Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering in Radiology, at Weill Cornell Medicine, United States.
Dr. Nikolaos A. Karakatsanis is a distinguished nuclear physicist specializing in molecular imaging and medical physics. Currently, he serves as an Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medical College and holds several leadership roles in radiology and biomedical engineering. His work spans cutting-edge research in cardiovascular PET/MR imaging, nuclear medicine physics, and quantitative image reconstruction. Dr. Karakatsanis’s contributions to the field have led to advancements in medical imaging technology, benefiting both clinical and research applications. With numerous awards and high-impact publications, he remains at the forefront of nuclear medicine innovation, including notable work in PET scanning and software development.
Professional Profile
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Education 🎓
Dr. Karakatsanis received his Joint Bachelor’s & Master’s in Electrical & Computer Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens in Greece, graduating in 2005. He completed his Ph.D. in the same field at NTUA in 2010, focusing on medical imaging technologies. During his academic journey, he broadened his expertise as a Visiting Scholar at UCLA’s Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging and through various postdoctoral research fellowships at prestigious institutions, including Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions and Geneva University Hospitals, where he specialized in PET imaging and data analysis.
Experience 💼
Dr. Karakatsanis’s professional career spans both academic and clinical domains. He served as a Research Scientist at Mount Sinai’s Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Institute, advancing cardiovascular imaging techniques. His role as an Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medical College focuses on biomedical engineering in radiology, where he leads innovative research in nuclear imaging. Additionally, he contributes to various professional organizations, including the Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging. Dr. Karakatsanis’s diverse background in both academic and clinical settings allows him to integrate theory and practice in advancing medical technologies.
Research Interests 🔬
Dr. Karakatsanis’s research interests are centered on improving molecular imaging techniques, particularly PET and PET/MR imaging. His work aims to enhance image quality and accuracy in clinical applications, especially in cardiovascular imaging. He is passionate about developing and optimizing software for medical imaging and data analysis. His expertise also extends to simulating imaging systems and advancing nuclear physics instrumentation. Dr. Karakatsanis is actively engaged in interdisciplinary research, collaborating across various fields to drive innovation in medical diagnostics and therapeutics.
Awards 🏆
Dr. Karakatsanis has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. He was honored with the Thomaidio Award for Best Master’s Thesis in 2005 and Best Journal Publication in 2006. He has also been awarded several Trainee Grants from the IEEE Nuclear Plasma & Sciences Society. His work on PET imaging was recognized with the Original Research Article featured in Physics in Medicine and Biology (PMB) in 2016, which was ranked among the top 10 most popular PMB articles. In 2023, he was awarded the Hal O’Brien Rising Star Award in Nuclear Medicine.
Top Noted Publications 📚
Dr. Karakatsanis’s scholarly contributions include over 70 peer-reviewed research articles, many of which have had a significant impact on the field of medical imaging. Some of his notable publications include:
- PyTomography: A Python Library for Medical Image Reconstruction
- Authors: L.A. Polson, R. Fedrigo, C. Li, A. Rahmim, C.F. Uribe
- Journal: SoftwareX, 2025
- Overview: This article discusses a Python library for reconstructing medical images, focusing on the advancements and applications in PET imaging.
- [18F]-Fluoroestradiol (FES) Brain PET in Estrogen Receptor Positive Breast Cancer
- Authors: J. Ivanidze, A. Sharbatdaran, A. McCalla, J.P.S. Knisely, R.R. Ramakrishna
- Journal: European Journal of Radiology, 2024
- Overview: This study evaluates the role of [18F]-Fluoroestradiol (FES) PET in assessing estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer patients, particularly focusing on brain metastases.
- Assessment of Dual Time Point Protocols in FDG PET/CT
- Authors: N. Reshtebar, S.A. Hosseini, M. Zhuang, N.A. Karakatsanis, P. Sheikhzadeh
- Journal: Medical Physics, 2024
- Overview: A virtual clinical study evaluating dual time-point protocols for producing parametric Ki images in FDG PET/CT scans.
- [1-11C]-Butanol PET Reveals Impaired Brain to Nasal Turbinates Pathway in Aging Amyloid Positive Subjects
- Authors: N.H. Mehta, X. Wang, S.A. Keil, G.C.Y. Chiang, M.J. de Leon
- Journal: Fluids and Barriers of the CNS, 2024
- Overview: This study uses [1-11C]-Butanol PET to investigate impaired pathways in aging subjects with amyloid, with a focus on the brain and nasal turbinates.
- [Ga68] DOTATATE PET/MRI-guided Radiosurgical Treatment in Meningiomas
- Authors: J. Ivanidze, S. Chang, A. Haghdel, J.D. Palmer, J.P.S. Knisely
- Journal: Neuro-Oncology, 2024
- Overview: The paper discusses how PET/MRI-guided radiosurgery is used for treatment planning and response assessment in patients with meningiomas.
- DOTATATE PET/MR Imaging in Differentiating Meningiomas
- Authors: J. Kim, S.J.C. Chang, A. Haghdel, J.P.S. Knisely, J. Ivanidze
- Journal: American Journal of Neuroradiology, 2024
- Overview: Focuses on the differentiation between secondary-progressive and de novo World Health Organization Grade 3 meningiomas using DOTATATE PET/MRI imaging.
- Brain Fluid Clearance After Traumatic Brain Injury Measured Using Dynamic PET
- Authors: T.A. Butler, J.J. Schubert, N.A. Karakatsanis, F.E. Turkheimer, S.A. Shah
- Journal: Neurotrauma Reports, 2024
- Overview: This article investigates brain fluid clearance post-traumatic brain injury using dynamic PET imaging, offering insights into brain recovery and function.
Conclusion
Based on his exceptional academic qualifications, groundbreaking research contributions, notable professional achievements, and recognition within the scientific community, Dr. Nikolaos A. Karakatsanis is undoubtedly a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His ability to innovate and lead in the field of Nuclear Medicine and Biomedical Imaging positions him as a leader in his domain. While there are areas for further growth, particularly in expanding interdisciplinary collaborations and public engagement, his achievements to date make him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.