Ethan MacDonald

Associate Professor,
Biomedical Engineering and Electrical & Software Engineering

Ethan MacDonald is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Electrical & Software Engineering at the University of Calgary. He is also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Radiology and member of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute Dementia Neuroteam. He completed technical diplomas in Electronics Engineering at the Nova Scotia Community College, before doing a bachelor’s degree at Lakehead University where he obtained a first class standing. He moved to Calgary to pursue his passion of skiing, where he completed a MSc and PhD in Biomedical Engineering, and then completed a Post-doctoral Fellowship in the Department of Radiology also at the University of Calgary. Dr MacDonald was appointed as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Software Engineering in 2020, was a founding member of the Department of Biomedical Engineering in 2022, and was promoted to Associate Professor in July 2025.

Pattarawut Charatpangoon

Research Associate

I’m Pattarawut (Pat) Charatpangoon, a Research Associate with the Calgary Stroke Team holding a master’s degree in biomedical engineering with a specialization in Medical Imaging from the University of Calgary. My research focuses on CT and MRI imaging in patients with stroke and dementia, as well as AI and machine learning model development. Outside of work, I enjoy scuba diving and snowboarding.

LinkedIn

Mehrnoosh Karimipourfard

Postdoctoral Fellow, Biomedical Engineering

I am Mehrnoosh Karimipourfard, a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Calgary with over 10 years of experience in quantitative medical imaging, artificial intelligence, and medical image processing. My work focuses on PET, MRI, CT, and SPECT imaging, particularly deep learning, radiomics, and AI-driven medical image analysis. Currently, my research in the BIT lab focuses on brain imaging and Alzheimer's disease, particularly MRI-to-PET image translation and imaging biomarker estimation. Outside of research, I enjoy playing squash, practicing yoga, sketching, and reading novels and self-improvement books. My perspective on life is deeply inspired by Rumi's poetry.

Nicole Lofroth

PhD Student,
Biomedical Engineering

I am Nicole Lofroth and I am pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Calgary. My academic background is in physics and electrical engineering. My current research pertains to MRI pulse sequence development. Outside of school I enjoy skiing, horseback riding, and playing the piano and cello.

nicole.lofroth@ucalgary.ca

Muhammad Mahajna

PhD Student,
Biomedical Engineering

I am a PhD student in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Calgary with a background spanning biomedical engineering, medical imaging, and medical technology innovation. Before starting my PhD, I worked in the med-tech industry developing AI- and signal-processing–based solutions for maternal and fetal monitoring, while also completing an MBA focused on technology management and innovation. In the Brain Image Team, my research focuses on imaging-based biomarkers for stroke and brain health using CT imaging and artificial intelligence, including brain age estimation and outcome prediction in acute ischemic stroke. I am particularly interested in developing clinically practical and translational AI tools that can support real-world decision-making in healthcare. Outside of research, I enjoy technology strategy, entrepreneurship, and exploring the intersection between engineering, medicine, and innovation.

Google Scholar

Karen Ardila Lopez

PhD Student,
Biomedical Engineering

I am a graduate student in Biomedical Engineering specializing in Medical Imaging and a trainee at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute. Originally from Colombia, I joined the lab through the Mitacs GRI 2022 program and then completed my MSc in Biomedical Engineering. My research focuses on the effects of genetic predisposition on brain aging using machine learning, MRI neuroimaging, and genetics. Outside the lab, I enjoy painting, reading, and arts and crafts.

Amin Morshedi

MSc Student,
Biomedical Engineering

I am currently pursuing my M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering (Medical Imaging) at the University of Calgary, where I focus on MRI pulse sequence programming and development. My work in the lab involves using EPIC and KSFoundation to design and optimize imaging pulse sequences, bridging technical innovation with clinical MRI applications. I have a background as an MRI technologist, which helps me connect hands-on imaging experience with research. Outside the lab, I enjoy lifting weights and staying active.

LinkedIn
Amin.morshedichinibo@ucalgary.ca

Wooju Chung

MSc Student,
Electrical and Software Engineering

I am a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in Electrical and Software Engineering at the University of Calgary. My research interests lie in Machine Learning, Computer Vision, and Explainable AI in the medical field. I enjoy practicing yoga, traveling, and birdwatching in my free time.

LinkedIn
wooju.chung@ucalgary.ca

Jacob Beaudoin

MSc Student,
Biomedical Engineering

I’m an MSc student with the Brain Image Team. My academic background is in Physics. My research interests include low-field MRI and its applications. Outside of academics my hobbies include Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, skiing, and playing video games.

Hidehiro Shimizu

MSc Student,
Biomedical Engineering

I am an MSc student in Biomedical Engineering with a background in magnetic materials and medical device-related research. My current research focuses on simulation and image analysis for ultra-low-field magnetic resonance angiography, including digital phantom development and vascular contrast evaluation. I am interested in accessible MRI technology and computational imaging. Outside the lab, I enjoy long-distance running, creative writing, and exploring new tools for research and visualization.

LinkedIn
hidehiro.shimizu@ucalgary.ca

William Rojas

MITACS GlobalLink Internship,
Biomedical Engineering

My name is William Alberto Rojas, an undergraduate Biomedical Engineering student from the University of Guadalajara, Mexico. I joined the lab for the summer of 2026 as a Mitacs GRI intern to work on the design and development of gradient coils for low-field portable MRI applications. My academic interests include computer vision, medical imaging systems, and embedded systems. I enjoy playing tennis, playing chess, and exploring the outdoors.

william.rojas8928@alumnos.udg.mx

Diego Fuentes Domínguez

MITACS GlobalLink Internship

I am Diego Fuentes. I joined the lab in the summer of 2026 as a Mitacs Intern, collaborating in the design and development of gradient coils for low field MRI. My background is in theoretical and medical physics. Outside of the lab, I enjoy working out, hiking, playing basketball, and reading and writing novels and short stories.

Leoniel Ryoo

Summer Student,
Electrical Engineering

I am an undergraduate Electrical Engineering student at the University of Calgary. My current work focuses on developing a high-precision magnetic field mapping device for our low-field MRI systems. Outside of engineering, I enjoy drawing and spending time on strategy games.

LinkedIn
leoniel.ryoo@ucalgary.ca

Jianhai Zhang

Postdoctoral Fellow
Primary Supervisor — Aravind Ganesh

I am a postdoctoral fellow with a background in machine learning, computer vision, medical image analysis, and stroke-related imaging applications. In the lab, I am currently working on automated segmentation and classification methods for carotid plaque, infarct, and hemorrhage detection, as well as other generative neuroimaging tasks. Outside of research, I enjoy learning French, gardening, and exploring new ways to combine technology with education and communication.

jianhai.zhang@ucalgary.ca