Rie Beck Olin is awarded a Postdoc Research Grant from the Lundbeck Foundation

Rie Beck Olin is a Postdoc at the Department of Health Technology at the Technical University of Denmark, DTU.

Congratulations on being awarded a 2,6 million DKK Postdoc Research Grant from the Lundbeck Foundation! What are your plans and what possibilities does this grant open for you?

I plan to develop a new neuroimaging method using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and hyperpolarization to link brain metabolism to function. The brain’s metabolic response to stimuli is not well understood, largely due to limitations of current imaging techniques. By using hyperpolarized MRI, which dramatically enhances signal strength, in combination with a controlled stimulus, we will enable real-time, whole-brain imaging of the metabolic response. Our proposed method, which we call HP–fMRS, could significantly advance our understanding of brain function and dysfunction.

This grant will help me lay the technical groundwork for HP–fMRS and establish important national and international collaborations. My ultimate goal is to translate this method into clinical use and set up my own research group focused on brain applications of hyperpolarized MRI.

What motivated you to pursue a career in physics, and how did you choose your current specialization?

I’ve always loved math, problem-solving, and exploring the world. Studying biomedical engineering allowed me to apply math to meaningful problems. I became interested in MRI early in my studies and specialized in it during my graduate and PhD programs. MRI is a complex and versatile imaging technique, and understanding its physics lets us use it in countless innovative ways.

Where have you studied, and which positions have you held before your current one?

I studied biomedical engineering at DTU for my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, then pursued a PhD at DTU’s Center of Excellence, HyperMag, under Professor Jan Henrik Ardenkjær-Larsen and Associate Professor Lars G. Hanson. Currently, I’m a postdoc in the MBMR group led by Associate Professor Mathilde Lerche at DTU.

I’ve specialized in MRI through dedicated courses, research stays at Stanford, UCSF, and GE Healthcare in Munich, a student job at Rigshospitalet, and a close collaboration with Aarhus University Hospital. My MR expertise has grown through these experiences and the guidance of excellent mentors.

Please tell us about your research and why it is important.

I work in the research field of MRI, a non-invasive imaging modality extensively used for medical diagnostics. More specifically, I work with hyperpolarized MRI, a cutting-edge technique that provides unique images of the body’s life-sustaining chemical reactions, also known as metabolism. Altered metabolism is often seen as a cause or consequence of various diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular conditions. Imaging metabolism, therefore, offers unique insights into disease progression, diagnosis, and recovery.

I’ve witnessed hyperpolarized MRI evolve from primarily animal research to being used in clinical trials. My contributions to this journey include developing new imaging methods that allow for larger region coverage with higher resolution in less time, creating a quality assurance protocol for the specialized hardware, and devising a whole-brain imaging strategy for humans. These advancements are crucial for ensuring the reliability and reproducibility of hyperpolarized MRI in clinical settings.

My current research focus is brain applications of hyperpolarized MRI, including investigations into healthy brain metabolism and the role of the metabolic response in understanding and addressing functional brain mechanisms.

Who have been your role models and mentors, and how have they inspired and supported you?

I wouldn’t be here without my role models and mentors. Associate Professor Mathilde Lerche, the head of our research group, is both my mentor and a role model. Her deep knowledge, curiosity, work-life balance, and caring personality are inspiring.

My PhD supervisors, Professor Jan Henrik Ardenkjær-Larsen and Associate Professor Lars G. Hanson, were also instrumental. Jan’s leadership and broad knowledge, combined with Lars’ profound understanding of MRI methodology, provided the perfect balance. Their support and guidance always renewed my motivation and energy for research.

What advice would you give to young people, in particular women and minorities, who want to pursue a career in science? 

For a research career in science, choose a research topic that inspires you, but also find a mentor who motivates you and with whom you have good chemistry. Both are crucial for a successful and fulfilling research career.

A scientific research career can sometimes feel lonely and will undoubtedly include setbacks and periods of searching in directions that may not yield results. However, these experiences are a natural part of the scientific process and contribute to your growth as a researcher. It’s important to be patient and forgiving of yourself and your experiments, maintaining your optimism even when things don’t go as planned. This is where having a good mentor and a supportive team becomes invaluable – they can provide guidance, encouragement, and a sense of community.

By staying passionate about your work and surrounding yourself with supportive mentors and colleagues, you can navigate the challenges of a research career and find great fulfillment in your scientific journey.