photo

Dr. M. Ethan MacDonald

Ph.D., P.Eng., SMIEEE

Positions

Assistant Professor

Schulich School of Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering

Assistant Professor

Schulich School of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Software Engineering

Adjunct Assistant Professor

Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Radiology

Full Member

Hotchkiss Brain Institute

Child Health & Wellness Researcher

Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute

Contact information

Location

Office: ICT452

Preferred method of communication

Preferred method of Communication: Email

Background

Educational Background

Postdoctoral Fellowship Radiology, University of Calgary, 2020

PhD Biomedical Engineering, University of Calgary, 2014

MSc Biomedical Engineering, University of Calgary, 2010

BEng Electrical Engineering, Lakehead University, 2008

Technologist Diploma Electronics Engineering, Nova Scotia Community College, 2006

Technician Diploma Electronics Engineering, Nova Scotia Community College, 2005

Biography

Ethan MacDonald is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Electrical & Software Engineering, in the Schulich School of Engineering, and is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Radiology. He is also a full member of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Alberta Children's Hospital Institute. He completed technical diplomas in electronics engineering at the Nova Scotia Community College, before doing a bachelor’s degree at Lakehead University where he obtained a first-class standing.  He was awarded the Dean Brawn Medal for highest ranking graduating student and the Professional Engineers of Ontario Medal for Academic Achievement.  He moved to Calgary to pursue his passion for skiing, where he completed an MSc and PhD in Biomedical Engineering, and then completed a Post-doctoral Fellowship in the Department of Radiology also at the University of Calgary.  Dr MacDonald was appointed as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Software Engineering in 2020, and was a founding member of the Department of Biomedical Engineering in 2021.

MacDonald’s research has included a breadth of experiments involving the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), including endovascular catheter tracking, quantitative cerebrovascular imaging, imaging of brain development and aging physiology.  Currently, his research focuses on data acquisition as well as big data and machine learning for Biomedical and MRI applications.  His research program has three core themes: Theme 1 – Software and hardware for Image acquisition and reconstruction of MRI, Theme 2 – Big Data science for biomedical application using data integration, statistics and machine learning, Theme 3 – Modeling of brain circuits to inspire the next generation of intelligent algorithms.

Research

Courses

Course number Course title Semester
BMEN 415 Sensor Systems & Data Analytics W2021 to W2025
BMEN 509 Introduction to Biomedical Imaging and Applications W2023 to W2025
ENSF 619.03 Advanced Data Analytics F2021 to F2024
MDSC 689.02 Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Guest Lecturer) W2021 to W2025

More Information

Recruitment: 

Applicants with backgrounds in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Computer Science are a good fit with this supervisor.  Applicants with other Engineering or Science Degrees can be considered.  Skills in programming, image processing, machine learning, and medical imaging are considered an asset.  High GPA, previous research productivity, enthusiasm and work-ethic is weighted considerably. Applications should provide a CV, transcripts, and letter describing their interests and alignment with the research program.

Our program promotes one of skill development, including: programming, writing and presentation skills.  In addition to conducting cutting edge research, we aim to have highly successful trainees move into top industry and academic positions.  A lab culture promoting healthy work-life balance, equity, diversity and inclusion is intended to yield an idea meritocracy to have high impact with research.