Biographical Info

Research Focus:

• Molecular Imaging with MRI
• CEST (Chemical Saturation Exchange Transfer) MRI
• MR Spectroscopy
• MR Imaging Biomarkers
• MR Imaging Technique Development

Dr. Cai has received multidisciplinary training in physics and medicine. After his graduated from Washington University in Saint Louis with a PhD in biomedical engineering in 2009, he continued his research in MRI as a postdoctoral researcher at University of Pennsylvania before he joined University of Illinois at Chicago as a junior faculty in 2013.

Dr. Cai’s research has been focused on MR molecular and functional imaging with exogenous and endogenous contrasts. He is fascinated by novel imaging methods and biomarkers for early diagnosis and monitoring treatment response of various diseases including neurological disorders, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and stroke. The research goal is to apply physical concepts into medical science and to translate MR technical advances into the clinic.