Research
My research aim is to develop noninvasive imaging biomarkers which can accurately diagnose or determine the prognosis of diseases, especially the central nervous system disorders. So far, I have done researches in optimizing scan parameters of magnetic resonance imaging sequences for improved lesion detection, early detection and mapping of microstructural abnormalities using newly developed magnetic resonance imaging techniques, modeling microstructural changes in diseased states using noninvasive imaging techniques, and development of prognostic imaging biomarkers using “radiomics” approach.
In addition to researches carried out individually, I also welcome interdepartmental and interinstitutional collaborative works.
Both master and doctoral courses are offered to students interested in performing research works in the field mentioned above. During these courses, students are specially trained in image data analysis and interpretation. The students are expected to spend most of the allotted time in doing practical works. Weekly journal reading and presentation sessions are also offered, to enhance research and presentation skills. Presentation at national and international conferences is also encouraged.
As a mentor and teacher, I was exposed to students with different cultural and educational backgrounds. In addition to teaching Japanese students and residents, I have experience in teaching radiologists and residents, visiting fellows and exchange medical students from Myanmar, Thailand, Taiwan, China, Estonia, Italy, United Kingdom, and Bangladesh. I treasure the experiences gained through meeting people from various parts of the world and am looking forward to meeting more people from abroad.
Please feel free to contact us if you are interested in doing collaborations with me or studying under my supervision.
Key Publications
Honors
- Excellent Teacher Award, Hokkaido University School of Medicine (2017, 2018)
- Guerbet Scientific Award (Cum Laude), XII Asian-Oceanian Congress of Neuroradiology (2018)
- Outstanding Scientific Presentation Award, Japanese Society of Neuroradiology (2006, 2014)
- Presidential Award, Japanese Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (2010, 2012)
- Quiz Winner, International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (2011)
- Kato Award, Japanese Society (2010)
- Takakuwa Scholarship, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine (2008)
- Wakabayashi Memorial Award, Department of Radiology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine (2006)
- Travel Fellowship Award, Symposium Neuroradiologicum (2006)
- Cum Laude, Radiological Society of North America (2005)
Publications
Paper Presentations/ Publications by Students
- Sawamura D, Tha KK, Hashimoto N, Nakagawa S, Narita H, Shirato H. Differences in Brain Microstructural Alterations between Bipolar and Major Depression Revealed by Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging. ISMRM 27th Annual Meeting & Exhibition (Montreal, Canada), 2019.
- Li X, Tha KK, Abiko K, Ahn S, Manabe O, Hattori N, Urushibata Y, Kudo K, Shirato H. Distribution of Major Brain Metabolite Ratios in Adults: The Observations of Whole Brain Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging Study. ISMRM 27th Annual Meeting & Exhibition (Montreal, Canada), 2019.
- Li X, Tha KK, Abiko K, Sheriff S, Maudsley A, Ahn S, Urushibata Y, Kudo K, Shirato H. Distribution of Major Metabolites of the Brain in Normal Adult Population: A Whole-Brain Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging Study. The 46th Annual Meeting of JSMRM, Kanazawa, Japan, 2018.