Visiting Scientist, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada (2020-current)
Jr Scientist, Schulich Heart Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada (2014-2020)
Lecturer, Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto (2014-2020)
RESEARCH EXPERTISE and INTERESTS:
- Translational high resolution cardiac MR imaging methods (T1 mapping, Late Gadolinium Enhancement, Diffusion Weighted/Tensor) and advanced image analysis (segmentation, registration) for characterization of tissue structure and pathology;
- Construction of personalized 3D image-based heart models parameterized from measured tissue properties for electro-mechanical predictions and simulation-based planning of image-guided interventions;
- X-ray guided electro-anatomical mapping of cardiac electrical activity, MR-EP data fusion and integration into predictive 3D biophysical models for accurate diagnostic and ablation therapy guidance;
- Optical fluorescence imaging of cardiac action potential using voltage-sensitive dyes (along with stereoscopic image reconstruction and registration with MR images);
- Quantitative histopathological and IHC validation of MRI-derived fibrosis;
- Measurements of tissue properties and their integration into electro-mechanical simulations (bioheat eq) of tumour thermal ablation;
- Translational preclinical animal models of structural heart disease (chronic scar-related VT, models relevant to cardio-oncology).
EDUCATION and TRAINING:
Post-doc fellow: Sunnybrook Research Institute - Imaging Research (Toronto), in collaboration with INRIA-Epione - cardiac modelling (formerly Asclepios group, Nice, France)PhD program: Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Supervisor: Dr. Graham Wright
Thesis: 3D MR image-based models for cardiac electrophysiology
MSc program: Medical Biophysics (PMH & OCI) - University of Toronto, Supervisor: Dr. Michael Sherar
Thesis: Radio-frequency (RF) thermal therapy of small kidney carcinomas
BSc program: Faculty of Physics, University of West Timisoara, Romania
Other credentials (international summer schools with diplomas):
- “Cell and molecular mechanics in biomedicine - with a focus on cardiovascular systems” organized by GEM4 (Global enterprises for micromechanics and molecular medicine) -- held by California Technical Institute (CALTECH), Pasadena (California, USA), August 2008
- “8th International summer school on biomedical imaging”; organized by IEEE-EMB Society in Berder Island (Brittany, France), July 2008
- “System biology dynamics - from genes to organisms”; organized by CND (Centre for Nonlinear Dynamics in Physiology and Medicine) – Montreal (at McGill University, Quebec), May 2008
- “Mathematics and applications in biology and medicine” the 9th edition of CEMRACS – at CIRM (Centre International de Recontres Mathématiques), Marseille, France; July – Sept 2004.