Events Calendar

Toward High-Resolution MR Neuroimaging: Beyond the Fourier Transform

Speaker: Justin Haldar, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Talk Title: Toward High-Resolution MR Neuroimaging: Beyond the Fourier Transform

Abstract: Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging technologies have enabled new opportunities to reveal the mysteries of the central nervous system -- how it functions and how it is organized, and what goes wrong when it is injured or diseased. MR experiments are quite flexible, and the MR signal can be manipulated to noninvasively probe anatomy, physiology, and metabolism. However, while MR imaging is decades old and has already revolutionized medical imaging, current methods are still far from utilizing the full potential of the MR signal. In particular, traditional MR methods are based on the Fourier transform, and suffer from fundamental trade-offs between signal-to-noise ratio, spatial resolution, and data acquisition speed.



Classical approaches to addressing these trade-offs have relied on improved imaging hardware and more efficient pulse sequences. In contrast, our work addresses the limitations of MR using relatively less-explored signal processing approaches, which have recently become practical because of increasing computational capabilities. This talk will focus on a new model-based framework for MR imaging. Use of an appropriate imaging model guides the design of both data acquisition and image reconstruction, and can free us from some of the constraints of traditional Fourier imaging. The benefits of this approach are illustrated in the context of several applications, including high-dimensional MR studies of metabolism, microstructure, and connectivity in the brain and spinal cord.

Biography: Justin Haldar received the B.S. and M.S. degrees in electrical engineering in 2004 and 2005, respectively, and will receive the Ph.D. degree in electrical and computer engineering in May 2011, all from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research interests include image reconstruction, signal modeling, parameter estimation, and experiment design for biomedical imaging applications, with a particular focus on magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy.



Mr. Haldar is the recipient of several fellowships, including an ECE distinguished fellowship, a University of Illinois Fellowship, an NSF graduate research fellowship, and a Beckman Institute graduate fellowship. His work on constrained imaging has been recognized with a best student paper award at the 2010 IEEE International Symposium on Biomedical Imaging and the first-place award in the student paper competition at the 2010 international conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society.

Host: Professor Richard Leahy

Location: Hughes Aircraft Electrical Engineering Center (EEB) -

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Talyia Veal