E. Brian Welch, Ph.D., M.B.A.
Assistant Professor
Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science (VUIIS)
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Research Specialty:
I am a biomedical engineer whose Ph.D. training focused on biomedical imaging. Specifically, I am an expert in methods and software development for the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) environment. My previous and ongoing research projects focus on overcoming the real world limitations of MRI that hinder research and clinical applications.
Research Description:
I seek solutions to problems such as motion corruption, static field and radio frequency field inhomogeneity, long acquisition times, field of view limitations, and the qualitative nature of most MRI methods. Strategies to overcome these challenges include both hardware and software solutions, alternative data acquisition and reconstruction methods, novel MRI pulse sequences, quantitative imaging methods and associated post-processing tools. My most recent contributions are in the areas of fat-water MRI, human brown adipose tissue (hBAT) imaging, and continuously moving table MRI.
Much remains unknown about brown adipose tissue in humans. However, in animals brown adipose tissue is believed to be involved in the maintenance of body weight, non-shivering thermogenesis, metabolism of fatty acids and glucose, and the development of some chronic metabolic diseases. My current research using fat-water MRI thermometry investigates the amount and activity of brown adipose tissue in healthy and clinically relevant adult humans. This knowledge is critical for understanding the role brown adipose tissue plays in obesity and metabolic diseases and whether or not it can be used as a therapeutic target.
My complete list of 50 peer-reviewed published works, reported by NCBI, can be found by clicking HERE.
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Our recent paper on BAT in human subjects was selected as an editor’s pick by AJP Endocrinology and Metabolism for more information, please click HERE.
Characterizing active and inactive brown adipose tissue in adult humans using PET-CT and MR imaging
Aliya Gifford, Theodore F. Towse, Ronald C. Walker, Malcolm J. Avison, and E. Brian Welch