Faculty Spotlight: Mu-Lan Jen

Mu-Lan Jen, PhD joined the Clinical Imaging Physics and Imaging Sciences Sections as an assistant professor in August 2026.
She earned her master’s degree from Chang Gung University and her PhD in medical physics from UW-Madison. She then completed the imaging physics residency and postdoctoral fellowship at UT MD Anderson as part of the hybrid pathway, where she also served as chief resident.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan, a vibrant city surrounded by nature, rich in culture, and known for its diverse cuisine. I grew up near Academia Sinica, and attending outreach events there sparked my interest in science at an early age.
Why did you choose radiology?
A close family member’s experience with dementia inspired me to pursue neuroimaging research and better understand the disease. I enjoy taking on challenges, bridging the gaps between technical innovation and clinical needs, and having a direct impact on patient care, which makes radiology a perfect home for me!
What are your professional interests?
My professional interests include cerebrovascular imaging and presurgical functional mapping. I am interested in investigating quantitative imaging biomarkers of disease progression, developing novel techniques to enhance the patient experience, and translating advanced imaging methods into clinical practice.
My work involves advanced MRI techniques, including perfusion and flow MRI (arterial spin labeling, dynamic susceptibility contrast, 4D-Flow), and functional imaging (cerebrovascular reactivity, task-correlated and resting-state functional MRI).
Why did you choose to work at UW–Madison?
I was drawn to UW–Madison by the growth of clinical imaging physics and the opportunity to contribute to residency training. I also value the collegial environment and strong research support, and Madison has always held a special place in my heart.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy exploring new restaurants and visiting local farmers’ markets. My partner and I met on a camping trip, and camping has since become a regular activity for us.