Rahim R. Rizi
Professor of Radiology and
Electrical and Systems Engineering (ESE)
Email | Personal Webpage | Research Webpage
Research Expertise: Medical imaging | Real-time metabolic imaging
The goal of Rizi's research is the development and application of novel hyperpolarized MRI techniques to the diagnosis of various pulmonary and metabolic disorders. Hyperpolarization, the process of drastically increasing the population difference between nuclear spin states, provides a platform for imaging lung physiology and metabolic activity with spatial and temporal resolution unattainable with conventional MRI techniques, thus offering the potential for the earlier diagnosis of disease states and the precise monitoring of a patient's response to medical treatment. This core research theme is executed with an eye toward several ultimate goals: the identification of changes in pulmonary structure and function associated with disease, a more complete understanding of pathogenesis, and the establishment of a more sensitive testing environment to develop treatments for lung disease. To date, significant contributions in these areas include new imagining techniques for the comprehensive description of lung physiology and structure, accurate imaging of the regional pulmonary partial pressure of oxygen in both humans and large and small animals, highly developed imaging of regional ventilation, and a state-of-the-art mechanical ventilation device.
Education:
Ph.D. Physical Chemistry 1983 - University of Iowa
M.S. Computer Science 1987 - University of Pennsylvania
M.S. Physical Chemistry 1978 - Western Illinois University
B.S. Chemistry 1976 - University of Isfahan - Iran