Dr Irvin Teh

Profile

I am an MRI physicist who leads a group focused on developing advanced diffusion MRI methods for microstructural characterisation of the heart.

Diffusion MRI is a unique method for interrogating the cardiac tissue microstructure at a cellular level, and is sensitive to changes in cell size, shape, orientation and other factors. The measurements taken can help scientists and clinicians to observe and appreciate changes to the heart microstructure following disease or other biological intervention. It is a safe technique that does not involve ionising radiation or exogeneous contrast agents, and has tremendous potential to improve diagnosis and management in patients with myocardial conditions.

I obtained my PhD in MRI Physics at Imperial College London, UK. I then took up postdoctoral appointments at the Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore and subsequently at the University of Oxford, UK. I am now a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Leeds, and the MRI Lead for the Experimental and Preclinical Imaging Centre (ePIC). Colleagues and I in ePIC work extensively with partners to develop a wide range of MRI techniques and applications in the preclinical setting. I also collaborate extensively with clinicians, and am actively engaged in human volunteer and patient studies at the Advanced Imaging Centre (AIC) and the Leeds General Infirmary.

The team and I are developing advanced diffusion MRI techniques for investigating the myocardial microstructure in both preclinical and clinical applications, and I am an investigator on grants from the British Heart Foundation, NIHR and Wellcome Trust. I have published extensively on technical developments in advanced diffusion MRI, preclinical and clinical application of diffusion MRI, and validation using independent imaging techniques.

I am actively engaged in PhD supervision within the field of diffusion MRI, and teaching. Students are welcome to get in touch to discuss potential MSc and PhD projects.

Responsibilities

• MRI Lead for the Experimental and Preclinical Imaging Centre
• Module Lead within MSc Medical Imaging

Research interests

Microstructural characterization of the heart based on diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI);

Development of novel methods for accurate and quantitative diffusion MRI in the heart;

Validation of diffusion MRI with simulations, phantoms and complementary imaging techniques.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Philosophy (MRI Physics)
• Masters of Biomedical Engineering
• Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering

Professional memberships

• International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
• Society for Cardiac Magnetic Resonance

Student education

Module Lead within the MSc Medical Imaging.

Research groups and institutes

• Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine
• Biomedical Imaging Science