Nuclear medicine

Dr. Trouard is an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Medical Imaging and a member of the Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute. His research involves the development and application of novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to understand human health and effectively treat disease. Dr. Trouard’s multidisciplinary work spans a range from basic studies of cell culture systems, to studies of preclinical animal models of disease, to clinical imaging in humans. Many aspects of this work are directed towards understanding and treatment of neurological disorders including Alzheimer's Disease, Niemann Pick Type C disease, Stroke and Cancer.

My research interests are in the field of theoretical image science with emphasis on medical imaging. I currently study task-based measures of image quality in which one must define the task the images are to be used for and the observer who will be performing this task, to properly measure and optimize the quality of images and imaging systems. We take the stance that imaging systems should be designed to best enable the observer to detect tumors and not base design decisions on resolution, contrast, etc. Topics in my research group include accurate system modeling, statistical modeling, observer performance metrics, signal-detection theory and general image science.

Biomedical imaging, in general, and various modalities of tomography are now an important part of medical practice and biomedical research. I develop mathematics of biomedical imaging. All modalities of tomography imaging rely heavily on mathematical algorithms for forming an image. My work involves developing the theory and the algorithm enabling this technology. By developing these techniques further, I contribute to improving health and life in the 21st century. Keywords: Electromagnetic and acoustic scattering; wave propagation; photonic crystals; spectral properties of high contrast band-gap materials and operators on graphs; computerized tomography.