroscopy analysis, and individual variation modelling in brain function. Recent publication trends reveal intense focus on multi-modal integration of MRI, microscopy, and spectroscopy for connectome mapping. His group drives standardization in tractography (XTRACT protocols), cross-species neuroimaging, and computational models of neurodegeneration like tau progression. Work bridges engineering physics, neuroscience, and clinical applications in vision loss and neurodegenerative disorders. Scientific recognition includes: Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellowship Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) membership Funding support comes from: Wellcome Trust : Core fellowship and lab infrastructure Medical Research Council (MRC UK) : Projects on brain connectivity and microstructure He leads the FMRIB Diffusion Analysis group within Oxford's WIN Analysis Group, directing a team including Abivardi, Cottaar, Eichert, Howard, Li, Rafipoor, and Zheng. The lab leverages Oxford's advanced imaging facilities for projects like the BigMac dataset (macaque brain imaging) and Developing Human Connectome initiatives.
Gernot Laicher serves as a Professor (Lecturer) in the Department of Physics & Astronomy within the College of Science at the University of Utah, a position he has held since July 2018. His academic career at the university began in January 1998 as a Research Assistant Professor, advancing to Research Associate Professor in July 2006 before his current appointment. Fluent in both English and German, Dr. Laicher maintains active teaching responsibilities including Physics Lab courses for Science & Engineering students and Foundations of Modern Optics, with upcoming judging duties at the 2025 Utah Science and Engineering Fair. Dr. Laicher's research centers on nuclear magnetic resonance applications in biomedical contexts, with particular expertise in lung imaging using hyperpolarized helium-3 and xenon gases. His work bridges physics and medical diagnostics, developing non-invasive morphometric tools for assessing pulmonary conditions like emphysema. His publications reveal a consistent focus on diffusion phenomena, gas dynamics in biological systems, and the development of novel imaging techniques that correlate with histological findings. This research has significant implications for understanding lung pathologies and developing diagnostic methods. His scholarly output demonstrates expertise in both theoretical modeling and experimental applications of NMR techniques. The longitudinal nature of his publications spanning from 1993 to 2008 shows sustained contribution to the field of biomedical physics, with particular emphasis on translating fundamental physics principles into medical applications. His work frequently involves sophisticated analysis of relaxation times, diffusion coefficients, and gas transport phenomena in biological tissues. Dr. Laicher maintains an active teaching schedule with numerous Physics Lab courses for Science & Engineering students across multiple semesters, demonstrating commitment to undergraduate education. His ORCID identifier (0009-0000-5122-3771) provides formal recognition of his scholarly contributions, and his contact information includes both university email addresses and a direct phone line for professional communication.
Sohaib Ayaz Qazi is a Principal Research Engineer at Linköping University, Sweden, affiliated with the Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences (HMV) and the Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV). His research focuses on accelerating MR turbulence mapping for cardiac and vascular imaging through advanced undersampling and k-space reconstruction techniques. Ph.D. in Medical Image Processing, COMSATS University Islamabad (2018) MS in Communication Electronics, Linköping University (2012) BS in Electrical Engineering, COMSATS-IIT (2009) His work bridges computational methods and clinical imaging, targeting rapid heart and vessel imaging. Recent publications highlight his expertise in dynamic MRI reconstruction using SVD and parallel architectures. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Two Student Support Program Awards from ESMRMB HEC IRSIP Fellowship at Linköping University At CMIV, he programs pulse sequences, develops scanner patches, and collaborates with colleagues like Petter Dyverfeldt, Tamara Bianchessi, and Twan Bakker.
Elena Vinogradov is an Associate Professor in the Radiology Department and Advanced Imaging Research Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Her career includes roles as Research Fellow (2003–2006), Instructor in Radiology (2006–2011), and Assistant Professor (2011–2019) at Harvard Medical School's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, before advancing to her current position. Research Interests : Dr. Vinogradov specializes in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) innovations, particularly in chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST), hyperpolarized contrast agents, and inhomogeneous magnetization transfer (ihMT). Her work focuses on advancing imaging techniques for molecular detection, metabolic monitoring, and disease characterization in vivo. Publications : Her research spans CEST methodology, MRI signal optimization, and applications in oncology, neuroimaging, and kidney studies. Recent work includes ihMT imaging of brain microstructure, CEST-Dixon breast lesion analysis, and hyperpolarized pyruvate perfusion studies. Grants & Advising : While specific grants or advisees aren't listed, her publications reflect collaborative research with institutions like Harvard and UT Southwestern. She contributes to the Advanced Imaging Research Center, advancing MRI technologies.
