"How Hyperpolarized MRI Changed the Fields of Pulmonary and Neuro Imaging": 2021 Distinguished Researcher Presentation, Dr. Mitchell Albert
About the Talk
Since its invention in 1973, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has had the main limitation of low sensitivity. MRI detects slight magnetic imbalances in overall water distribution within the object being imaged and, therefore, requires relatively large pixels resulting in limited spatial resolution. Furthermore, organs and tissues with low water content cannot be imaged with conventional MRI. In order to resolve this fundamental challenge, the MRI signal needs to be amplified by thousands of times. Dr. Albert invented the method of MRI signal amplification in 1994 via utilization of the hyperpolarization process. Hyperpolarization substantially increases the magnetic non-equilibrium within the sample and increases the MRI signal by more than 100,000 times. This technique has resolved numerous fundamental practical challenges in clinical pulmonary imaging and, currently, is of high interest for brain and molecular imaging.
About the Speaker
Dr. Mitchell Albert earned a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, where he co-
invented the HP noble gas MRI technology. Currently, he is a Research Chair in Molecular Imaging and Advanced Diagnostics at Lakehead University/THRHRI, and is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Lakehead University.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Albert has published over 82 peer-reviewed papers, 167 peer- reviewed conference proceedings, 14 book chapters, and he has given over 200 invited talks at conferences and workshops. In addition, he has 12 patents covering hyperpolarized gas MRI technology. In recognition of Dr. Albert’s contributions to MR medical imaging, he was awarded the United States Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) by President Bill Clinton, and he received a National Science Foundation CAREER Award. At Lakehead University, Dr. Albert recently received the Research and Innovation Award, as well as the Distinguished Research Award in 2021.
