Shahrokh Abbasi-Rad
Researcher
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PROFESSIONAL INFO
MRI has been my enduring passion, driving my research journey in the field for over a decade. This passion has led me through diverse research environments across four continents and five countries (Iran, Australia, Netherlands, Germany, USA), encompassing various research centers and hospitals. Over the years, I've had the privilege of working with numerous magnets, spanning field strengths from 1.5T to 9.4T. The photo captures my first encounter with one of these formidable 7T magnets :).
My commitment lies in advancing state-of-the-art techniques for neuroimaging at ultra-high field strength. By doing so, I aim to contribute to the arsenal of tools available to neuroradiologists and neuroscientists, assisting them in unraveling the mysteries of the human brain.
EDUCATION
2006-2010
Sahand University of Technology (SUT),
Tabriz, East Azerbaijan, Iran
At Sahand University of Technology, I pursued my undergraduate studies in Biomedical Engineering, where I gained a robust engineering background and practical skills in programming, electrical circuitry, electromagnetism, and more.
My transition to Tabriz was a drastic relocation, not just in terms of distance but also from the aspect of cultural background. Living among the Azeri people provided me with a firsthand experience of their culture, serving as my initial foray into the international sphere. It was during this transformative period that my passion for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) first ignited. An elective course, guided by Dr. Shams, on MRI in the final year of my undergraduate studies, laid the foundation for my journey into the captivating world of MR.
2011-2014
Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS),
Tehran, Tehran, Iran
For my postgraduate studies, I pursued a Master's in Engineering at Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS). During this academic phase, I delved into research within the Quantitative MR Imaging and Spectroscopy Group (QMISG). My focus centered on quantitative MRI, particularly exploring MR-based biomarkers for assessing bone health. As part of a collaborative team, we demonstrated the feasibility of quantifying cortical bone free water using existing clinical pulse sequences. Our findings proved valuable in predicting age-related deterioration of bone health. The transition to Tehran not only marked a shift in my academic focus but also immersed me in the dynamics of a mega city. Living in the bustling capital exposed me to firsthand challenges, offering a unique and enriching experience.
2017-2021
Center for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland (UQ)
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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I relocated to Australia to embark on my Ph.D. journey, focusing on MR Physics and method development at ultra-high field. My timing couldn't have been better, as the Center for Advanced Imaging in Brisbane had just acquired a state-of-the-art 7T MRI scanner—a rare, expensive, and cutting-edge imaging technology.
In the course of my research, I navigated the technical challenges inherent in neuroimaging at ultra-high field strength. I dedicated my efforts to finding solutions for two pivotal pulse sequences, namely FLAIR and DWI.
Brisbane's diverse and multinational environment, coupled with the vibrant academic atmosphere at the University of Queensland, provided an ideal backdrop for pursuing my Ph.D. and simultaneously expanding my international exposure and collaboration.
PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
2014-2017
Research Center for Molecular and Cellular Imaging (RCMCI),
Imam Khomeini Hospital affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences
(TUMS), Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2021-2022
Donders Center for Cognitive Neuroimgaing (DCCN),
affiliated with Radboud University, Nijmegen, Gelderland, the Netherlands
At DCCN, I was a postdoctoral fellow, engaging in collaborative efforts with cognitive neuroscientists developing neuroimaging methodologies. My focus extended to the domain of magnetization transfer imaging, exploring its application in arterial blood contrast—an innovation for functional MRI introduced by Prof. David Norris at the Donders Institute. In the course of my research, I conceptualized and implemented a novel RF pulse, named the Adiabatic Null Passage. I demonstrated its superiority over conventional methods by effectively mitigating the undesirable effects of T2 and direct saturation. Residing in the serene city of Nijmegen for over a year provided a remarkable opportunity to immerse myself in the Dutch culture, further enriching my academic and personal experiences.
2021-2022
Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (ELH),
affiliated with University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
During my time in Europe, I held a joint postdoctoral fellowship at both DCCN in Nijmegen and the Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (ELH) in Essen, Germany. At ELH, as a member of the 'fMRI & GABA Spectroscopy' research group, my focus was on advancing the field by developing a concurrent fMRI-fMRS pulse sequence tailored for 7T. This method allowed for the simultaneous measurement of both whole brain volumes and single voxel spectra within a rapid repetition time of 4 seconds. Additionally, I actively participated in projects conducted at 9.4T, collaborating with the Maastricht Brain Imaging Center. This collaboration provided me with valuable experience working with a Siemens 9.4T large-bore scanner, contributing to my broader expertise in high-field neuroimaging.
2022-
Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging,
Massachusetts General Hosppital affiliated with Harvard Medical School
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
I joined the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging in late 2022 to start a postdoctoral fellowship at the Laboratory for Computational Neuroimaging. Within the LCN, I underwent specialized training in prospective motion correction, aiming to unlock the full potential of Ultra-High Field (UHF) MRI and push the boundaries of acquired resolution. Concurrently, I contributed to the development of a pulse sequence capable of simultaneously acquiring a spectrum and brain activation profile.