Research Laboratories

  • Digital Radiological Imaging Laboratory (DRIL), led by Dr. Wei Zhao, is working to develop new detector technologies for medical imaging and to investigate their performance in advanced clinical applications. The group investigates imaging performance and design optimization for amorphous selenium flat-panel detectors for digital mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis, as well as advanced detector concepts for improved imaging performance at low dose and high frame rates
  • Laboratory for Imaging Research and Informatics (IRIS), led by Dr. Jerome Liang, has developed numerous algorithms for (1) reconstructions of quantitative single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), high resolution positron emission tomography (PET) and low-dose computed tomography (CT), (2) segmentation of multi-spectral magnetic resonance (MR) and CT images, (3) registration of dynamically acquired MR scans from moving and deformable organs, and (4) feature extraction and classification for computer aided detection (CADe) and diagnosis (CADx).
  • Preclinical PET/SPECT/CT Laboratory, led by Dr. Paul Vaska. Our preclinical imaging facility also houses a trimodality PET/SPECT/CT (Siemens Inveon), a top-tier small-animal imaging platform located in a spacious lab in the main animal facility.  All 3 modalities can be accessed in a sequential manner, without removing the animal from the bed, thus providing a high degree of image registration. The PET component features a large field of view (9.9 cm transaxial x 12.7 cm axial), high spatial resolution (1.5 mm FWHM), and high sensitivity (6.8% coincidence).  The CT component provides anatomical information as well as attenuation correction for the PET.  It also has fully developed data processing software with all necessary quantitative corrections and multiple image reconstruction options (FBP, OSEM, MAP).  The lab includes a new Biodex Atomlab 500 dose calibrator and well counter system, and standard equipment for handling blood samples.
  • Stroke, TBI Imaging, and Cancer Imaging Laboratory, led by Dr. Zhao (John) Jiang. This laboratory uses imaging techniques to investigate stroke and TBI pathophysiology and evaluate neuroprotective treatments. Collaborative measures include histology, immunohistochemistry, and behavioral function.