Lisa C. Krishnamurthy

Biography

I obtained my BS in Physics from University of California, Irvine and PhD in Bioengineering from the joint program at University of Texas at Arlington and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas. I am a translational magnetic resonance (MR) physicist and have considerable experience with MR imaging (MRI) and MR spectroscopy (MRS) sequence design and analysis to create novel biomarkers for the clinic and rehabilitation sciences. My expertise includes (1) design and optimization of novel pulse sequences for high- and ultrahigh- magnetic field strengths using simulation and mathematical modeling of the MR signal, (2) implementation of novel pulse sequences in the Philips and Siemens pulse programming environments, and (3) optimization and sensitization of MRI sequences and analysis for rehabilitation science and clinical translation. My work in this area was recognized internationally by the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) as a semi-finalist in the ISMRM Young Investigator Award competition for my development of T2-Relaxation Under Phase Contrast (TRU-PC) MRI. My work is poised to have a transformative impact in clinical care by developing better diagnostic and predictive imaging tools. My interest in applying the principles of physics to medicine has led to my collaborations with rehabilitation scientists and clinicians using MRI to develop a better understanding of the brain and the consequence of stroke. Due to stroke, the regional milieu of neurotransmitter levels, perfusion, and metabolism change, and by creating imaging biomarkers to measure these changes, it will be possible to better plan rehabilitation strategies. The end-goal of this research is to work with clinicians to inform rehabilitative regimen for the modification of neural substrates using behavioral therapy and exercise.