Research
The Winkler Laboratories research novel methods in Ultra High-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
One of the greatest challenges of modern biomedical science is the mapping of the human brain to understand underlying functionality and behavior. Ultra High-Field (UHF) MRI (using magnetic field strengths of 7T and above) provides promise of a crucial improvement over 3T in spatial resolution and sensitivity for deciphering subtle features that are <1mm in size and could thus allow mapping of intricate detail such as intra-cortical or small subcortical network hubs.
UHF field strengths are still hindered by substantial technological hurdles before the promised performance increases towards higher sensitivity and sub-mm resolution can be fully realized. The Winkler Lab focuses on an interdisciplinary approach at the intersection of engineering and medicine to overcome key hardware and technological critical barriers that are holding back UHF MRI and its clinical applicability.
The Winkler Lab is based in New York City at the MRI Research Institute (MRIRI) of the Weill Cornell Medical College and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.
Current Projects:
- MRSaiFE: Real-Time Prediction of Tissue Heating in MRI using Deep Learning
- Thermoacoustic SAR Monitoring (TASAR)
- Magnetic Resonance Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS)
- Stretchable MRI Coils Based on Liquid Metal Technology
- A 2D High-Pass Ladder RF Coil Architecture for UHF MRI
- Human Connectome Mapping Using Ultra-High-Resolution MRI: A Technological Pathway
Bio
Dr. Simone Winkler is a Stanford-trained NIH-funded biomedical researcher interested in studying three primary topics: (1) hardware development for MR engineering applications, (2) neurodegenerative disease diagnosis as well as the mapping of brain connectivity, (3) high-impact work at the interface of multi-physics and medicine, in the form of fundamental clinical and biological training in pediatric MRI.
Distinctions:
Awards
- 2022-Top 2 Late Breaking Submission, Gordon Research Conference 2022
- 2022, 2023-Distinguished Reviewer Award from the Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
- 2022-Magna Cum Laude Merit Award for ISMRM conference abstract "MRSaiFE: towards the real-time prediction of SAR in 3T and 7T MR RF coils - a feasibility study with 10 body models"
- 2021-Top 10 – Office of Science and Technology Austria – ARIT poster competition
- 2021-Summa Cum Laude Merit Award for ISMRM oral conference submission "Self-tuning stretchable RF receive coil concept using liquid metal encapsulated within an elastic polymer"
Grants and Scholarships
- 2022-2026-NIH R01 A Self-Tuning Liquid Metal Coil Conforming to Movement for High-Resolution Brachial Plexus MRI
- 2021-2022-DoR Bridge Award: A Self-Tuning Liquid Metal Coil Conforming to Movement for High-Resolution Brachial Plexus MRI
- 2021-2022-S10: 7T Magnetic Resonance Imaging System for Basic, Translational and Clinical Research, Role: Technical Director
- 2017-2022-NIH K99/R00: Human Connectome Mapping Using Ultra-High-Resolution MRI: A Technological Pathway, PI: Dr. Simone Winkler
Selected Publications:
- Evaluation of a flexible 12-channel screen-printed pediatric MRI coil. Radiology.
- Stretchable self-tuning MRI receive coils based on liquid metal technology (LiquiTune). Nature Scientific Reports.
- MRSaiFE: An AI-Based Approach Toward the Real-Time Prediction of Specific Absorption Rate”.
- A pathway towards a two-dimensional, bore-mounted, volume body coil concept for ultra high-field magnetic resonance imaging
- Characterization of a Low-Profile, Flexible, and Acoustically Transparent Receive-Only MRI Coil Array for High Sensitivity MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound