People
At the Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center, our vision is to create a thriving, innovative, and collaborative imaging center that is nationally recognized, financially independent and a preferred partner for research and clinical collaboration.
Our work is guided by three core values which fit within the core IRISE framework at KU Medical Center:
- Innovation – Pushing the boundaries of imaging science to develop new ideas and methods.
- Integrity – Committing to reliability and trustworthiness in every aspect of our work.
- Collaboration – Working hand-in-hand with participants, study teams and the broader university community to achieve shared goals.

Together, our team of directors, scientists and staff combine expertise, creativity and commitment to make this a center where science thrives and participants feel valued.
Use these links to quickly navigate to each staff group:
- Center Leadership
- Research Scientists
- Technologists
- Administrative Staff
- Financial Department
- Technical Directors
Center Leadership
Swati Rane Levendovszky
Director, Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center
Dr. Levendovszky is an associate professor in the Department of Radiology and committed to fostering a research environment where curiosity, collaboration and participant comfort come first. She strives to ensure that every study is conducted with the highest standards of safety and scientific rigor. Her goal is to make advanced imaging accessible, meaningful and impactful for both researchers and participants alike.
Laura Martin
Associate Director
Dr. Martin is a professor in the Department of Population Heath and focusses on supporting innovative study design while guiding participants through every step of their research experience. She enjoys helping researchers bring creative experiments to life and ensuring that participants feel confident and informed. Her passion is translating complex imaging techniques into clear, manageable and meaningful science for everyone involved.
Vlad Papa
Project Manager
Vlad ensures that every study at Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center runs smoothly, from scheduling scans to coordinating resources and supporting participants throughout their visit. With a focus on efficiency, safety and clear communication, he keeps operations seamless so researchers can focus on science and participants can feel confident and well-cared-for. Vlad is the go-to person for any questions, logistics or day-of coordination, making every imaging session as smooth as possible.
Research Scientists
Mohammad Sabati
Physicist
Mohammad designs and optimizes imaging protocols to deliver the highest-quality data for each study. He collaborates closely with researchers and staff to tailor imaging techniques to each project’s unique needs, combining precision and innovation.
James Bartolotti
Software and Data Manager
James oversees all of the center's software systems, ensuring that data transfers and management run smoothly. He manages the center’s XNAT platform and other digital tools, supporting researchers in accessing, organizing and analyzing imaging data efficiently.
Ke Liao
EEG systems expert
Ke manages all EEG acquisition and analysis at the center, supporting researchers in designing and executing studies with high-quality electrophysiological data. He ensures that EEG experiments run smoothly and provides expertise in data processing and interpretation, helping researchers turn complex signals into meaningful insights.
Technologists
Hoglund imaging operations are led by two technologists, Frank Hunsinger and Kerry Carrothers. Both are ARRT certified MRI techs with more than a decade of experience in research scanning. They are responsible for participant safety and comfort, site qualifications, quality control scans, and data upload for clinical trials.
Frank Hunsinger
Kerry Carrothers
Administrative staff
Kymberly Kline
Kymberly is our front desk staff, assisting study teams and participant on the day of the scan. She helps coordinate the safety screening, change of clothes, and answer any questions that may arise.
Laura Burien
Laura is our temporary front desk staff, who assists Kymberly and helps prepare the study teams and participants get ready for their scans.
Financial department
Matthew Woolley
Matt is a Director of Finance at the Research Adminsitration and works closely with Hoglund to determine operation costs, budgets. He also oversees clinical trial workflows and contracts for CROs
Teresa Otieno
Teresa Otieno is a business analyst at HBIC, where she supports day-to-day administrative duties, including coordinating bills, performing monthly account reconciliation and other budgeting needs.
Technical Directors
The Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center Director team brings together world-class expertise across cutting-edge imaging modalities. Each director provides specialized knowledge and hands-on support to ensure researchers and participants alike benefit from the highest quality imaging and analysis capabilities. From functional MRI to spectroscopy, perfusion imaging and advanced lung imaging, our directors combine technical mastery with a commitment to innovation
Functional MRI, paradigm design, and EEG
Laura Martin
Dr. Martin is a leader in designing and analyzing both resting-state and task-based fMRI studies. She provides expert guidance on high-density EEG paradigms and is a master of experimental design tools like E-Prime and Presentation, ensuring studies are rigorous, innovative, and ready to generate impactful insights.
Perfusion MRI, diffusion MRI, and photon-counting CT
Swati Rane Levendovszky
Dr. Levendovszky specializes in advanced perfusion imaging, including ASL, DSC, and DCE techniques. She also supports sophisticated diffusion imaging methods and serves as the primary expert for photon-counting CT studies, helping researchers push the boundaries of brain and body imaging.
Multi-nuclear spectroscopy (19F, 31P)
Phil Lee
Dr. Lee is a professor in radiology and our authority on multi-nuclear spectroscopy, providing expertise in imaging and coil design for nuclei beyond hydrogen. His work enables highly specialized studies with unparalleled technical precision.
Metabolic and molecular MR spectroscopy
In‑Young Choi
Dr. Choi is a professor in radiology and complements our spectroscopy capabilities with a focus on metabolic imaging. She quantifies critical metabolites such as Glutathione and Vitamin C, empowering researchers to explore brain metabolism with remarkable accuracy.
Xenon MRI
Peter Niedbalski
Dr. Niedbalski is an assistant professor in internal medicine and the resident expert in Xenon MRI for lung imaging, offering state-of-the-art techniques to visualize pulmonary function safely and precisely.
Structural and functional MRI and PET analysis
Rebecca Lepping
Dr. Lepping is an assistant professor in neurology and provides versatile analytical expertise across MRI and PET modalities. She ensures data quality and interpretation excellence, supporting researchers in transforming imaging data into meaningful scientific discoveries.
