Biosignals and Biomedical Imaging

The following Biomedical Engineering laboratories are within our  biosignals and biomedical imaging track:

Biophotonics and Optical Radiology Laboratory

The Biophotonics and Optical Radiology Laboratory, directed by Prof. Andreas Hielscher, aims to establish optical tomography as a viable biomedical imaging modality. This team is developing state-of-the-art, 3-dimensional imaging of physiologically relevant parameters in biomedical systems. Optical tomography is being applied to the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in finger joints, study of cerebral ischemia and stroke, and diagnostic analysis of cancer.

The Bone Bioengineering Laboratory (BBL)

The Bone Bioengineering Laboratory (BBL), directed by Prof. Ed Guo, focuses on major areas in bone biomechanics and bioengineering, including cellular/molecular mechanisms of trabecular bone response to mechanical and hormonal stimulation, micromechanics of cortical bone, and intervetebral disc response to mechanical loads.  Additionally BBL is developing 3D image analysis and recognition of trabecular bone microstructure and 3D bone cell culture systems.

Functional Optical Imaging

The Laboratory for Functional Optical Imaging, directed by Prof. Elizabeth Hillman, develops new medical and optical imaging methods that exploit intrinsic contrast such as hemoglobin, and targeted and active fluorescent dyes. Her laboratory has a strong neuroscience focus, including 2D and 3D imaging on the exposed cortex and the use of voltage sensitive dyes to characterize neuronal activity in the living brain. Additional applications include imaging of skin cancer and cardiac electrical activity.

Hatch Center for MRI Research

The Hatch Center for MRI Research  provides a strong bridge between the medical and engineering school campuses, offering over 9000 sq ft. of recently renovated space for teaching and research in BME and Radiology as well as Video Classroom/ Conference facilities. Collaboration between the BME Department and Radiology provides undergraduate and graduate opportunities in Medical Imaging and research in MR Arterial Spin Labeling, High Speed Proton Spectroscopy, Simultaneous EEG/fMRI acquisition, Automatic Motion Correction for MRI,  MRI measurements of cardiac and liver iron levels, and other new areas of discovery.  The Hatch Center includes state-of-the-art Magnetic Resonance Whole Body Systems (a 1.5 Tesla and a 3.0 Tesla system) and a 9.4 Tesla Small Animal Magnetic Resonance Imaging System. 

Heffner Biomedical Imaging Lab

The Heffner Biomedical Imaging Lab, directed by Prof. Andrew Laine, advances state-of-art in biomedical imaging through the application of mathematics, physical science, and engineering. Our trademark is the innovative solution of problems on the cutting the edge of biomedical imaging. The scope of this laboratory includes image formation, qualitative analysis, evaluation and quantitative measures of structures at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ levels.

The Laboratory for Intelligent Imaging and Neural Computing

The Laboratory for Intelligent Imaging and Neural Computing, directed by Prof. Paul Sajda, was founded with the mission of studying fundamental processing strategies and representations in biological vision to develop artificial vision systems capable of sophisticated and adaptive image and scene analysis.  This laboratory develops biophysically realistic network architectures of neural circuitry, which are being applied to problems in medical image analysis including cancer detection. 

Ultrasound and Elasticity Imaging Laboratory

The Ultrasound and Elasticity Imaging Laboratory, directed by Prof. Elisa Konofagou, develops novel elasticity imaging techniques with immediate application to breast, ligament, and myocardial elastography.  Her laboratory is also developing and applying harmonic motion imaging and focused ultrasound therapy to a range of clinical and basic research applications.