Samuel Grant, Ph.D.

Samuel C. Grant, Ph.D.
Professor & Postdoctoral Fellow Director
Phone Numbers
Office
Building B, Room B334
Educational History
B.S. (Hon.), Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 1995
M.S., Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 1998
Ph.D., Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Chicago, 2001
Research Interests
Magnetic Resonance Microscopy
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Muscular Degeneration
Bioengineered Constructs & Materials
High Field MRI Contrast Mechanisms & Agents
Single Cell Analysis – Diffusion, Spectroscopy & Osmoregulation

Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy are extremely powerful analytical methods that provide not only high information content but are non-invasive and non-destructive to the sample under analysis.

My research laboratory is focused on the development of high resolution techniques to investigate the biophysical origins of MR signals under a variety of perturbations. We utilize high magnetic fields to achieve high sensitivity and spatial/ spectral resolution on specimen ranging from single isolated neurons to fixed neurological tissues (brains and spinal cords) to in vivo animal models. Our close affiliation with the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory provides access to the highest magnetic fields in the world, including the one-of-a-kind ultrawide bore 21.1-T system for MR imaging and spectroscopy.

In particular, we employ high fields MR microscopy to examine neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and stroke. In collaboration with neurologists, clinicians and biologists, we make use of genetic, toxic and surgical models to identify biomarkers of disease progression that might have diagnostic or therapeutic value clinically. Furthermore, we evaluate potential treatments (e.g. stem cell and drug therapy) with MR techniques in order to judge their efficacy in restoring normal cellular function.

MR microscopy also lends itself to the study of biomaterials and bioartificial devices. Because it is non-destructive, MR techniques can be utilized to analyze engineered constructs during their in vitro development to map growth patterns and cell-material interactions. Following implantation, constructs can be monitored in vivo to assess immunoresponse, mechanical integrity and integration into existing bioprocesses. Throughout this continuum, MR microscopy provides information about the biomaterial substrate, cellular component and functionality of these engineered constructs.

To make the most of high field MR techniques in these evaluations, my laboratory is actively involved in MR sequence development, modeling of cellular compartmentalization & function and Radio Frequency coil design. In addition, we are interrogating new and emerging contrast mechanisms at high field. These efforts include endogenous (e.g. magnetic susceptibility and dipolar fields) and exogenous (e.g. nanoparticle agents and current density imaging) contrasts that may provide new insights into the biophysical changes that occur during pathology or regeneration.

Awards, Honors, and Memberships
Professional Affiliations And Qualifications

Assistant Director, FSU Center for Advancing Exercise and Nutrition Research on Aging

Past Chair, MR Engineering Study Group, International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine

Faculty Supervisor, FAMU-FSU Student Chapter of the Biomedical Engineering Society (FAMU-FSU BMES)

Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, Peer Reviewer

Review of Scientific Instruments, Peer Reviewer

Journal of Magnetic Resonance, Peer Reviewer

Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Peer Reviewer

Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, Peer Reviewer

Developmental Neuroscience, Peer Reviewer

Materials, Peer Reviewer

Journal of Electronic Defense, Peer Reviewer

Professional Memberships

International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, Member & Chair, MR Engineering Study Group

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Senior Member, Sections Congress Representative & Vice Chair, Tallahassee Area Section

Biomedical Engineering Society, Member and Faculty Advisor

Gordon Research Conference Attendance/Presentation (in vivo Magnetic Resonance), 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008

Publications
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

Rosenberg, J. T., Sachi-Kocher, A., Davidson, M., & Grant, S. C. (in press). Intracellular SPIO Labeling of Microglia: High Field Considerations and Limitations for MR Microscopy. Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging. (2011).

Masad, I. S., & Grant, S. C. A Retunable Surface Coil for High Field 31P and 1H Magnetic Resonance Evaluation of the Living Mouse Leg. Physiological Measurement, 32(8), 1061-1081. (2011).

Crowe, J. J., Grant, S. C., Logan, T. M., & Ma, T. A magnetic resonance-compatible perfusion bioreactor system for three-dimensional human mesenchymal stem cell construct development. Chemical Engineering Science, 66, 4138-4147. (2011).

Fujioka, S., Murray, M. E., Foroutan, P., Schweitzer, K. J., Dickson, D. W., Grant, S. C., & Wszolek, Z. K. Magnetic resonance imaging with 21.1T and pathological correlations – diffuse Lewy body disease. Rinsho Shinkeigaku, 51(8), 603-607. (2011).

Book Chapters

G.A.Walter, S.Santra, B.Thattaliyath and S.C.Grant,"Use of (Para)magnetic nanoparticles for labeling and tracking of stem cells and progenitors".Nanoparticles in Biomedical Imaging: Emerging Technologies and Applications, J.W.M. Bulte and M.M.J Modo (Eds.), Springer (2008). ISBN-13: 978-0387720265.

Constantinidis, I., Simpson, N. E., Grant, S. C., Blackband, S. J., Long Jr, R. C., & Sambanis, A. (2006). Chapter 18: Non-invasive Monitoring of Tissue-Engineered Pancreatic Constructs by NMR Techniques. In J. P. Fisher (Ed.), Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology: Tissue Engineering (ISBN-13: 978-0387-32664) (pp. 261-276). New York: Springer.

Dissertations

Grant, S.C. (2001). MR Microscopy and Localized Spectroscopy of Isolated Single Cells with RF Microcoils. (Doctoral Dissertation, University of Illinois, Chicago, 2001).

Grant, S.C. (1998). Resolution and Signal-to-Noise Analysis of Solenoidal Microcoils for NMR Spectroscopy. (Masters Thesis, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 1998).

Student Dissertations

Foroutan, P., graduate. (2011). HIGH FIELD MAGNETIC RESONANCE ASSESSMENTS OF NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASE AT 21.1 T. PH.D. Florida State University, 2011.

Masad, I., graduate. (2011). ASSESSMENTS OF SKELETAL MUSCLE ARCHITECTURE AND ENERGETICS BY MAGNETIC RESONANCE DIFFUSION TENSOR IMAGING AND 31P SPECTROSCOPY. PH.D. Florida State University, 2011.

Rosenberg, J. T., graduate. (2011). INTRACELLULAR MRI CONTRAST AGENTS FOR HIGH MAGNETIC FIELDS. PH.D. Florida State University, 2011.