The overarching theme of this program is to train "comprehensive imaging scientists" in the skills necessary to identify clinically relevant problems, including developing instrumentation, sensors, and contrast agents to form images appropriate for the problem; and analyzing the resulting imaging data using signal processing, mathematical modeling, visualizations, and informatics techniques to improve the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases.

The basic requirement to complete this portfolio program is 12 hours of coursework in imaging science at The University of Texas at Austin that provides the requisite core knowledge for an imaging scientist. Additionally, optional coursework, seminars, and externship opportunities are available to students. More information on portfolio programs from Graduate School.

Required Courses for Portfolio Completion (12 credit hours):   

• BME 381J.3 Biomedical Imaging Modalities
• ECE 371R Digital Image and Video Processing
• BME 383J (CS 395T) Multi-Scale Bio-Modeling and Visualization

Or one of the following:

• BME 381J Fundamentals of Biomedical Optical Imaging
• BME 383J Computational Biomolecular Engineering
• CSE 386M Functional Analysis in Theoretical Mechanics
• CSE 389C Introduction to Mathematical Modeling in Science and Engineering I
• BME 383J.7 (ECE 380L.10) Data Mining for Biomedical Imaging Informatics

Further Required Courses for Fellowship Recipients:

These courses are recommended for students completing the portfolio, and required for fellowship recipients:

• BME 381J Functional Imaging Laboratory
• Elective in instrumentation, devices, or contrast agents (Dr. Rylander and Dr. Markey can provide suggestions.)

Some, but not necessarily all, of these courses may count toward your degree requirements as well. It is each student’s responsibility to talk to the Graduate Coordinator, Krystal Peralez, and the Graduate Advisor, Dr. Andrew Dunn, to determine whether a given portfolio course also fulfills degree requirements.

Other Opportunities

There are several professional development choices that are recommended for the portfolio, and required for fellowship recipients.

• Clinical Research Summer Externship between first and second year.
• Co-supervision and recommendations for committee structure for doctoral students.
• Professional Development and Professional Responsibilities Seminar (BME 197E)
• Imaging Research Seminar (BME197R)

How to Apply

To be eligible for the Portfolio Program, applicants must be a master's or doctoral student in Biomedical Engineering or Electrical & Computer Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. Applicants from other programs will require special review by the portfolio program directors.

To apply to the Portfolio Program, indicate your interest on the department application when applying for admission to the Department of Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program. Electrical & Computer Engineering students should indicate their interest by e-mailing the Program Coordinator.

Fellowships

The Department of Biomedical Engineering was awarded a Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) training grant from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), an Institute within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This grant includes competitive fellowships to support selected UT biomedical engineering graduate students accepted into the Portfolio Program for five years, from 2009 to 2014. The prestigious one-year fellowship includes a stipend, summer travel stipend, and tuition. Ph.D. program applicants who express interest in the Portfolio Program on the department application will automatically be considered for a fellowship.

This very prestigious fellowship supports interdisciplinary training through an extended support network of faculty and clinical mentors, toward the goal of becoming a "comprehensive imaging scientist." Students with research interests outside of imaging sciences and informatics have been successful at diversifying their training through this program, while having the honor of being a Ruth L. Kirchstein Fellow. Interested students should contact the Program Coordinator.

Contact

Professor H. Grady Rylander, Training Program Director
E-mail Address
Professor Mia K. Markey, Training Program Co-Director
E-mail Address
Margo Cousins, Program Coordinator
Email Address