Breast Imaging and Intervention Research Initiatives

Christoph Lee, MD, MS, MBA

Senior Vice Chair of Research

Thomas Grist, MD/GE HealthCare Foundation Distinguished Chair in Radiology Research

Christoph Lee, MD, MS, MBA is the Director of the Wisconsin Imaging-Based Screening and Cancer Research (WISCR) Network, a unique partnership between the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and community imaging practices throughout the state of Wisconsin to aggregate de-identified breast imaging data with the goal of improving population-based screening outcomes. Overall, WISCR will create a resource for data-driven research that will influence regional and national cancer screening practices. 

Elizabeth Burnside, MD, MPH, MS

Associate Dean for Team Science and Interdisciplinary Research, UW School of Medicine and Public Health

Deputy Executive Director of the Institute for Clinical and Translational Research

Elizabeth (Beth) Burnside, MD, MPH, MS’s research focuses on improving breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and outcomes through the integration of radiology, biomedical informatics, artificial intelligence, and population health research. Her work has pioneered the use of machine learning, predictive modeling, decision support systems, and imaging informatics to enable more personalized and precise breast cancer care. A major theme of her scholarship is translating data-driven discovery into clinical practice through risk-based screening, shared decision-making, and learning health system approaches. More recently, her research has expanded to team science, translational science, and the implementation of AI-enabled innovations in healthcare and clinical research.

Amy Fowler, MD, PhD

Amy Fowler, MD, PhD leads the Hormone Receptor Molecular Imaging and Biology Lab, which researches advancing the use of molecular imaging to better understand the biology of breast cancer, including its response to targeted drug therapies and early identification of drug resistance. Predictive and pharmacodynamic molecular imaging biomarkers may help physicians choose the best treatment tailored to each patient based on their specific tumor signaling characteristics and ultimately improve survival. Her research uses advanced imaging modalities including PET/MRI and novel radiotracers, including imaging biomarkers of estrogen and progesterone receptor.

Lewis Jordan, MD, MPH, MS

Lewis Jordan, MD, MPH, MS’s research focuses on improving equity in breast cancer screening and reducing barriers to mammography. He examines how social determinants of health, discrimination, and neighborhood deprivation relate to screening participation. His work incorporates community input to identify screening barriers and prioritize interventions. He also applies quality improvement approaches, including the A3 framework and Lean Six Sigma, to improve breast cancer screening access and utilization through mammography collaboratives.

Thomas (Tommy) LoDuca, MD

Thomas (Tommy) LoDuca, MD seeks to understand how to improve image-guided breast procedure training for residents and fellows.  He is also focused on radiologist wellbeing initiatives and quality improvement projects related to the patient experience as they navigate breast care and procedures. 

Anand Narayan, MD, PhD

Anand Narayan, MD, PhD is the director of the Radiology Health Disparities Virtual Research Group, a multi-institutional collaborative dedicated to conducting research focused on bridging gaps in imaging access and outcomes. Projects provide medical students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience developing, conducting, presenting, and publishing health equity research projects. Our group provides opportunities for networking and mentorship in a mutually supportive environment focused on helping medical students navigate their journeys toward becoming radiologists.

Lonie Salkowski, MD, PhD

Lonie Salkowski, MD, PhD’s research interests focus on improving breast cancer detection and radiologist performance. With the use of a screening mammography simulation system, we are gaining insights into how residents gain expertise. Eye tracking technology allows us to evaluate image perception during the screening mammogram interpretation. We are also exploring the AI-human interaction in screening mammography using the combination of simulation and eye tracking technologies.

Roberta Strigel, MD, MS

Roberta (Berta) Strigel, MD, MS’s research focuses on advancing breast imaging through the development, validation, and clinical implementation of innovative MRI and multimodality imaging techniques. Her work has emphasized high spatiotemporal-resolution breast MRI, abbreviated screening MRI, quantitative imaging biomarkers, and PET/MRI applications for breast cancer detection and characterization. She has led and collaborated on translational imaging studies that bridge imaging physics, technology development, and patient-centered clinical care. A major theme of her breast MRI research is improving breast cancer screening, risk assessment, diagnostic accuracy, and MR imaging-guided interventions to enhance breast cancer outcomes for women across diverse risk populations.

Ryan Woods, MD, MPH

Ryan Woods, MD, MPH’s research focuses on improving breast imaging through the integration of clinical informatics, artificial intelligence, and data-driven quality improvement. He studies the development, evaluation, and implementation of technologies that enhance breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and clinical workflows, including electronic health record–integrated solutions. His work also examines patient-centered outcomes, healthcare disparities, and strategies to improve the quality, efficiency, and accessibility of breast imaging care. Across these efforts, he emphasizes translating innovation into practical solutions that improve outcomes for patients and clinicians.

Wenhui Zhou, MD, PhD

Wehnui Zhou, MD, PhD works to develop precision imaging strategies, including PET, to personalize breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.  This includes applying AI methods to integrate multimodal imaging and non-imaging data and validating new biologically-targeted PET radiopharmaceuticals.