CRISTINA MARIA
SANTA MARTA PASTRANA

After completing my degree in Physical Sciences at the Complutense University of Madrid, I pursued a Ph.D. in the emerging field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the Polytechnic University of Madrid. Working within the Bioengineering and Telemedicine Group (GBT), my thesis was co-directed by D. Juan José Vaquero López (UPM) and D. Manuel Desco Menéndez (HGUGM). Following my doctoral studies, I worked as a magnetic resonance applications engineer for Philips Medical Systems before transitioning to a part-time Assistant Professor role at the National Distance Education University (UNED). Currently, I hold the position of Lecturer Professor. My teaching journey evolved from General Physics to Medical Physics, focusing on the Master's in Medical Physics. I designed courses on the Physical Fundamentals of Medical Imaging I and II, covering ultrasound, magnetic resonance, X-rays, and nuclear medicine. I also collaborated on various teaching projects, including at Carlos III University of Madrid and the National University of Colombia. In research, I specialize in Turbo Spin Echo sequences and their acceleration methods for MRI. Addressing the prolonged acquisition time, I explored fast sequences (doi:10.1016/J.MRI.2004.01.009) and collaborated on starting MR spectroscopy studies at the Gregorio Marañón Hospital. Further research contributions include cardiac imaging by MRI, with SPAMM tagging techniques, and collaboration on cone-beam computed tomography reconstruction techniques. I also worked on Phase-Contrast Imaging sequences, collaborating with the Non-Invasive Cardiology Group at the HGUGM. Additionally, I ventured into preclinical imaging, studying a rat model of schizophrenia using a 7T field. This collaboration included comprehensive neuroimaging studies, promising insights into drug effects during gestation (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115643, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-023-02652-7). In summary, my academic journey intertwines teaching and research, primarily focusing on medical imaging, particularly in the realms of magnetic resonance imaging applied to cardiovascular and neuroimaging. My contributions range from the development of imaging sequences to collaborative projects addressing clinical challenges.