Ari Borthakur, PhD, MBA
Associate Director (Training and Dissemination)
Adjunct Professor, Department of Radiology
Contact Information
Tel: (215) 573-8482
Email: ari.borthakur@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Education
B.S. 1994, Angelo State University (Physics)
Ph.D. 2000, University of Pennsylvania (Biophysics)
M.B.A. 2014 (Entrepreneurial & Strategic Management), The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
Research Interests
- Develop novel spin-lock (or T1p) MRI applications
- Perform quantitative studies via MR relaxometry
- Implement multi-nuclear & multiple-quantum-filtered MRI capability on clinical scanners via: pulse sequence development
- RF coil design and construction
The goal of our research is to develop non-invasive and non-destructive MRI techniques for the study of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease and Degenerative Disc Disease. We facilitate timely clinical diagnoses by inventing and improving MRI pulse sequences and hardware. Our multi-nuclear and relaxometric techniques are routinely applied in model systems as well as in clinical research. We maintain active partnerships with faculty from Pathology, Neurology, Orthopedic Surgery and Rheumatology departments and train doctoral candidates from Biophysics and Bioengineering graduate programs at the University of Pennsylvania.
Professional Experience
2025- present: Adjunct Professor, Dept. of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania
2016- present: Senior Fellow, Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics
2014-present: Associate Director, Center for Advanced Metabolic Imaging in Precision Medicine
2010-2014: Faculty, Bioengineering Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania
2005-2014: Faculty, Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania
2004-2014: Assistant Professor, Dept. of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania
2000-2004: Post-doctoral Researcher, Dept. of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania
1996-2000: Teaching Assistant, Dept. of Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania
1994-2000: Graduate Fellow, Dept. of Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania
Summer 1994: Research Assistant, Dept. of Radiology, University of Texas Medical School
Summer 1993: Intern, Dept. of Radiology, University of Texas Medical School
1992-1994: Lab Consultant, Microlab Facility, Angelo State University