Volume 11, Issue 3 | Summer 2026

Science Feature

New Publication Advances Sensitivity in Magnetic Resonance Research

Jason W. Sidabras, Dr. rer. nat., has published a new study in Magnetic Resonance describing a novel signal processing method that improves the sensitivity of magnetic resonance measurements. The paper, "Segmented-overlap Fourier filtering and averaging (SOFFA) approach to improve concentration sensitivity of magnetic resonance spectra," introduces an innovative computational approach that enables researchers to recover weak signals more effectively without requiring modifications to existing instrumentation.

Biophysical techniques, such as continuous-wave electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), are widely used in biomedical research, chemistry, and materials science. A common challenge is detecting signals from low-concentration samples or small numbers of molecules, where meaningful information can be obscured by background noise.

The SOFFA method addresses this challenge by dividing acquired magnetic resonance signals into overlapping segments, processing them individually, and combining the results to improve the final spectrum by at least a factor of 5.6. By making more efficient use of the acquired data, the approach significantly enhances signal-to-background performance while remaining compatible with commercial magnetic resonance systems.

Because SOFFA is implemented as a signal processing technique rather than a hardware modification, it can be incorporated into a broad range of magnetic resonance applications with minimal additional cost. Improved sensitivity has the potential to benefit researchers studying challenging biological samples, developing quantitative imaging biomarkers, or detecting weak signals that would otherwise be difficult to observe.

Figure 1. A visualization of the SOFFA method. A Gaussian absorption spectrum is simulated with a half width of 1 mT and an amplitude of unity. Shown here is a representation of the simulated experiment. (A) Random (white) noise is added. (B) A small set of unfiltered segmented data is plotted, showing field steps s with oversampling. (C) When a Gaussian convolution filter of Eq. (6) [see article] is applied to (A), the expected improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio is shown, similarly to increasing the time constant. (D) However, using the SOFFA method, L is increased as a function of n, where n is in points. The discrete shift between adjacent segments, of sweep size s in mT, leads to further signal-to-noise ratio improvement being exhibited due to the increased averaging during concatenation of filtered data.

This publication reflects Dr. Sidabras' broader research program focused on advancing magnetic resonance technology through innovations in both instrumentation and computational methods. By combining new hardware designs with advanced signal processing techniques, his laboratory aims to expand the capabilities of EPR, NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance), and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) systems for biomedical research and future clinical translation.

Graduate Student Q&A

Learn about the students in our Biophysics Graduate Program.

Biprojit Nath

Program: Biophysics
Mentor: Peter LaViolette, PhD, MS
Year Entered MCW: 2023

Background: I completed my bachelor’s degree in biomedical science at the University of Delhi and subsequently earned a master’s degree in nuclear medicine from the Indian Institute of Technology.

Before joining MCW, I worked as a medical physicist in nuclear medicine at Caritas Hospital in Kerala, India, and as a research fellow with the Indo-Dutch BIONIC collaboration at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, India. These experiences introduced me to both the clinical and research aspects of medical imaging and motivated me to pursue doctoral training focused on improving care for patients with brain tumors. I joined the LaViolette lab at MCW to investigate how advanced MRI analysis and computational modeling can reveal aspects of tumor biology that are not visible on conventional imaging.

Research Interests: My research focuses on developing and validating advanced imaging methods for glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer characterized by extensive infiltration into the surrounding brain. I am particularly interested in radiopathomics, which combines MRI with microscopic tissue analysis to estimate biological features such as tumor cell density beyond the visible tumor margins. My doctoral work also examines how glioblastoma interacts with white-matter pathways, how tumor location influences patient survival, and how mathematical biophysical models can simulate tumor growth and infiltration over time. By integrating medical imaging, neuropathology, machine learning, and clinical data, I hope to develop tools that improve our understanding of tumor behavior and support more personalized treatment planning.

Future Plans: After completing my PhD, I hope to continue working at the intersection of medical imaging, artificial intelligence, and neuro-oncology. My long-term goal is to translate computational imaging methods into clinically useful tools that help physicians better understand tumor extent, anticipate disease progression, and make more informed treatment decisions. I am interested in pursuing a career in translational research in academia.

Fun Fact: Outside of research, I enjoy staying active through running, pickleball, tennis, cricket, strength training, and cooking. I am currently training for the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon on October 4, which will be my first half marathon. I also enjoy photography, exploring new places, and experimenting with different ways of communicating complex scientific ideas through visuals.

Biophysics Alumni: Where Are They Now?

M. Mahesh, MS, PhD, FAAPM, FACR, FACMP, FSCCT, FIOMP, FIUPESM

Title & Institution: Professor of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Year Graduated MCW: 1993
Mentor: Charles R. Wilson, PhD

Christopher Chad Quarles, PhD

Title & Institution: Professor, Cancer Systems Imaging, Diagnostic Imaging UT MD Anderson Cancer Center
Location: Houston, Texas
Year Graduated MCW: 2004
Mentor: Kathleen M. Schmainda, PhD

Department News

Welcome

Mengzhen Chen (postdoctoral researcher, Sidabras lab)
Alex Hogg (research technologist, Zielonka lab)
Paul Kremer (postdoctoral researcher, Wang lab)
Radha Vaddavalli (research associate, Al-Gizawiy lab)
Nick Winter (research technologist, Zielonka lab)

Farewell

Matea Juric (research technologist, Zielonka lab)

Congratulations

Keri Blaszczynski was promoted to business manager.
Jacek Zielonka was promoted to associate professor.

Francesca Marassi was awarded a five-year, $3.237 million competitive renewal of her R35GM118186 grant, titled "Membrane Protein Effectors of Pathogen Interactions With Host."
Jason Sidabras was awarded an administrative supplement to his U01AI189427 for the purchase of a custom GMW Associates Inc. magnet system.
Yaqiang Wang was awarded a one-year, $100,000 grant for from the Chordoma Foundation, titled "Targeting the TBXT Exon6 Skipping Stem-Loop with RNA-Targeted Small Molecules."

Mona Al-Gizawiy, Kathleen Schmainda, & Christopher Chitambar published an article in Neuro-Oncology Advances and an article in Pharmacological Reviews.
Gang Cheng, Micael Hardy, & Balaraman Kalyanaraman published an article in Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics.
Tyler Gallun & Nikolai Mickevicius published an article in Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Neil Hogg & Balaraman Kalyanaraman published a chapter in Biomedical EPR, Part A: Free Radicals, Metals, Medicine, and Physiology.
Balaraman Kalyanaraman published an article in Cell Disease & Death.
Nikolai Mickevicius published an article in Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Kyungsoo Shin, Gopinath Tata, & Francesca Marassi published a review article in Current Opinion on Structural Biology.
Jason Sidabras published an article in Radiation Research and an article in Magnetic Resonance.
James Woodcock & Jeannette Vasquez Vivar published an article in Free Radical Biology and Medicine.

Heidi Geiger was nominated for an MCW Staff Recognition Award in the Guiding Light Mentoring Award category.
Rana Mansour was one of ten international PhD students to receive a Bruker Travel Award to attend the 31st International Conference on Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems in Davos, Switzerland, on August 23-27, 2026.
Nikolai Mickevicious received Best Poster prize at the 12th Annual Symposium on Magnetic Resonance in Radiation Therapy held in Odense, Denmark, on June 17-19, 2026.
Karthika Samimuthu was nominated for an MCW Staff Recognition Award in the Guiding Light Mentoring Award category.
Jeannette Vasquez Vivar received an Outstanding Faculty Service Award in recognition of her service to the School of Medicine Rank Committee. This award is given to those who have gone above and beyond in their service to a Faculty Council committee.

Years of Service

These Biophysics employees were honored for their years of service to MCW. Thank you for your hard work and dedication!

Nicholas Cina, PhD (postdoctoral researcher, Klug lab) - 5 years
Katie Schultz, PhD (research scientist I, Klug lab) - 20 years
Lydia Washechek (grants operations coordinator sr.) - 10 years

Third Annual James S. Hyde, PhD, Memorial Lecture

The Third Annual James S. Hyde, PhD, Memorial Lecture took place on May 19, and featured a presentation, titled "Antibody Binding to Amyloid Fibrils," by guest lecturer Robert G. Griffin, PhD, Arthur Amos Noyes Professor of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and National Academy of Sciences member. Thanks to all who helped set up the event! And to all who attended!

Pictured (left to right): Robert Griffin, Francesca Marassi, Candice Klug

Featured Pet

Pet Name: Athena
Age: 11ish years
Likes: Beef, chicken, and deep-tissue massages
Dislikes: Air travel
Origin Story: Athena was abandoned in San Diego and lived as a neighborhood cat for years until she walked in my house and decided to stay. She adopted me.
Guardian: Francesca Marassi

Biophysics News is a quarterly MCW departmental newsletter aimed at enhancing departmental engagement through information and good news sharing.

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