Pathways to Discovery: Neuroimaging & Related Careers
Christopher L. Averill
View until 6/1 @ averill.xyz
My Path

1

2005
Biology B.S. (Genetics & Biochem)

2

2008
Started business in branding, design, software

3

2012
Business development, coaching, advising

4

2015
Yale University neuroimaging & psychiatry

5

2020
Baylor College of Medicine

6

2022
Core for Advanced MRI manager

7

2025
40+ publications, 3000 citations, h-index 24
What is Neuroimaging?

1

Non-invasive brain imaging
Pictures without surgery

2

Structure, function, chemistry
Multiple aspects of brain

3

Various techniques
MRI, PET, EEG, and more
MRI in a Nutshell
1
Giant magnet
Aligns water molecules
2
Radio waves
Knock spins off-balance
3
Signals
Form detailed images
PET in a Nutshell

1

Radioactive tracer
Injected or ingested

2

Chemical usage
Highlights brain activity

3

Applications
Tumors, metabolism studies, neuroplasticity
EEG in a Nutshell
Scalp electrodes
Capture electrical signals
Superb timing
Millisecond precision
Less spatial detail
Compared to MRI/PET
Comparing MRI, PET, and EEG
MRI
Tissue structure & function
Slower acquisition
Images & Chemistry
PET
Chemical processes
Uses radioactive tracers
Metabolism & neuroplasticity
EEG
Fast timing
Less spatial detail
Electric wave (alpha/beta/gamma/etc)
How Strong is the Magnet?
0.5G
Earth's field
0.00005 Tesla
100G
Fridge magnet
0.01 Tesla
10,000G
Junkyard magnet
1 Tesla
30,000G
Common Clinical MRI
3 Tesla (60k > Earth's field)
How Tiny is the Signal?
Analogy
Bug on still pond vs. waves in ocean
MRI measures
Faint signals from hydrogen atoms
Engineering
Careful design to detect "ripples"
MRI Safety 101
Always on
No metal allowed
Faraday cage
Blocks outside signals
Restrictions
Pacemakers, some tattoos, clothing
Why is This So Amazing?

1

Noninvasive views
Living, thinking brains

2

Multiple applications
Detect diseases, study behavior, guide surgery

3

Interdisciplinary
Physics, biology, coding, etc.
Next Up: Careers in Neuroimaging
Many paths
Hardware, software, data, biology, art, etc.
Diverse roles
Something for every interest
Exciting field
Cutting-edge science and technology
Career: MRI Technologist
What They Do
  • Operate MRI scanners
  • Position patients
  • Ensure image quality and safety
Skills Needed
  • Biology, Anatomy
  • Communication
  • Patient care
Personality Fit
  • Hands-on work
  • People-oriented
  • Tech-savvy
Degree: Associate's or Bachelor's in Radiologic Technology
Career: Research Assistant
What They Do
  • Schedule participants
  • Collect consent
  • Manage study logistics
Skills Needed
  • Psychology, Biology
  • Organization
  • Communication
Personality Fit
  • Detail-oriented
  • Multitasker
  • People person
Degree: Bachelor's in Psychology, Neuroscience, or related field
Career: Field Service Engineer
What They Do
  • Repair equipment
  • Maintain MRI/PET/EEG
  • Troubleshoot hardware
Skills Needed
  • Electronics, Physics
  • Mechanics
  • Problem-solving
Personality Fit
  • Enjoys tinkering
  • Quick problem-solver
  • Hands-on approach
Degree: Bachelor's in Engineering or Technical Field
Career: MRI Physicist
What They Do
  • Study MRI principles
  • Optimize magnet design
  • Reduce artifacts
Skills Needed
  • Advanced Physics
  • Math
  • Research methods
Personality Fit
  • Deep thinker
  • Puzzle-solver
  • Theoretical mindset
Degree: Ph.D. in Physics or related field
Career: Pulse Sequence Engineer
What They Do
  • Create MRI "scripts"
  • Design data collection
  • Optimize imaging
Skills Needed
  • Programming
  • Physics
  • Math
Personality Fit
  • Coder
  • Problem-solver
  • Experimenter
Degree: Master's or Ph.D. in Engineering or Physics
Career: Hardware / Coil Engineer
What They Do
  • Develop MRI coils
  • Improve resolution
  • Enhance comfort, safety
Skills Needed
  • Engineering
  • Electronics
  • Design
Personality Fit
  • Gadget enthusiast
  • Innovative
  • Practical creator
Degree: Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering
Career: Quality Control & Safety Officer
What They Do
  • Run test scans
  • Check calibration
  • Ensure compliance
Skills Needed
  • Physics basics
  • Safety protocols
  • Attention to detail
Personality Fit
  • Meticulous
  • Rule-follower
  • Safety-conscious
Degree: Bachelor's in Physics or Engineering
Career: Software Developer (MRI Packages)
What They Do
  • Write analysis tools
  • Process raw data
  • Create 3D/4D images
Skills Needed
  • Computer Science
  • Programming
  • Image processing
Personality Fit
  • Coder
  • Problem-solver
  • User-focused
Degree: Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science
Career: Data Scientist & AI Specialist
What They Do
  • Analyze big datasets
  • Apply machine learning
  • Develop predictive algorithms
Skills Needed
  • Statistics
  • Computer Science
  • AI frameworks
Personality Fit
  • Pattern-finder
  • Data enthusiast
  • Tech-savvy
Degree: Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science or related field
Career: Data Manager & Pipeline Specialist
What They Do
  • Organize imaging data
  • Build processing pipelines
  • Ensure data integrity
Skills Needed
  • Database management
  • Cloud computing
  • Scripting
Personality Fit
  • Organized
  • Methodical
  • Detail-oriented
Degree: Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science or Information Systems
Career: HPC / Cloud Specialist
What They Do
  • Manage supercomputers
  • Set up cloud resources
  • Optimize for speed
Skills Needed
  • Cloud platforms
  • Parallel computing
  • Advanced programming
Personality Fit
  • Performance-driven
  • Tech enthusiast
  • Efficiency-focused
Degree: Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science or related field
Career: Experimental Paradigm Designer
What They Do
  • Create fMRI tasks
  • Design EEG experiments
  • Collaborate with scientists
Skills Needed
  • Psychology
  • Biology
  • Programming basics
Personality Fit
  • Creative
  • Curious
  • Scientific mindset
Degree: Master's or Ph.D. in Psychology or Neuroscience
Career: Instrumentation Entrepreneur
What They Do
  • Invent MRI accessories
  • Develop wearable devices
  • Market new technology
Skills Needed
  • Engineering
  • Business acumen
  • MRI safety knowledge
Personality Fit
  • Innovative
  • Risk-taker
  • Business-minded
Degree: Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering or Business
Career: Project / Lab Manager
What They Do
  • Coordinate schedules
  • Manage budgets
  • Oversee multiple projects
Skills Needed
  • Project management
  • Leadership
  • Communication
Personality Fit
  • Organized
  • People-person
  • Big-picture thinker
Degree: Bachelor's in Science or Business, often with MBA
Career: Multi-Modal Imaging Specialist
What They Do
  • Combine imaging methods
  • Synchronize data streams
  • Create integrated protocols
Skills Needed
  • Multiple imaging modalities
  • Data integration
  • Cross-disciplinary communication
Personality Fit
  • Versatile
  • Integrative thinker
  • Adaptable
Degree: Ph.D. in Neuroscience or Biomedical Engineering
Career: MR Spectroscopy Researcher
What They Do
  • Measure brain chemicals
  • Study metabolism
  • Analyze spectral data
Skills Needed
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Data analysis
Personality Fit
  • Detail-oriented
  • Analytical
  • Precision-focused
Degree: Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, or Neuroscience
Career: Radiochemistry Developer
What They Do
  • Synthesize PET tracers
  • Create MRI contrast agents
  • Enhance tissue visibility
Skills Needed
  • Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Lab techniques
Personality Fit
  • Innovative chemist
  • Safety-conscious
  • Medically-oriented
Degree: Ph.D. in Chemistry or Radiochemistry
Career: MRA & Vascular Imaging Specialist
What They Do
  • Image brain blood vessels
  • Detect vascular issues
  • Optimize MRA protocols
Skills Needed
  • Cardiovascular knowledge
  • MRI physics
  • Clinical application
Personality Fit
  • Detail-oriented
  • Clinically-minded
  • Protocol expert
Degree: M.D. or Ph.D. in Radiology or Neuroscience
Career: Veterinary Imaging Specialist
What They Do
  • Adapt protocols for animals
  • Scan diverse species
  • Aid veterinary diagnosis
Skills Needed
  • Veterinary science
  • Animal handling
  • Imaging expertise
Personality Fit
  • Animal lover
  • Adaptable
  • Problem-solver
Degree: D.V.M. with specialized training in imaging
Career: Biostatistician & Methods Researcher
What They Do
  • Develop statistical methods
  • Validate findings
  • Ensure scientific rigor
Skills Needed
  • Advanced statistics
  • Programming
  • Data interpretation
Personality Fit
  • Analytical
  • Detail-oriented
  • Methodical thinker
Degree: Ph.D. in Biostatistics or related field
Career: Regulatory & Policy Expert
What They Do
  • Ensure FDA compliance
  • Evaluate new technologies
  • Assess safety and efficacy
Skills Needed
  • Law knowledge
  • Public health
  • Scientific basics
Personality Fit
  • Detail-oriented
  • Ethical mindset
  • Clear communicator
Degree: J.D. or Master's in Public Health or Regulatory Affairs
Career: Open Science Contributor
What They Do
  • Maintain open-source software
  • Advocate data sharing
  • Build collaboration forums
Skills Needed
  • Coding
  • Data standards
  • Community building
Personality Fit
  • Collaborative
  • Transparent
  • Knowledge sharer
Degree: Ph.D. in Neuroscience or Computer Science with focus on open science
Career: Science Communicator
What They Do
  • Translate research findings
  • Create public content
  • Engage with media
Skills Needed
  • Writing
  • Public speaking
  • Basic science knowledge
Personality Fit
  • Storyteller
  • Clear explainer
  • Engaging presenter
Degree: Bachelor's or Master's in Science Communication or Journalism
Career: Medical Illustrator
What They Do
  • Create brain illustrations
  • Design data visualizations
  • Enhance scientific communication
Skills Needed
  • Art
  • Anatomy knowledge
  • Digital design tools
Personality Fit
  • Artistic
  • Detail-oriented
  • Science enthusiast
Degree: Master's in Medical Illustration or Biomedical Communication
Career: UI/UX Designer for Imaging Software
What They Do
  • Improve software interfaces
  • Enhance data visualization
  • Streamline user workflows
Skills Needed
  • Graphic design
  • User research
  • Prototyping
Personality Fit
  • User-focused
  • Creative problem-solver
  • Tech-savvy designer
Degree: Bachelor's or Master's in UX Design or Human-Computer Interaction
Career: Product Manager (Medical Devices)
What They Do
  • Oversee product development
  • Coordinate teams
  • Guide from idea to launch
Skills Needed
  • Project management
  • Technical knowledge
  • Business acumen
Personality Fit
  • Leadership-oriented
  • Strategic thinker
  • Multidisciplinary communicator
Degree: MBA or Master's in Engineering Management
So Many Paths, One Amazing Field

1

Diverse opportunities
Hardware, software, art, research

2

Interdisciplinary collaboration
Physics to psychology, art to engineering

3

Real-world impact
Advancing science, improving healthcare
Talk to mentors, explore classes, find your fit!