About

Edward Auerbach, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Radiology at the University of Minnesota. His academic background includes B.S. and B.A. degrees in Chemistry and Criminology & Law from the University of Florida. He began his career in MRI physics and functional neuroimaging research in 1997 as an undergraduate research assistant in the lab of Drs. Richard Briggs and Bruce Crosson at the University of Florida. In 1998, he joined the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR) at the University of Minnesota, where he earned his Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences and Medical Physics in 2003 working with Drs. Xiaoping Hu and Kâmil Uğurbil. His research focuses on developing and integrating software and hardware to improve MRI image quality, resolution, and acquisition speed, with a particular interest in the use of ultra-high magnetic fields. He has worked on some of the most powerful whole-body human MRI scanners in the world, including the first 7 Tesla and the only 10.5 Tesla installed at CMRR.

Research topics

• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Science
• Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Medicine
• Mathematics
• Chemistry
• Internal medicine
• Pure mathematics
• Radiology
• Nuclear medicine
• Statistics
• Gerontology
• Demography
• Biochemistry

Selected publications

• Mesoscale Whole‐Brain <scp> <i>T</i> ₂ </scp> *‐Weighted and Associated Quantitative <scp>MRI</scp> in Humans at 10.5 T

  Magnetic Resonance in Medicine · 2026-04-07

  articleOpen access

  ABSTRACT Purpose To demonstrate mesoscale whole‐brain T 2 *‐weighted ( T 2 *w) MRI at 10.5 T, quantify R 2 * relaxation rate and magnetic susceptibility ( χ ), and evaluate T 2 *w contrast at such high field strength. Methods Multi‐echo GRE (ME‐GRE) data were collected in healthy adults at 0.5 mm isotropic resolution at 10.5 T. Whole‐brain images were reconstructed with navigator‐guided joint motion and field correction and were used for quantitative R 2 * and χ mapping. Regional R 2 * and χ values and R 2 * contrast were analyzed in volumetric regions of interest (ROIs) and intra‐cortical surface‐based ROIs. For comparison, ME‐GRE data from the same subjects were acquired using a similar protocol at 7 T. Results High‐quality whole‐brain T 2 *w images were obtained, enabling R 2 * and χ mapping with delineation of fine‐scale brain structures. Regional R 2 * analysis revealed a linear relationship between 10.5 T and 7 T R 2 * values with a slope of 1.52, in agreement with previously reported linear field dependency of R 2 *. Estimated χ values were field‐independent in most brain regions under consideration except for the basal ganglia where χ was observed to be lower at 10.5 T than at 7 T. The normalized R 2 * contrast that is, the R 2 * difference normalized by the mean R 2 *, increased by about 3% between brain regions and 12% between cortical depths from 7 to 10.5 T. Conclusion It is feasible to achieve high‐quality mesoscale whole‐brain T 2 *w MRI at 10.5 T and associated quantitative R 2 * and χ mapping. Our results may aid future optimization of anatomic T 2 *w brain MRI at ultrahigh field beyond 7 T.

  PublisherDOI

• High Resolution Diffusion MRI Tractography in the in-vivo &amp; ex-vivo NHP brain using a human 10.5T scanner

  Proceedings on CD-ROM - International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. Scientific Meeting and Exhibition/Proceedings of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, Scientific Meeting and Exhibition · 2025-09-16

  article

  Motivation: High-resolution diffusion MRI (dMRI) at ultra-high field is challenging due to a shorter T2 and increased susceptibility-induced distortions. Goal(s): To demonstrate the feasibility of high-resolution in-vivo and ex-vivo dMRI, and tractography using the 10.5T whole-body human scanner at CMRR-Minnesota. Approach: We explored acquisition and processing approaches for pushing resolution towards the mesoscale in the non-human primate (macaque) brain, based on pulsed-gradient spin-echo (in-vivo) and diffusion-weighted steady-state free-precession (ex-vivo). Results: We showcase high-resolution dMRI datasets (0.75 mm in-vivo, 0.4 mm ex-vivo) of the macaque brain at 10.5T and we propose a pipeline from image reconstruction to biophysical modelling that enables high-resolution tractography reconstructions. Impact: We showcase for the first time the performance of the 10.5T human whole-body MRI scanner at the CMRR, University of Minnesota, for high-resolution diffusion MRI and tractography in the in-vivo and ex-vivo macaque brain.

  PublisherDOI

• Diffusion-weighted steady-state free precession imaging in the ex vivo macaque brain on a 10.5T human MRI scanner

  bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) · 2025-12-16 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  Abstract Diffusion MRI provides a non-invasive probe of local fibre bundles and long-range anatomical connections to characterise the structural connectome. One way to achieve very high spatial resolution diffusion MRI data for connectivity investigations is to scan ex-vivo brains over many hours or days, ideally at ultra-high field strength to boost signal levels. However, conventional diffusion MRI acquisition techniques do not generally deliver good data quality for the challenging conditions of ex-vivo tissue, characterised by reduced diffusivities and relaxation times when compared to in vivo. In this work, we investigate the potential of the diffusion-weighted steady-state free precession (DW-SSFP) sequence for ex vivo diffusion imaging of the macaque brain using a 10.5 T human MRI scanner with a conventional ( G max = 70 mT/m) gradient set. SNR-efficiency optimisations incorporating experimental relaxation times demonstrate that the DW-SSFP sequence is predicted to achieve improved or similar SNR efficiency compared to a diffusion-weighted spin- and stimulated-echo sequence. Importantly, DW-SSFP can achieve this with the additional benefit of negligible geometric distortions, unlike conventional diffusion MRI using an echo-planar imaging readout. Using optimised DW-SSFP sequence parameters, we propose a protocol at 0.4 mm isotropic resolution using a two-shell multi-orientation protocol (effective b-values of 3200 s/mm 2 and 5600 s/mm 2 ). We fit the data using Tensor, Ball and 3-Sticks and Constrained Spherical Deconvolution signal representations. The results demonstrate high-quality diffusivity estimates across the entire brain with the ability to resolve multiple fibre populations in challenging crossing-fibre regions. The data will be made fully open source and multimodal as part of the Center for Mesoscale Connectomics, providing a resource for future connectivity investigations.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Data Stitching for Dynamic Field Monitoring With <scp>NMR</scp> Probes

  Magnetic Resonance in Medicine · 2025-11-09 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  PURPOSE: To propose a new method for characterizing sequences with higher resolution or readout length than allowed by standard field monitoring approaches. METHODS: Our proposed method was devised to characterize entire readout gradients by stitching multiple segment-specific dynamic field measurements obtained across a matched number of consecutive TRs corresponding to a certain segmentation of the readout gradient. The utility of our proposed stitching method for high-order dynamic field measurements was illustrated using 2D spiral sequences. It was first demonstrated at 10.5 T and then at 7 T using both simulated and experimental MRI data. At 10.5 T, two extreme spiral readout scenarios were considered where standard field monitoring did not work. Our method was then validated in humans at 7 T, where spiral sequences were employed for brain imaging. At 7 T, our method was further compared against gradient impulse response function (GIRF)-based trajectory prediction. RESULTS: At 10.5 T, our stitching method outperformed the standard approach, producing plausible dynamic field measurements throughout entire readouts. At 7 T, it produced nearly identical measurements for one readout where standard field monitoring also worked; for another readout when standard field monitoring did not work, it still produced sensible field measurements, improving image reconstruction for both simulated and experimental MRI data. CONCLUSION: Our proposed stitching method provides an effective means to characterize challenging imaging gradients using commercially available hardware and without assuming a linear gradient system, thereby having utility for many applications especially those aiming for ultrahigh-resolution MRI at ultrahigh field.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Mesoscale T2*-weighted MRI of the human cerebellum at 10.5 Tesla: initial experience

  Proceedings on CD-ROM - International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. Scientific Meeting and Exhibition/Proceedings of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, Scientific Meeting and Exhibition · 2025-09-16

  article

  Motivation: There is an increasing interest in pursuing ultrahigh resolution human cerebellum MRI at ultrahigh field capitalizing on the increased SNR and CNR. Goal(s): To demonstrate the feasibility and utility of mesoscale T2*-weighted cerebellum MRI at 10.5T by synergizing various techniques. Approach: Data were collected at 0.4-mm isotropic resolution with tailored RF shimming, a custom high density head RF array, and fast motion-robust multi-echo 3D EPI. SWI, quantitative R2* and local field maps were obtained. Results: Our approach produced high quality images, delineating fine cerebellar architecture with improved SNR and contrast. Impact: The demonstrated feasibility and utility of motion-robust mesoscale multi- echo EPI in humans at 10.5T may shed light on future optimal implementation of anatomical T2*-weighted cerebellum MRI at ultrahigh field, paving the way for future neuroscience applications.

  PublisherDOI

• A stitching method for dynamic field monitoring using NMR probes: validation in simulation and human experiments

  Proceedings on CD-ROM - International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. Scientific Meeting and Exhibition/Proceedings of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, Scientific Meeting and Exhibition · 2025-09-16

  article

  Motivation: Last year we proposed and demonstrated a stitching method that can be used to characterize sequences with higher resolution or longer readout. Goal(s): To validate our stitching method by image reconstruction based on an extended signal model using simulation and real data experiments. Approach: Image reconstruction and MR simulation incorporating higher-order field terms were devised by expanding MRIReco.jl and KomaMRI.jl. Human brain scans with spiral readouts were also conducted at 7 Tesla. Results: In simulation, using stitching monitored field dynamics resulted in better image reconstruction. Likewise, using our stitching method in in-vivo experiments outperformed the standard field monitoring approach, especially at higher resolution. Impact: Validated with both simulation and real data experiments, our proposed stitching method capable of characterizing challenging imaging gradients using commercially available hardware is believed to have a promise to advance many ultrahigh resolution MRI applications at ultrahigh field.

  PublisherDOI

• Mesoscopic whole-brain T ₂ *-weighted and associated quantitative MRI in healthy humans at 10.5 T

  bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) · 2025-04-24 · 1 citations

  preprintOpen access

  Abstract Purpose To demonstrate the feasibility and performance of mesoscopic whole brain T 2 *-weighted (T 2 *w) MRI at 10.5 T by combining a motion-robust multi-echo gradient-echo (GRE) method with high-density RF receive arrays. Methods Multi-echo GRE data were collected in healthy adults at isotropic 0.5 mm resolution using a custom-built 16-channel transmit/80-channel receive (16Tx/80Rx) RF coil. Whole brain images were reconstructed with navigator-guided joint motion and field correction and were used for quantitative R 2 * and susceptibility ( χ ) mapping. Intrinsic signal-to-noise ratio (iSNR) and quantification precision for R 2 * and χ were also estimated. The results were compared with those obtained in the same subjects with matched resolution at 7 T using the commercial Nova 1Tx/32Rx coil, to demonstrate the iSNR and quantification precision gains at 10.5 T. G-factors were also calculated at each field strength to evaluate parallel imaging performances. To demonstrate the benefit of increased parallel imaging performances at 10.5 T, whole brain images with higher acceleration were also obtained using a custom-built 16Tx/128Rx coil. Results the utilized motion robust GRE sequence and reconstruction effectively reduced artifacts from motion and field changes during scans, producing high-quality whole-brain T 2 *w images and multi-parametric maps at 10.5 T with delineation of fine-scale brain structures. Compared to 7 T, the 10.5 T approach led to gains in both iSNR and quantification precision of R 2 * and χ . Quantitatively, iSNR estimated in the peripheral cortical gray matter increased by 42%. Parallel imaging performances were also improved at 10.5 T owing to the utilized high-density coils compared to the commonly used commercially available coil at 7 T, allowing high-quality images with up to 12-fold combined acceleration when using the 128Rx coil. Conclusion It is feasible to perform motion-robust whole-brain mesoscopic multi-echo gradient echo imaging of the human brain at 10.5 T. Intrinsic SNR and quantification precision of R 2 * and χ were estimated and compared with 7 T results. The results presented here may shed light on future optimal implementation of anatomic T 2 *w brain MRI at ultrahigh field beyond 7 T.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• An ultra-fast RF switch for 23Na SWIFT imaging at 10.5T

  Proceedings on CD-ROM - International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. Scientific Meeting and Exhibition/Proceedings of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, Scientific Meeting and Exhibition · 2025-09-16

  article

  Motivation: The development and demonstration of zero echo time imaging (SWIFT) of Sodium (23Na) at 10.5T using a human-approved birdcage coil for imaging of sodium concentrations in the human brain, knee, and/or wrist. Goal(s): To achieve SWIFT imaging quality comparable to UTE for imaging of fast relaxing 23Na signal. Approach: Development of an ultra-fast PIN diode driver, switchable attenuator, and T/R switch with extremely high transmit-to-receive isolation to ensure isolation of the un-blanked RFPA noise. Results: Demonstrated herein are bench measurements of fast switching and high isolation of the hardware as well as MR images demonstrating the capability of the hardware. Impact: Enabling imaging of nuclei with fast relaxation times with custom-built fast-switching PIN drivers and RF frontend which features sub-microsecond switching speeds and isolations of up to 100 dB between transmit and receive.

  PublisherDOI

• Advancing whole‐brain <scp>BOLD functional MRI</scp> in humans at 10.5 T with motion‐robust <scp>3D echo‐planar imaging</scp> , parallel transmission, and high‐density <scp>radiofrequency</scp> receive coils

  Magnetic Resonance in Medicine · 2025-10-17 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  PURPOSE: To demonstrate the feasibility and performance of whole-brain blood oxygen level-dependent functional MRI (fMRI) in humans at 10.5 T by combining motion-robust three-dimensional gradient-echo echo-planar imaging, parallel transmission, and high-density radiofrequency (RF) receive coils. METHODS: Resting-state fMRI time series were collected in healthy adults at 1.58 mm and approximately 2-s spatiotemporal resolution using a custom-built 16-channel transmit/80-channel receive RF array. Individualized parallel-transmission, spatial-spectral RF pulses were designed to achieve uniform water-selective excitation across the entire brain without the need for additional fat saturation. Images were reconstructed with navigator-guided joint motion and field correction. Reconstructed images were preprocessed using fMRIPrep and postprocessed using XCP-D pipelines. Relevant resting-state fMRI metrics were evaluated including temporal SNR (tSNR), amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation, and regional homogeneity. The results were compared with those obtained using uncorrected reconstruction (i.e., using same raw data but without motion or field correction). RESULTS: Our motion-corrected reconstruction largely improved image quality for fMRI time series, reducing motion confounds when compared with uncorrected reconstruction. The reduction in motion confounds translated into an improvement in tSNR, with tSNR averaged across all volunteers being increased by about 11%. Our motion-corrected reconstruction also improved both amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation and regional homogeneity in most cortical surfaces and subcortical regions. CONCLUSION: It is feasible to perform quality three-dimensional whole-brain blood oxygen level-dependent fMRI in humans at 10.5 T using a new comprehensive motion-robust imaging method. This work paves the way for promising future applications at 10.5 T aimed at studying brain function and networks with high spatiotemporal resolution.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• In Vivo Human Brain MRSI at 10.5 T: Initial Insights

  Proceedings on CD-ROM - International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. Scientific Meeting and Exhibition/Proceedings of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, Scientific Meeting and Exhibition · 2025-09-16

  article

  Motivation: Utilize the ultra-high field of 10.5 T for human in vivo brain MRSI investigations. Goal(s): 3D mapping of an unprecedented high number of brain metabolites. Approach: Employing a custom-built MR coil together with an optimized shimming tool and a robust FID-MRSI sequence with fast concentric ring readouts. Results: 3D-FID-MRSI via concentric ring trajectory readouts at 10.5 T with nominal 2.75 mm isotropic resolution within 25 minutes. Mapping of up to 13 brain metabolites plus macromolecules such as aspartate, GABA, glucose, glutamine and NAAG. Dedicated parallel transmit and receive coil setup, with up to 80 coils, ensured high SNR and homogenous field distributions. Impact: We have shown for the first time that 1H-FID-MRSI of the human brain at 10.5 T allows for 3D mapping of up to 13 neurochemicals. This technology could offer a unique view into the metabolic intricacies of the human brain.

  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Kâmil Uǧurbil

  212 shared

• Steen Moeller

  147 shared

• Essa Yacoub

  Resonance Research (United States)

  103 shared

• Pierre‐François Van de Moortele

  101 shared

• Gregor Adriany

  82 shared

• Xiaoping Wu

  Resonance Research (United States)

  74 shared

• Junqian Xu

  Baylor College of Medicine

  57 shared

• Małgorzata Marjańska

  University of Modena and Reggio Emilia

  47 shared