Training Programs

  • Formal Education Opportunities

    Several courses are taught regularly as part of the undergraduate program in Biomedical Engineering. These include Introduction to Medical Imaging, Biological Basis of Imaging, and Quantitative and Functional Imaging. In addition, VUIIS faculty with appointments in the School of Engineering sometimes define senior design projects.

    Research Experiences

    Undergraduate students can obtain research experience at the VUIIS through a variety of mechanisms. Regardless of the mechanism, an interested student would be best served by reviewing the VUIIS faculty research interests, identifying projects that sound interesting, and then approaching the appropriate faculty member. An email inquiry or telephone call to arrange an appointment is the first step in this process.

    After meeting with a VUIIS faculty member and agreeing upon a suitable project, students interested in obtaining course credit may do so by registering for an appropriate independent study course through their home department. For example, BME students can register for BME 240a-240b (Undergraduate Research in BME). Ideally, this would be arranged in the early-to-middle part of the semester preceding that in which the student wishes to obtain credit.

    There are also several mechanisms through which students can be paid for their work. First, faculty members who hold a research project grant may have funds available to pay a student directly from that grant. Also, there are both University-wide and School-specific summer research programs that provide opportunities for full-time summer research experiences and a stipend. These include the Vanderbilt University Summer Research Program and, for Engineering students, the VUSE Summer Undergraduate Research Program. Applications for these competitive programs are typically due in February of each year; however, interested students are advised to contact potential VUIIS faculty advisors well before the application deadline in order to allow sufficient time to prepare the application, and because faculty are limited in the number of students whom they are allowed to sponsor.

    Courses

    • BME 4400 (Introduction to Medical Imaging)
    • BME 4420 (Quantitative and Functional Imaging)

  • US Permanent Residents qualify for NIBIB T32 Training Grant.

    The VUIIS faculty is comprised of experienced and expert research scientists engaged in the development and applications of a comprehensive array of in vivo biomedical imaging methods. Imaging provides a compendium of powerful techniques not only for patient care but also the study of biological structure and function. Imaging can provide uniquely valuable information about tissue composition, morphology and function, as well as quantitative descriptions of many fundamental biological processes. Continuing technical developments have expanded the applications of imaging to new areas of biology such as the study of brain function and gene expression. There is a critical need for imaging scientists trained in different techniques and modalities, knowledgeable about the ideas that are common to all imaging, and able to relate imaging to applications in biology and medicine. Our program provides a comprehensive graduate training in imaging science within the context of a leading research medical center, a unique, dedicated Institute of Imaging Science, and strong science and engineering departments. We propose a comprehensive training program for 4 outstanding pre-doctoral scientists who would each be supported for 2 years. Students in biomedical imaging will be enrolled in one of several existing graduate programs but will mainly be admitted via our programs in Chemical and Physical Biology or Biomedical Engineering. We will emphasize recruiting graduates with backgrounds in the physical and quantitative sciences. Trainees will receive thorough and exemplary instruction in all of the cognate areas relevant to biomedical imaging and its applications. They will be co-mentored by imaging science faculty as well as collaborating clinicians and biological scientists. Although enrolled in different programs, all trainees in imaging will share a common set of courses, rotations and other experiences, which will overseen and administered by the Institute. The training program incorporates didactic courses, a program of rotations and research experiences, and a dissertation research project. The research opportunities include active, funded projects in nearly all major imaging modalities and areas of imaging science. Trainees have access to outstanding facilities including three research-dedicated human MR systems (2 at 3T and one 7T); animal MR systems at 4.7T, 7T, 9.4T and 15T; high resolution ultrasound imaging; X-ray and optical imaging; microCT, microSPECT and microPET; and extensive chemistry, radiochemistry and other laboratories. Trainees are mentored in the ethics and methods of biomedical research, as well as in grant writing and other important career skills. The programs, personnel, and facilities at Vanderbilt provide unique opportunities for pre-doctoral students to receive exemplary training in biomedical imaging science.

    Formal Education Opportunities

    Graduate training in imaging science is available through several of the University's academic departments and programs. On the main campus, there are students enrolled in degree programs in the Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Physics and Astronomy, and Neuroscience who are being advised by VUIIS faculty. In the medical center, there are students enrolled in the Chemical and Physical Biology PhD Program who are being advised by VUIIS faculty. There are also many graduate students in other main university or medical center departments who, while not pursuing graduate education in imaging science per se, use imaging and spectroscopic methods in order to answer fundamental questions in Psychology, Physiology, and other disciplines.

    Informal Education Opportunities

    The VUIIS sponsors a number of informational educational opportunities. These include:

    • Journal and data clubs:Currently, there are journal clubs that focus on Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Metabolic Imaging, Molecular Probe Development, Cancer Imaging, Diffusion Tensor Imaging, Psychiatric Neuroimaging/VUIIS Functional MRI Methods, human MRI/MRS Pulse Programming, and 7T MRI/MRS.
    • VUIIS Weekly Research Seminar: The VUIIS sponsors a research seminar that meets on Friday of each week. This provides an outstanding venue for trainees to give progress reports on their research and hear full research presentations from VUIIS faculty and distinguished external speakers. Attendance at this seminar is expected for all VUIIS trainees.
    • VUIIS Annual Research Retreat: The retreat occurs in the spring or early summer of each year. All VUIIS personnel attend this 3 day/2 night event and present progress reports and plans for the upcoming year. The retreat is held in another city; past retreats have taken place in Chattanooga, Memphis, Louisville, Huntsville, Knoxville, and Birmingham.
    • VUIIS Scientific Communication Seminars: In this seminar series, we explore scientific communication, a key component of the scientific process linking an idea to a published result: from formulating, describing, and defending a research plan; to communicating results in talks, posters, and journal articles. The seminar is taught coincidentally with CPB 315/316.
    • VUIIS Career Development Series: The aim of this class series is to provide education in non-academic topics that are critical to success in the sciences and engineering. Previous topics have included "Giving Effective Oral Presentations About Science,” “Finding a Job in Academia,”, “Professional Expectations in the Academic Environment,” and “Federal Funding 101.” Suggestions for future topics may be sent to Bruce Damon.

    Research Training

    The hallmark of graduate education is research training. The more than 40 core VUIIS faculty members represent a broad spectrum of interests within imaging science, including understanding the fundamental physical and chemical interactions of biological tissues with the energy that allows imaging and produces contrast; the development of new imaging methods (such as MRI pulse sequences or approaches to image analysis) that result in novel sources of contrast; the development of molecular imaging contrast agents for understanding cellular and molecular physiology; hardware engineering for imaging; imaging applications in applied physiology and clinical studies; new image processing methods; and more. Their activities are supported by more than 45 NIH research project grants and similar awards, totaling more than 14 million dollars in annual direct research funds.

    Support for graduate students comes from three sources

    • Regular research grants such as those described above
    • Teaching assistantships provided by the home departments
    • Training grants. VUIIS has two institutional training grants supported by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, which includes four post-doctoral fellows and four graduate students. In addition, eight post-doctoral fellows are supported for training by the National Cancer Institute. This allows them to obtain broad-based education and training in a wide variety of imaging approaches. After the two-year support period ends, they are typically supported by a regular research grant. Depending on the student's research question, support may be available from one of Vanderbilt's other training grants; also, eligible graduate students are encouraged to apply for individual NIH training grants. Note that federally sponsored training grants are typically available only to US citizens and permanent residents.

    Campus Resources to Support Graduate Education

    There are a wide range of professional development activities for graduate students at VU, both at the main campus and at VUMC. On the main campus, these activities are coordinated by the Graduate Student Professional and Personal Development (GSPPD) Collaborative. This program describes itself as "an informal network of faculty, administrators, and students at Vanderbilt University that seeks to facilitate the awareness and use of the many programs that can help students become productive and well-rounded scholars." Their activities include acting as a clearinghouse for campus activities for supporting graduate students, announcing funding opportunities, and sponsoring and advertising workshops and other events. The Office of Biomedical Research Education and Training (BRET) provides similar activities on the medical center side of campus. Other campus resources include:

    • Gender-Related Issues: The Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center sponsors programs for students of each gender related to women's issues. They also coordinate a dissertation support group for women. The Society for Women Engineers has a chapter at Vanderbilt. The Women on Track program aims to advance the careers of women in science by promoting the advancement and retention of female tenure-track faculty, providing mentorship for female junior faculty, and creating an infrastructure for internal promotion from the house staff and post-doctoral levels.
    • The VU Psychological and Counseling Center provides individual and group counseling, assessment, and organizational consulting.
    • Career Services include the Vanderbilt Career Center and the BRET Office of Career Development and Outcomes Analysis, each of which lists available positions. Other resources include workshops, seminars, and alumni networking.
    • Writing and Language Support Services, including the Vanderbilt English Language Center and the Vanderbilt Editors' Club, which is sponsored by BRET.
    • Services for International Students are coordinated by the International Students and Scholars Services office.
    • The Graduate Student Council, which includes student delegates from the academic departments and programs. The council 1) coordinates academic and social programs for graduate students, and 2) acts as a communication conduit between students and the Graduate College.

     

    Courses

    Core Curriculum

    • BME 258 (Introduction to Medical Imaging) or Physics and Astronomy 228 (Physics of Medical Imaging)
    • BME 276 (Biological Basis of Imaging)
    • BME 277 (Quantitative and Functional Imaging)
    • BME 395 (Special Topics: Mathematical Methods in Imaging), Physics and Astronomy 308 (Mathematical Methods for Physicists), or BME 301 (Quantitative Methods in Biomedical Engineering)

    Specialized areas

    • BME 330 (Cancer Imaging)
    • BME 331 (Neuroimaging)
    • BME 395 (Special Topics: Advanced NMR Methods)
    • BME 395 (Special Topics: Cellular and Molecular Imaging)
    • EE 253 (Image Processing)
    • EE 357 (Advanced Image Processing)

  • US Permanent Residents qualify for NIBIB T32 Training Grant.

    The VUIIS faculty is comprised of experienced and expert research scientists engaged in the development and application of MR methods in several different important research areas and across different scales. MR methods serve not only as the single most important modality in diagnostic imaging but also provide crucial insights into biological processes and structure to address fundamental questions in biomedical research. Despite continuing advances in MR technology, there is a shortage and a critical need for appropriately trained scientists capable of fully exploiting the potential of MR techniques. We have developed a comprehensive training program in biomedical MRI and MRS designed for outstanding postdoctoral scientists from different backgrounds. Some have been exposed to imaging and MR methods before, but others have had little previous significant experience in biomedical MRI and MRS. Postdoctoral trainees from physics, chemistry, biology, engineering or medicine may receive thorough and exemplary instruction in all of the cognate areas relevant to biomedical NMR in a coherent and comprehensive program. In addition, trainees pursue applications (mainly) in neuroscience, radiology, cancer and metabolic disorders and are co-mentored by collaborators from relevant clinical departments. The formal training includes an educational program, consisting of courses, seminars, and journal clubs; a practical program, consisting of faculty-led tutorials and practical training; and a research program, in which trainees are integrated into an active research program. These programs illustrate most major aspects of the applications of MR methods in humans and animals. Trainees have access to outstanding facilities including three research-dedicated human MR systems (2 at 3T and one 7T); animal MR systems at 4.7T, 7T, 9.4T and 15.2T; and other imaging modalities (including X-ray, ultrasound, optical imaging, microCT, microSPECT and microPET). Trainees are mentored in the ethics and methods of biomedical research, as well as in grant writing and other important career skills. Our previous trainees have been very successful in their careers after leaving our program. The programs, personnel, and facilities at Vanderbilt provide outstanding opportunities for advanced training in biomedical NMR of the highest caliber, and will ensure that the remarkable insights into biology and disease that are possible with MRI and MRS will be realized.

    Formal and Informal Education Opportunities

    Post-doctoral fellows at the VUIIS benefit from the same outstanding training environment and formal educational opportunities as graduate students (post-doctoral fellows are able to audit one course per semester, for a nominal fee). In addition, we anticipate that they will participate in one or more journal clubs, attend the VUIIS retreat, and attend and speak in the VUIIS seminar series. These programs are fully described under Graduate Education and Training Opportunities, above.

    Working at VUIIS

    Post-doctoral fellows at the VUIIS typically attend and present at one or more major international meetings per year and attain a high level of scholarship and productivity. The starting salary for fellows is well above the standard NIH rate, and fellows enjoy living in a medium-sized city with a broad range of cultural and recreational opportunities and a reasonable cost of living. Our previous fellows have gone on to assume tenure-track faculty positions at Vanderbilt and elsewhere, as well as positions in the biomedical imaging and pharmaceutical industries.

    Campus Resources to Support Post-doctorial Fellow

    The Medical Center's Office of Biomedical Research Education and Training (BRET) coordinates many aspects of post-doctoral training at Vanderbilt, including a large number of career development opportunities. Within the BRET program is the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. The mission of this office is to support and assist postdoctoral fellows during their training at Vanderbilt. The types of information listed include:

    • Policy and Procedures, including several documents on VUMC policies concerning status, salary, evaluation of performance, and mentor responsibilities. Also available is "The Compact Between Postdoctoral Appointees and Their Mentors," a document outlining the postdoctoral appointee-mentor relationship;
    • Professional Development, including funding opportunities, the BRET seminar series, job resources, and grant writing support;
    • Events, such as weekly seminars on research and career development topics, workshops, and social gatherings;
    • Support Services, such as information on taxes, benefits, salaries and stipends, health insurance, career counseling, and relocation; and
    • The Individualized Development Plan: The IDP is one means of communicating progress, goals, career aspirations, and training needs between post-docs and their mentors and is required on an annual basis.

    Other VUMC programs for postdoctoral fellows include:

    • VUMC Postdoctoral Association: The aim of this association is to unite postdoctoral research fellows from basic science and clinical departments. The organization has activities ranging from social interactions, practice seminars, and career preparation training. In addition to these activities, the association strives to provide information and a sounding board for complaints and concerns to other postdoctoral associates. This group meets once a month on campus.
    • Gender-Related Issues: The Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center sponsors programs for students of each gender related to women's issues. They also coordinate a dissertation support group for women. The Society for Women Engineers has a chapter at Vanderbilt. The Women on Track program aims to advance the careers of women in science by promoting the advancement and retention of female tenure-track faculty, providing mentorship for female junior faculty, and creating an infrastructure for internal promotion from the house staff and post-doctoral levels.
    • The VU Psychological and Counseling Center provides individual and group counseling, assessment, and organizational consulting.
    • Career Services include the Vanderbilt Career Center and the BRET Office of Career Development and Outcomes Analysis, each of which lists available positions. Other resources include workshops, seminars, and alumni networking.
    • Writing and Language Support Services, including the Vanderbilt English Language Center and the Vanderbilt Editors' Club, which is sponsored by BRET.
    • Services for International Students are coordinated by the International Students and Scholars Services office.

    As noted above, the more than 40 core VUIIS faculty members have a broad spectrum of interests within imaging science. Their activities are supported by more than 45 NIH research project grants and similar awards, totaling more than 14 million dollars in annual direct research funds. Post-doctoral training at the VUIIS is sponsored by these regular research project grants and by two institutional training grants. Regular research grants provide funding for a specific scientific project and may include funds for a post-doctoral fellow. Interested parties are recommended to contact individual faculty members about such opportunities. Persons interested in applying to a training grant should contact either Dr. John Gore, the Principal Investigator for the T32 award entitled "Postdoctoral Training in Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy," or Dr. Ron Price, PI for the R25 award entitled "Postdoctoral Training in Cancer Imaging." Professional development activities across campus are extensive.

  • The Master of Imaging Science program at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine addresses the growing recognition of imaging science as a distinct specialty in biomedical research and clinical care.

    Imaging technologies provide critical diagnostic and research functions in uncovering and solving health care mysteries through a variety of modalities including ultrasound technology, radiation technology (such as x-rays and CT scans), and MRI technologies. Students will learn the functions and uses behind various modalities used to allow physicians and patients to observe internal organs, detect cancers, monitor image-guided surgeries, and more.

    Our unique MIS program aims to:

    • Provide innovative and comprehensive education across the full range of biomedical imaging science at a national leader in health care and health sciences.
    • Prepare graduates for leadership roles in applying imaging in academic, clinical, and industrial settings in health care and beyond.

    For more information, click HERE

    For any questions, please email mis.contact@vanderbilt.edu

    Learning in Innovative Environments

    Within the context of a leading medical research and teaching center and a dedicated Institute of Imaging Science, graduates of the master’s program in Imaging Science will train in both preclinical and clinical environments in order to:

    • Develop the ability to implement technical advances in one or more specific imaging technologies, combining principles of physics, engineering, computer science, and mathematics to collect, produce, and analyze images.
    • Understand the uses and practical limitations of the major imaging modalities in use today. They will understand the fundamental principles of image formation, contrast mechanisms, and image analysis for each modality.
    • Apply expertise in the use and interpretation of multiple imaging modalities in preclinical and/or clinical applications, as well as current research directions.

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