Ying: Advancing Computational Biomedical Imaging and MRI
In the intersection of electrical engineering and biomedical science, the work of Ying stands as a cornerstone for modern medical imaging. Through a career dedicated to refining how we visualize the human body, Ying has contributed significantly to the fields of image reconstruction and signal recovery, ensuring that medical diagnostics are more accurate and efficient.
Academic Career and Appointments
Ying's academic journey began at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where she served as an assistant and subsequently an associate professor of electrical engineering and computer science from 2003 to 2011. In the spring of 2012, she transitioned to the University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, joining the departments of biomedical engineering and electrical engineering as a professor.
Recognizing her contributions to the field, she was appointed the Clifford C. Furnas Professor of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering in September 2019.
Research and Technical Contributions
As the head of the Computational Biomedical Imaging Laboratory (CBIL), Ying focuses her research on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Her work primarily targets the optimization of image reconstruction—the process of converting raw data from an MRI scanner into a viewable image—using advanced mathematical frameworks.
Her core research interests include:
- Compressed Sensing: A signal processing technique that allows for the reconstruction of a signal from fewer samples than traditionally required.
- Machine Learning: Utilizing computational algorithms to improve imaging outcomes.
- Parallel MRI: Using multichannel receiver coils to accelerate the imaging process.
- Super-resolution Microscopy: Techniques that bypass the diffraction limit of light to image structures at a higher resolution.
To support the wider scientific community, Ying has released three open-source Matlab code libraries. These include packages for two-dimensional phase unwrapping, joint estimation of coil sensitivities and image in parallel imaging (JSENSE), and Nonlinear GRAPPA, which employs a kernel approach to parallel MRI reconstruction.
Key Facts
- Current Role: Clifford C. Furnas Professor of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering at the University at Buffalo.
- Laboratory: Leads the Computational Biomedical Imaging Laboratory (CBIL).
- Specializations: MRI, compressed sensing, and machine learning.
- Leadership: Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging since 2019.
- Open Source: Contributed Matlab libraries for JSENSE, Nonlinear GRAPPA, and phase unwrapping.
| Period | Organization/Publication | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2003–2011 | University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee | Assistant/Associate Professor |
| 2012–Present | University at Buffalo (SUNY) | Professor |
| 2019–Present | IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging | Editor-in-Chief |
| 2012–2019 | Magnetic Resonance in Medicine | Deputy Editor |
| 2009–2012 | IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering | Associate Editor |
Professional Leadership and Activities
Beyond her research and teaching, Ying is a prominent figure in professional medical imaging societies. Since 2019, she has served as the Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging. Her editorial experience is extensive, having served as an associate editor for the IEEE Annual International Conference of Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (since 2008) and the IEEE International Symposium on Biomedical Imaging (since 2013).
Her leadership extends to administrative and technical committees. She was a member of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society administrative committee from 2013 to 2015 and contributed to the technical program committees for the IEEE International Symposium on Biomedical Imaging in 2011 and the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society Annual Conference in 2014. Additionally, she served on the editorial board for Nature Research's Scientific Reports from 2016 to 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of the Computational Biomedical Imaging Laboratory (CBIL)?
The CBIL, headed by Ying, focuses on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), specifically exploring image reconstruction, compressed sensing, and machine learning to improve imaging quality and speed.
What open-source tools has Ying provided to the research community?
Ying has published three Matlab code libraries: one for two-dimensional phase unwrapping, the JSENSE package for joint estimation of coil sensitivities and images, and Nonlinear GRAPPA for parallel MRI reconstruction.
Which academic titles does Ying currently hold?
Ying is a professor in the departments of biomedical engineering and electrical engineering at the University at Buffalo, and she holds the title of Clifford C. Furnas Professor of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering.
What are Ying's primary editorial contributions?
Ying is currently the Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging and has held various editorial roles at Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, and Scientific Reports by Nature Research.