Grant: Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA)

"Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful tool that relies on precise measurement and control of magnetic fields using coils. MRI has many clinical applications, and is mainly used to diagnose and characterize diseases and disorders. In vivo axon size characteristics using MRI, for instance, have the potential to be an early biomarker for conditions like schizophrenia and autism. Post-mortem studies show that brains with schizophrenia have less densely packed fibers than neurotypical brains whereas those with autism have more densely packed fibers. By tracking the geometrical changes within the brain, we can better understand the cause of the disorders and identify potential therapeutic targets. One of the main challenges in MRI is the low signal-to-noise ratio, which can be improved with better coils, more precises measurements, and better control of the magnetic fields. In this project, we will develop tools to improve the precision of MRI measurements. These developments will be developed and tested in a well-characterized setting and, at the end of the project, will be applied to improve MRI techniques for clinical use. The student will develop and test shim coils to create a very homogenous magnetic field. Experiments will be conducted in a low magnetic field environment, in the context of an apparatus originally developed to study the magnetic resonance of neutrons. The results of these experiments will confirm the suitability of these coils for medical applications, paving the way for improved MRI techniques in healthcare."