SUMMARY
The research interests of Stephen J. Riederer, Ph.D., are in the technical development of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This includes use of the underlying MRI physics, development of new imaging techniques, and implementation of MRI that addresses clinically important problems.
Previous projects have been in the development of fast-scanning methods such as the fundamental method of view sharing, multishot echo-planar imaging, fast spin-echo fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging of the brain and rapid gradient-echo imaging with nonstandard (centric) phase-encoding orders. Recent projects include adapting these methods to contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) perfusion imaging.
Another central aspect of Dr. Riederer's research has been real-time signal processing. Developments have included magnetic resonance fluoroscopy, real-time line scanning, and operator-interactive triggering for CE-MRA and fetal imaging.
Current studies include the development of high-resolution imaging for DCE-MRI, diffusion-weighted imaging and T2-weighted spin-echo (T2SE) imaging, particularly as applied to imaging prostate cancer. A specific project is focused on developing methods for very high (1 mm or less) resolution in the slice direction of 2D multislice T2SE. This is expected to be useful not only for prostate MRI but also for MRI of many other anatomic regions.
Dr. Riederer has long been active in the training of graduate students. He teaches didactic courses at Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in MRI physics, and he has mentored more than two dozen students to doctoral degrees, many of whom are now active in research careers of their own.
Focus areas
- High-quality prostate MRI
- High (super)-resolution T2SE imaging
- Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography
- Parallel acquisition techniques and receiver coil arrays
- Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI
Significance to patient care
Dr. Riederer's research team interacts routinely with radiologists and other clinicians for in vivo evaluation of new techniques. Many of the methods developed in Dr. Riederer's laboratory have been implemented commercially and are used daily in MRI systems worldwide.
Professional highlights
- Recipient, Distinguished Investigator Award, Academy of Radiology Research, 2012
- Named, Distinguished Investigator, Mayo Clinic, 2010
- President, Society of Magnetic Resonance Angiography, 2008
- Gold Medal, International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, 2002