Wayne State University


MR Research Committee (MRRC)
Since 1984, the MR Core Research Facility (MRRF) has provided long-term, robust support to the MR research community across the Wayne State University (WSU) campus. Guided by its commitment to advancing MR research through strategic oversight and innovative guidance, the MRRF has continued to expand by performing major hardware and software upgrades to the pre-clinical 7T scanner (Bruker BioSpec) in 2020 and procuring a new 3T clinical MRI scanner (Siemens Cima.X) in 2024 which was supported by an NIH S10 award to WSU.

Given the numerous regulations and safety considerations of MRI scans using human and animal subjects, the MR Research Committee (MRRC) has been established at the request of the MRRF Director and University officials. The MRRC ensures the scientific quality, safety, and strategic alignment of MR research conducted within the MRRF. The MRRC reports to and makes recommendations to the MRRF Director regarding the maintenance, operational policies, and proper use of the facility's instruments. The scope of the MRRC includes:
  • Review research proposals, evaluate MR safety compliance and guidelines, and provide recommendations.
  • Review and make recommendations for MR Pilot Project Program funding requests (click here for details).
  • Propose cutting-edge research directions and innovations.
  • Review MRRF’s operational policies and provide recommendations.
The current members of the MRRC are:
NameRoleTitle & UnitTerm
Yongsheng Chen, PhDChairDirector of the MRRF
Associate Professor of Neurology
& Biomedical Engineering		2025-2027
E. Mark Haacke, PhDMemberProfessor of Radiology2025-2027
Jiani Hu, PhDMemberProfessor of Radiology2025-2027
Jeffrey Stanley, PhDMemberProfessor of Psychiatry2025-2027
Norman Cheng, PhDMemberAssociate Professor of Radiology2025-2027
Christine Rabinak, PhDMemberProfessor of Pharmacy Practice
Interim Associate Dean of Research, EACPHS		2025-2027
Bruce Berkowitz, PhDMemberProfessor of Ophthalmology
Visual Anatomical Sciences		2025-2027
Ana Daugherty, PhDMemberAssociate Professor of IOG2025-2027

Given the distinct nature of projects utilizing the clinical 3T MRI and pre-clinical 7T MRI, two subcommittees have been established to specifically review proposals for each scanner. A subcommittee chair is appointed by the director of the MRRF, and members are selected from MRRC members based on expertise. An MR technician serves as a standing member of the subcommittee to provide expertise in MR safety and instrument specifications. The scope of these subcommittees includes:

  • Evaluate applications for using MRRF’s instrument for scientific merit, feasibility, and alignment with facility goals.
  • Prioritize proposals based on impact, innovation, and resource availability.
  • Assess protocols for compliance with MR safety standards and technical feasibility.

The current members of the 3T subcommittee are:

NameRoleTitle & UnitTerm
Norman Cheng, PhDChairAssociate Professor of Radiology2025-2027
E. Mark Haacke, PhDMemberProfessor of Radiology2025-2027
Yongsheng Chen, PhDMemberDirector of the MRRF
Associate Professor of Neurology
& Biomedical Engineering		2025-2027
Jiani Hu, PhDMemberProfessor of Radiology2025-2027
Jeffrey Stanley, PhDMemberProfessor of Psychiatry2025-2027
Christine Rabinak, PhDMemberProfessor of Pharmacy Practice
Interim Associate Dean of Research, EACPHS		2025-2027
Yang Xuan, BSMemberMR Technician, MRRF2025-2027

The current members of the 7T subcommittee are:

NameRoleTitle & UnitTerm
Bruce Berkowitz, PhDChairProfessor of Ophthalmology
Visual Anatomical Sciences		2025-2027
E. Mark Haacke, PhDAd Hoc MemberProfessor of Radiology2025-2027
Yimin Shen, PhDMemberMR Technician, MRRF2025-2027