Webinar: Thursday 10 June 2021 10:00 pm BrisbaneRegister here.

Abstract: This study focuses on a data-driven, model-free approach to optimise diffusion-weighted acquisition for the whole brain using highly over-sampled data from which an optimised protocol is derived through data sub-sampling and analysis. Data acquired with the optimal protocol is used to fit several models of tissue microstructure and show reduced error relative to alternative acquisition schemes. The final protocol uses equally spaced diffusion weightings, but with an increasing number of gradient directions as the diffusion weighting increases, allowing optimal measurement in a minimal time.

Bio: Thomas H. Mareci, Ph.D., Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the University of Florida, received his degree in physical chemistry in 1982 at Oxford University for his work with Professor Ray Freeman on the measurement of nuclear magnetic resonance multiple-quantum spectroscopy using two-dimensional techniques. Dr. Mareci joined the Department of Radiology of the University of Florida in 1982 and began work on the development of NMR imaging and spectroscopy. In early 1993, Dr. Mareci transferred to the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, was appointed the Director of the Center for Structural Biology, and founded the Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Facility in the McKnight Brain Institute. He is a member of the U. S. National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, jointly run by the University of Florida, Florida State University, and the Los Alamos National Lab, and is helping to develop the in vivo magnetic resonance program. He has published over 110 journal articles and 12 book chapters. Currently his research group is supported by several grants for their work in two areas: 1) The MR measurement of stimulated electric current in the brain and 2) the development and application of MR imaging methods to map fibrous structures by examining the diffusion of water through highly structured tissue.