Kevin M. Koch, PhD

Professor, Department of Radiology; Director, Center for Imaging Research (CIR); Division of Imaging Sciences

Locations

Medical College of Wisconsin
Department of Radiology

Contact Information

Education

PhD, Physics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 2006
BS, Physics, Truman State University, Kirksville, MO, 2001

Biography

Dr. Koch’s research over the past 20 years has spanned a wide variety of MRI technical development efforts. He has specifically centered on the modelling, use, and compensation of subtle magnetic field distortions in magnetic resonance imaging. He now seeks to improve and apply MRI-based tissue magnetism measurements, particularly in cases of injured or degenerative brains. His recent graduate students, Casey Anderson (MS, MCW Biophysics) and Juan Liu (PhD, MCW/Marquette Biomedical Engineering) performed work in his group to improve the capabilities of MRI susceptibility measurements. Together, Dr. Koch and Dr. Liu have developed deep-learning based MRI susceptibility reconstruction methods and are continuing to deploy them in projects focused on neurological disease. One of Dr. Liu’s recent deep learning networks was a finalist for the 2019 International QSM Challenge Competition, which she presented at the challenge conference in Seoul, South Korea.

Dr. Koch also leads the MCW technical team in developing advanced MRI protocols for the human-connectome project (HCP) imaging. Along with Dr. Andrew Nencka, he is the lead investigator on a collaborative project with GE Healthcare to develop and disseminate advanced HCP protocols to the global neuroimaging research community.

Dr. Koch’s background also led to the conceptualization, development, clinical evaluation, and commercialization of a novel approach to MRI metal artifact reduction. This approach, known as 3D Multi-Spectral Imaging (3D-MSI), is currently available as a clinical imaging product (MAVRIC SL) on GE Healthcare MRI scanners. More recently, Dr. Koch continues to develop advanced orthopaedic imaging capabilities, specifically focusing on analysis of MRI signals near metal implants and exploring the use of dynamic MRI of moving joints to quantify orthopaedic health.

                
                    Research Areas of Interest
                
                    Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee
Brain Concussion
Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Hip Prosthesis
Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
Knee Prosthesis
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Models, Statistical
Neuroimaging
Whole Body Imaging

                    Research Experience
                
                    Echo-Planar Imaging
Electromagnetic Fields
Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Physics
Radiation, Nonionizing
Software

                    Methodologies and Techniques
                
                    Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

                    Leadership Positions
                
                    Director, Center for Imaging Research.   Vice Chair of Research, Department of Radiology

                    MCW Program / Core Facilities
                
                    center for imaging research