Medical Imaging – Science

Elizabeth Hillman Appointed Chair of Imaging Sciences at St. Jude

SCIENMAG — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 19:23:53 +0000

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has recently made significant strides by appointing Elizabeth M.C. Hillman, PhD, as the founding chair of its newly established Department of Imaging Sciences. This cutting-edge department aims to foster a flourishing community of technological innovators dedicated to enhancing the understanding of catastrophic childhood diseases. The training and expertise of Hillman as a prominent figure in imaging method development provide an excellent basis for a leap forward in imaging technologies applied to life-saving research.

Hillman’s appointment is rooted in her remarkable history as a pioneer in the field of imaging. She holds an impressive track record in developing high-speed microscopes and advanced in-vivo imaging systems for studying living tissues. Under her leadership, a range of talented faculty members is expected to join the department, collectively driving the advancement of imaging techniques that span from microscopic imaging at the sub-cellular scale to comprehensive medical imaging processes. This diverse expertise will ideally enhance scientific studies while simultaneously improving patient care outcomes.

The establishment of this department is a clear indication of St. Jude’s commitment to innovation in biomedical research, especially focused on children. “Elizabeth is a renowned physicist, gifted biomedical engineer, and prolific inventor of new technologies,” remarked James R. Downing, MD, the president and CEO of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The ambitious vision involves not merely building a functional department but rather creating a hub of excellence that integrates cutting-edge imaging technology into multidisciplinary research and clinical applications for children experiencing severe health challenges.

One of the primary objectives of this new department will be to develop and refine imaging and measurement methodologies that can facilitate transformative scientific studies. By leveraging advanced imaging technologies, researchers will likely better grasp disease processes and treatment outcomes, creating pathways for groundbreaking innovations in patient care. Hillman’s deep-rooted beliefs regarding the synergy between environment and innovation underscore the importance of St. Jude’s unique collaborative landscape. She acknowledges that local collaborations and shared scientific inquiries have significantly influenced her creative endeavors throughout her career.

Prior to joining St. Jude, Hillman made remarkable contributions during her tenure at Columbia University, serving as both a Herbert and Florence Irving Professor and a tenured professor in biomedical engineering and radiology. Her extensive 20-year career is marked by the successful development and application of a wide array of novel imaging and data analysis methods. These methods have not only advanced scientific inquiry but have also paved the way for potential commercial applications, evidenced by technologies she developed that have been licensed to major industry players like PerkinElmer and Leica Microsystems.

The broader implications of Hillman’s appointment extend beyond mere technological advancements. J. Paul Taylor, MD, PhD, St. Jude’s executive vice president and scientific director, articulated the revolutionary potential of recent advances in visualization and quantification methodologies. This revolutionary potential is expected to catalyze significant improvements in biomedical research specifically tailored to combating childhood diseases. Therefore, St. Jude’s commitment to propelling the institution forward in biomedical imaging innovation could manifest profound benefits for children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses.

As Hillman transitions into her new role, she emphasizes the unique combination of talent and passion present at St. Jude, which she considers to be critical in addressing some of the most challenging questions in child health. The hospital’s environment presents a stimulating atmosphere where facilitators of scientific discovery can collaborate toward shared goals, maximizing the impact of their findings in real-time patient care. Hillman asserts that working in an inspiring environment like St. Jude will foster creativity and significantly heighten the immediate impacts of innovative discoveries.

Hillman’s academic pedigree includes a PhD in medical physics and bioengineering from University College London, one of the leading institutions known for driving scientific advancements. Furthermore, her post-doctoral work at the Martinos Center for Biomedical Engineering, affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, provided her with foundational expertise in biomedical engineering, focusing on imaging sciences. She has authored over 100 research papers featured in esteemed journals such as Science, Nature Methods, Nature Photonics, and Nature Biomedical Engineering, showcasing her prominent role in advancing the field.

Moreover, Hillman has made substantial contributions to augmenting the scientific community’s understanding of critical biological processes and disease mechanisms. Her work reflects a synthesis of theory and applied sciences, which illustrates the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in driving biomedical progress. As a testament to her innovative contributions, she holds over 20 issued patents and was elected to the National Academy of Inventors in 2022. This remarkable recognition underscores her dedication to fostering an environment rich in innovation and invention, ensuring young researchers also have the opportunities to thrive within this dynamic landscape.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has solidified its position as a preeminent institution in transforming how childhood diseases are understood, treated, and cured. With a unique focus as the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center exclusively dedicated to children, the hospital has played a critical role in improving pediatric treatment outcomes over its 60-plus-year history. Specifically, the treatment advancements achieved at St. Jude have propelled the childhood cancer survival rate from a mere 20% to 80%, representing a drastic shift and a beacon of hope for countless families across the globe.

Notably, the breakthroughs generated at St. Jude do not remain confined within its walls. The institution is deeply committed to sharing its discoveries, allowing healthcare providers worldwide to enhance treatment quality and care for children suffering from life-threatening conditions. Whether through its digital platforms or social media presence, St. Jude actively engages in disseminating vital knowledge that can have a lasting influence on partners in the healthcare community.

As the new Department of Imaging Sciences embarks on its groundbreaking journey under Hillman’s leadership, it signifies not just a commitment to scientific advancement but also a profound dedication to the lives of the children it serves. By uniting cutting-edge technology with a comprehensive understanding of pediatric diseases, the collaborative efforts within this department could redefine the contours of research excellence at the intersection of imaging and healthcare, ultimately transforming the future landscape of pediatric medicine for generations to come.

Subject of Research: Imaging and Measurement Approaches in Pediatric Medicine
Article Title: Elizabeth Hillman Appointed Founding Chair of St. Jude’s Imaging Sciences Department
News Publication Date: October 2023
Web References: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
References: N/A
Image Credits: Credit: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Keywords

Imaging, Biomedical Engineering, Pediatric Medicine, High-Speed Microscopy, In-Vivo Imaging, Technology Innovation, Scientific Research, Child Health Care, Imaging Sciences, Medical Imaging.

Two UVA Electrical and Computer Engineering Professors Recognized as IEEE Distinguished Lecturers

SCIENMAG — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 21:09:16 +0000

Professors Scott Acton and Mathews Jacob, esteemed faculty members from the University of Virginia’s Charles L. Brown Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, have been selected to join the prestigious IEEE Signal Processing Society’s 2025 Class of Distinguished Lecturers. This elite group is comprised of only five appointees from around the world, underscoring the remarkable achievements of both Acton and Jacob in the fields of signal processing and machine learning. Their two-year terms in this role, designated for 2025 and 2026, signify a substantial recognition of their contributions to the engineering community and their ongoing commitment to education and research.

The Distinguished Lecturer Program of the IEEE Signal Processing Society plays a vital role in advancing the professional development of its members. It not only allows members access to world-renowned educators, but also allocates funds to support the chapters that host these lectures at their meetings. The program emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and fostering an environment conducive to learning and innovation within the field of signal processing. Acton and Jacob’s inclusion in this program will undoubtedly inspire future engineers and lay the groundwork for continued collaboration among academia, industry, and the engineering community at large.

Professor Acton serves as the Lawrence R. Quarles Professor and chair of his department, where he leads groundbreaking research at the Virginia Image and Video Analysis lab. His expertise lies chiefly in artificial intelligence applications for video analysis, a field that has garnered significant attention due to its potential to transform various industries, including healthcare, surveillance, and autonomous vehicle navigation. Recently, Acton spearheaded a project designed to develop an AI-driven system capable of characterizing human actions in video content with unparalleled clarity and accuracy. This advanced system could revolutionize how we interact with video technologies in high-stakes scenarios and everyday applications alike.

This ambitious research initiative aims to create AI solutions that can interpret human behavior in video data, thus providing unprecedented precision for security and safety applications. The implications extend beyond mere technological advancement; they involve potential transformative impacts on education as well. Acton’s work aligns with a National Science Foundation-supported program that focuses on harnessing artificial intelligence to enhance instructional effectiveness. The project, known as Artificial Intelligence for Advancing Instruction, seeks to automate video analysis in educational settings, ultimately giving teachers tools that could lead to improved outcomes in the classroom environment.

Professor Jacob, known for his innovation and expertise in developing machine learning algorithms tailored for medical imaging, is pursuing a mission to make advanced medical imaging techniques more accessible. He leads the Computational Biomedical Imaging Group and has recently secured a $3.9 million multi-institute grant aimed at identifying early signs of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia through advanced imaging technologies. Jacob’s work employs magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging, a non-invasive method that tracks the brain’s metabolic changes, helping to advance the understanding of neuronal health and function in patients.

Continuing his dedication to fostering healthcare enhancement through technology, Jacob’s ongoing research also includes projects focused on ultrahigh resolution imaging of the brain using 7-Tesla MRI systems. These advanced imaging modalities allow scientists and healthcare professionals to gain insight into the brain’s architecture and the pathological changes associated with various neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, Jacob is developing pioneering “free-breathing” cardiac MRI techniques that enable patients to undergo scanning without the strenuous requirement of holding their breath, thereby improving patient comfort and accessibility in clinical settings.

The overarching goal of both professors is to leverage their research in signal processing and imaging technologies for the betterment of society. As healthcare costs continue to rise dramatically, Jacob envisions that machine learning and advanced signal processing methods can significantly reduce the expenses associated with medical imaging, thereby enhancing accessibility. He hopes that the recognition granted through the Distinguished Lecturer position will facilitate his interaction with local IEEE Signal Processing Society chapters. Such engagement will provide him with a platform to inspire young engineers about the profound impacts of signal processing and machine learning in medical settings and beyond.

Both Acton and Jacob are harnessing their expertise to address critical challenges faced by society. Through their efforts, they seek not only to advance technological capabilities but also to inspire the next generation of engineers and researchers. Effective education and mentorship are paramount for nurturing talent and innovation in an ever-evolving field like engineering. By participating in the Distinguished Lecturer Program, they can share their insights and research outcomes with a broader audience, potentially sparking interest in burgeoning technologies and facilitating collaborations across various disciplines.

As the landscape of engineering continues to expand with technological advancements, the engagement of established professionals like Acton and Jacob is vital. Their commitment to education and research exemplifies the core values of the IEEE community, emphasizing a collaborative spirit aimed at overcoming both academic and societal challenges. As they embark on their journey with the Distinguished Lecturer Program, their message will resonate widely—encouraging the exploration of innovative technologies while showcasing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing pressing global issues.

In summary, the achievements of Professors Scott Acton and Mathews Jacob stand as a testament to the university’s dedication to excellence in engineering education and research. By receiving this coveted honorary designation, they not only solidify their positions as leaders in their respective fields but also lay the groundwork for future advancements in signal processing, artificial intelligence, and medical imaging. Their involvement with the IEEE Signal Processing Society is set to inspire others while championing the transformative potential of engineering innovation in the modern world.

Professors Acton and Jacob’s work represents the convergence of technology and human impact, highlighting the essential role that engineers play in shaping our future. Their stories serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring engineers and researchers, showcasing the possibilities that lie at the intersection of theory and practical application. As they prepare to share their knowledge through lectures and workshops, the engineering community stands to benefit immensely from their insights, potentially leading to future breakthroughs that can further revolutionize our understanding of technology’s role in society.

The journey of discovery is ever-evolving, and as Acton and Jacob step into their roles as distinguished lecturers, the world of engineering moves closer to realizing the profound impacts of their research—an endeavor that promises to enhance lives and reshape industries across the globe.

Subject of Research: Advanced Signal Processing and AI Applications in Medical Imaging
Article Title: UVA Professors Selected as IEEE Distinguished Lecturers
News Publication Date: October 2023
Web References:
References:
Image Credits: Tom Cogill/UVA School of Engineering and Applied Science

Keywords

Signal Processing, Image Analysis, Machine Learning, Healthcare, AI, Imaging Technology, Biomedical Engineering, Education