Photo of Dr. Pineda, Tetsuya Kawakita, and Rehan Mehta. DR PINEDA/ COURTESY
By Emmanouel Sofillas, Staff Writer
Angel Pineda, Ph.D., a professor of mathematics, stands as a pioneer in the field of mathematics to enhance medical imaging, particularly in the context of MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), through a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant of $434,000.
At the core of Pineda’s work is the exploration of how MRI images perform in clinical tasks, specifically in the detection of tumors. What sets this research apart is the unique use of mathematical modeling using neural networks to predict human performance.
The primary issue with modern MRI machines is that they are time-consuming for patients to be in and often result in a costly health insurance bill. Pineda’s research is aimed to streamline the process and produce faster, higher-quality MRI images that can benefit the patient.
“Instead of merely assessing image quality, we aim to determine the effectiveness of an MRI image in detecting specific conditions, such as tumors,” Pineda said. “By leveraging both human and computational perspectives, we can optimize medical imaging systems for enhanced clinical outcomes.”
In addition, Pineda expressed his excitement surrounding the groundbreaking research, emphasizing the potential it holds for the field of medical imaging.
“I would hope that this research would help us learn more about tumors accurately,” Pineda said. “The big picture of this is that it would help us design MRI scanners that would improve clinical outcomes for patients.”
Pineda has dedicated decades of extensive research in this area, working in the field since 1997. Pineda’s contributions have grabbed significant attention, with prominent institutions rallying behind and supporting his future scientific research. Specifically, the NIH grant would boost efforts to accelerate the development of his future projects in this area.
“We’ve received two National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants,” Pineda said. “The only way that you can get the NIH to pay for your research is to build on it over many years because it takes a long time. You keep trying to get a little bit better each time and so you have to stay in one area for a long time.”
According to manhattan.edu, “The grant will enable six Manhattan College students (two per year during the three-year grant period) to assist Pineda in his research.” Ultimately, it allows Pineda to grow his team and provide MC students with hands-on experience in addition to their coursework.
Rehan Mehta, a mathematics major, shared what he learned from the professor.
“[I learned] Countless things at personal, professional, and academic fronts – from confounding mathematical concepts to delivering a speech in front of a packed room to discovering new favorite cuisines,” Mehta said. “Pineda is an amazing mentor and advisor, who has helped me become a well-rounded person.”
Another student, Tetsuya Kawakita, shared his experience doing research with Pineda in the past.
“Under Pineda, I learned a lot of MATLAB and how to code using its various functions,” Kawakita said. “I also learned more mathematical and statistical theory that was required for the research. I also learned a lot of patience as weeks of research could lead to no results. I also became more curious as Pineda made the prospect of wading into the unknown very exciting.”