Undergraduate Research and Creativity Alumni Profiles 

Matthew Tarasek, B.S. ’08

Lead Magentic Resonance Scientist, General Electric (GE) 
Major(s): Chemistry, Physics

hat research or work have you done since graduating from Buffalo State?

I got my Ph.D. in chemistry from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). My research focused on developing new methods utilizing Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) to characterize electrostatics in materials.

I am a lead magnetic resonance (ME) scientist at GE Global Research. Here I have developed new hardware for joint imaging/clinical-therapy procedures; developed new safety mechanisms for predicting and controlling unwanted thermal heating in advanced MRI scanners.; and developed many analysis methods and tools for various MRI applications, including MR-thermometry (measuring 3D temperature with images), quantitative small-animal imaging, and MR contrast agent assessment.

Can you translate your work for the general public?

I am working to make MRI better able to diagnose and assess diseases.

Why did you decide to get involved in undergraduate research?

I wanted to understand how the scientific method is used to formulate a research plan, and then how "hands-on" action goes in to delivering on that plan.

How did your undergraduate research experience influence your career path?

It made me realize that as long as you adhere to the scientific method in guiding your process of discovery, all research is enlightening and rewarding.

Describe the research you did and if you presented it at any professional conference, juried art exhibit, or other off-campus location.

During my work at GE I have presented numerous (20+) peer-reviewed publications at the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) conference. In addition, I have filed multiple patents and have published multiple papers in peer-reviewed journals.

Undergraduate Research Mentor: Dr. Kim Bagley