Physics professor Michael Kolios receives international recognition for contributions in medical imaging
Michael Kolios, Associate Dean of Research, Innovation and External Partnerships with the Faculty of Science and professor in the Department of Physics, has been recognized with the IEEE Carl Hellmuth Hertz Ultrasonics Award for his ground-breaking contributions to qualitative ultrasound and photoacoustics.
Kolios was nominated by his peers and received the award celebrating outstanding middle-career researchers at the 2023 IEEE International Ultrasonics Symposium in Montreal this September. The award is named for key medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging researcher Carl Hellmuth Hertz to honor his pivotal role as both a researcher and as an advisor to others working in the field of medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging.
In both of his research areas, Kolios works on innovating imaging techniques to help oncologists more accurately track the progress of cancer treatments. In quantitative ultrasound, he uses high frequency and lower frequency content to reveal more information than what is captured in standard ultrasound images. His techniques provide additional detail at the cellular level so oncologists can see if cells are dying, for example in response to chemotherapy treatments.
To help non-specialists understand photoacoustics, Kolios uses the analogy of lightning and thunder, whereby thunder provides audio information about the approaching lightning with its clap. Kolios uses lasers with different colors against tissues to add more information to the basic ultrasound, helping to reveal a better picture of changes to blood vessels. Both imaging techniques help oncologists to understand in as little as a week if cancers are responding to treatments and pivot plans accordingly rather than putting patients through multiple rounds of chemotherapy. The techniques are already being rolled out in a clinical trial at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto.
For Kolios, receiving recognition via the Hertz award is flattering, especially because it comes from his peers. “This particular award is nice because it’s mid-career recognition, for accumulated impact on work you’ve done. I feel particularly good because of that recognition of impact over time,” he says. As Kolios shared on his LinkedIn page (external link, opens in new window) , “This recognition isn't just about me; it's a testament to the power of collective effort, dedication, and collaboration. In this journey, I've been fortunate to work with some of the brightest minds and most supportive colleagues, without whom this would not have been possible.”
Since 1997, Kolios has been part of the team that helped grow the Department of Physics research program, add graduate programs, and achieve accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs (CAMPEP), which has substantially bolstered the department’s reputation. Having served as Canada Research Chair in Biomedical Applications of Ultrasound, today Kolios continues his longstanding administrative work in his role as Associate Dean, Research, Innovation and External Partnerships for the Faculty of Science.