Epstein, Frederick H.
Primary Appointment
Professor, Biomedical Engineering
Education
- BS, Physics, University of Rochester
- PhD, Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia
Contact Information
PO Box 800170
Telephone: 8049820211
Email: fhe6b@virginia.edu
Website: https://engineering.virginia.edu/faculty/frederick-h-epstein
Research Disciplines
Biomedical Engineering, Cardiovascular Biology
Research Interests
Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Coronary Heart Disease; Myocardial Function; Myocardial Perfusion
Research Description
The general goal of my lab is to develop MRI techniques for assessing the structure, function, and perfusion of the cardiovascular system, particularly in the setting of heart disease. Recent projects have included developing MRI methods for imaging myocardial perfusion and developing displacement-encoded MRI for high-resolution measurements of intramyocardial motion. We have access to state-of-the-art whole body 3T scanners for human imaging studies and to a high-field 7T MRI scanner for imaging small animals, particularly mice. Through collaborations with cardiologists and molecular biologists, our novel MRI methods are applied to studies involving both clinical cardiology and basic cardiovascular science.Current Projects:
Imaging myocardial mechanics with Cine DENSE (Displacement Encoding with Stimulated Echoes) MRI, including pulse sequence development and improving image analysis methods.
MRI in mouse models of cardiovascular disease. Some projects include 3D Cine DENSE in mice, MRI of macrophage infiltration in myocardial infarction, using arterial spin labeling and first-pass MRI to quantify myocardial perfusion, T2-weighted imaging of myocardial edema, and 3D phase contrast MRI of aortic blood flow and wall shear stress.
MRI of pancreatic beta cells using manganese and other targeted contrast agents as well as quantitation through MR relaxometry and multi-compartment models.
Current Projects:
Imaging myocardial mechanics with Cine DENSE (Displacement Encoding with Stimulated Echoes)MRI, including pulse sequence development and improving image analysis methods.
MRI in mouse models of cardiovascular disease. Some projects include 3D Cine DENSE in mice, MRI of macrophage infiltration in myocardial infarction, using arterial spin labeling and first-pass MRI to quantify myocardial perfusion, T2-weighted imaging of myocardial edema, and 3D phase contrast MRI of aortic blood flow and wall shear stress.
MRI of pancreatic beta cells using manganese and other targeted contrast agents as well as quantitation through MR relaxometry and multi-compartment models.
UNLEASH:
Undergraduates seeking work in this lab need to have coursework/experience in programming, linear algebra, and signal analysis.