Core Laboratories

Human MRI Imaging Core

The Human MRI Imaging Core Facility is a core dedicated to providing cutting-edge magnetic resonance imaging services for human participants.

We offer 21 years of MR clinical and research experience in a variety of modalities to investigators both on- and off-campus.

Overall core direction and project consultation is provided by Dr. Nathan Yanasak (MR Scientist, Associate Professor of Radiology). Daily MR scanner operation and technical guidance is overseen by Felicia Ford RT(MR)(R)(CT)(M).

Instruments

Siemens Vida 3T MRI Scanner

Siemens Vida 3T MRI scanner
  • Technical operation and safe work environment provided by clinically certified MR technologists.
  • Equipped with high-performance imaging coils (e.g., 64-channel head coil), for high-resolution and accelerated imaging.
  • Paired with functional MRI stimulation hardware and software from Nordic Neuro Lab.
  • Capable of performing a wide range of clinical and research techniques, including:
    • High-resolution structural imaging (e.g., MSK, Brain)
    • Spectroscopy
    • Task-based, event-based, and resting-state Functional MRI (fMRI)
    • Perfusion
    • Anisotropic Diffusion Imaging
    • Relaxometric parameter mapping
    • MR Elastography

PST Mock MRI Simulator

PST Mock MRI Simulator
  • Participant acclimation in the MRI environment (e.g., Pediatric studies)
  • Reduction of failed scans from participant motion or claustrophobia
  • Training of participant for functional imaging tasks

 

For core usage, investigators must first contact Dr. Yanasak for project consultation. Other imaging services (e.g., imaging processing) available on request, given appropriate resources and personnel to perform these duties.

Contact Us

Nathan Yanasak, PhD

  • Interim Director

706-721-3602

Marcy Kessinger

  • Manager

706-721-7401

Felicia Ford

  • Lead Research Technologist

706-721-3566

 

Location

We are located in BA 1626 on the first floor of Augusta University Medical Center in the MRI Suite.