The Rohan Laboratory
Our Research ApproachDr. Rohan directs the MR Facility at LIBR and is responsible for its operation, the quality of the data that it produces, and for supporting the long-range planning of imaging technology. LIBR is active in the exploration of novel technologies such as focused ultrasound, functional EEG, and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation; a goal of the operation of the MR facility is the safe and effective incorporation of these technologies into imaging experiments when appropriate
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Overview
Dr. Rohan recently joined the Laureate Institute for Brain Research as Chief Technology Officer and Director of the Imaging Center. His research interests include the robust acquisition of magnetic resonance (MR) data and the appropriate modeling of both cognitive effects as well as physiological and physical sources of noise in functional MRI. To this end, he is pursuing a project of continual evaluation and improvement of MR methods at LIBR. He is responsible for its operation, the quality of the data that it produces, and for supporting the long-range planning of imaging technology. LIBR is active in the exploration of novel technologies such as focused ultrasound, functional EEG, and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation. A goal of the operation of the MR facility is the safe and effective incorporation of these technologies into imaging experiments when appropriate.
In addition, Dr. Rohan is contributing to the ongoing study of the effects of inflammation on mental health at LIBR by directing the analysis of imaging data from a large sample of subjects from both the T1000 and NeuroMAP projects who received exploratory MR scans that are sensitive to tissue characteristics (a composite multi-contrast acquisition). The association of the imaging results with biological assays and measures of affect will contribute to the establishment of imaging biomarkers of inflammation.
Finally, Low Field Magnetic Stimulation (LFMS) is a novel electromagnetic treatment for bipolar depression that has been in development by Dr. Rohan since its discovery in an MR system in 2001. LFMS uses a table-top sized device in a 20-minute treatment and has been observed to produce immediate effects on mood. At LIBR, Dr. Rohan will conduct initial imaging trials of LFMS in healthy controls to establish imaging biomarkers of functional changes caused by treatment. The observation of immediate imaging effects will lead not only to a fast optimization method for LFMS but also for other physical and electromagnetic treatments.
In addition, Dr. Rohan is contributing to the ongoing study of the effects of inflammation on mental health at LIBR by directing the analysis of imaging data from a large sample of subjects from both the T1000 and NeuroMAP projects who received exploratory MR scans that are sensitive to tissue characteristics (a composite multi-contrast acquisition). The association of the imaging results with biological assays and measures of affect will contribute to the establishment of imaging biomarkers of inflammation.
Finally, Low Field Magnetic Stimulation (LFMS) is a novel electromagnetic treatment for bipolar depression that has been in development by Dr. Rohan since its discovery in an MR system in 2001. LFMS uses a table-top sized device in a 20-minute treatment and has been observed to produce immediate effects on mood. At LIBR, Dr. Rohan will conduct initial imaging trials of LFMS in healthy controls to establish imaging biomarkers of functional changes caused by treatment. The observation of immediate imaging effects will lead not only to a fast optimization method for LFMS but also for other physical and electromagnetic treatments.
Scientific Background
Dr. Rohan has been active in the development of new technology for medical research and for the understanding and treatment of mental health since 1986. He received undergraduate and graduate degrees in physics and mathematics from M.I.T., and a Ph.D. in physics from Tufts University.
In 1986 he joined Advanced NMR Systems, Inc., a start-up company that was developing the first commercial fMRI system. He took part in the development of the fast-scanning technology used for these systems. His primary work was the development and design of the high-powered gradient coils used for fMRI, deriving an algorithm for design and for subsequent fabrication of these coils that are the basis for fMRI systems today. The performance of these coils, in particular the achievement of low leakage fields, resulted in the first clinical fMRI results that were presented by Mass General Hospital in 1991. Subsequent projects at ANMR included the system design for the first clinical 3T fMRI system, installed at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in 1995.
Dr. Rohan moved to McLean Hospital in the Harvard Medical School system to provide fMRI technology for its psychiatric imaging effort. Early contributions in psychiatric imaging included the measurement and analysis of EPI based T2-relaxometry as a proxy for perfusion, and early diffusion tensor imaging experiments for the investigation of bipolar and psychotic disorders.
Since 2001 he has developed an electromagnetic treatment for depression. Based on a serendipitous discovery in an MRI system, LFMS shows rapid improvement in mood in depressed subjects with either major depression or bipolar depression. The LFMS device was started from a hypothesis following the original observation and was developed into a medical device that was evaluated by the NIH as part of its RAPID program for fast acting antidepressants. Dr. Rohan will be studying the effects of LFMS on brain activity at LIBR following installation of the device.
Most recently as Director of High Field MRI Systems at McLean Hospital, Dr. Rohan directed research and operations on the 9.4T/400 pre-clinical and 4T clinical research MRI systems. He developed novel image processing for high field fMRI, managed operations, and oversaw research studies of substance abuse, models of Alzheimer’s disease and HIV, and the development of nano-particle delivery systems. He worked in collaboration with the Electrical Engineering Lab at McLean in the design of novel RF coils.
Dr. Rohan is looking forward to supporting the research at LIBR by ensuring that the MR systems, fMRI acquisition and processing remain at their state-of-the-art levels. He is also looking forward to collaboration with the faculty at LIBR in his accustomed area of fMRI as well as in new areas of tissue characterization and inflammation.
In 1986 he joined Advanced NMR Systems, Inc., a start-up company that was developing the first commercial fMRI system. He took part in the development of the fast-scanning technology used for these systems. His primary work was the development and design of the high-powered gradient coils used for fMRI, deriving an algorithm for design and for subsequent fabrication of these coils that are the basis for fMRI systems today. The performance of these coils, in particular the achievement of low leakage fields, resulted in the first clinical fMRI results that were presented by Mass General Hospital in 1991. Subsequent projects at ANMR included the system design for the first clinical 3T fMRI system, installed at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in 1995.
Dr. Rohan moved to McLean Hospital in the Harvard Medical School system to provide fMRI technology for its psychiatric imaging effort. Early contributions in psychiatric imaging included the measurement and analysis of EPI based T2-relaxometry as a proxy for perfusion, and early diffusion tensor imaging experiments for the investigation of bipolar and psychotic disorders.
Since 2001 he has developed an electromagnetic treatment for depression. Based on a serendipitous discovery in an MRI system, LFMS shows rapid improvement in mood in depressed subjects with either major depression or bipolar depression. The LFMS device was started from a hypothesis following the original observation and was developed into a medical device that was evaluated by the NIH as part of its RAPID program for fast acting antidepressants. Dr. Rohan will be studying the effects of LFMS on brain activity at LIBR following installation of the device.
Most recently as Director of High Field MRI Systems at McLean Hospital, Dr. Rohan directed research and operations on the 9.4T/400 pre-clinical and 4T clinical research MRI systems. He developed novel image processing for high field fMRI, managed operations, and oversaw research studies of substance abuse, models of Alzheimer’s disease and HIV, and the development of nano-particle delivery systems. He worked in collaboration with the Electrical Engineering Lab at McLean in the design of novel RF coils.
Dr. Rohan is looking forward to supporting the research at LIBR by ensuring that the MR systems, fMRI acquisition and processing remain at their state-of-the-art levels. He is also looking forward to collaboration with the faculty at LIBR in his accustomed area of fMRI as well as in new areas of tissue characterization and inflammation.
