Education

Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
Purdue University Global, Indiana, USA, 2022-2023
Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics (Diffusion Tensor MRI)
Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India, 2002-2010
Master of Science in Mathematics (Honors)
University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India, 1999-2001
Bachelor of Science (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)
University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India, 1996-1999

Areas of Interest

Research Interests

Research Focus

I am a dedicated and accomplished professional with a strong background in clinical research. As a Research Faculty specializing in neuroimaging at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, I have been at the forefront of pioneering research in advanced MRI techniques for neurological disorders. My role as a Principal Investigator on an NIH R03 grant and various Johns Hopkins research projects underscores my leadership in securing funding for impactful research endeavors. Additionally, I am honored to have received the prestigious Research Scientist Award from ASNR for my pioneering work in AI-driven pre-surgical mapping using resting-state fMRI. I actively contribute to the advancement of the field as a member of the RSNA-QIBA fMRI committee, and serve on sub-committees dedicated to research and AI education within ASFNR and ASNR. Notably, my achievements extend to being a finalist for the esteemed “Young Investigator W. S. Moore Award” at the 24th ISMRM annual meeting. With a robust publication record of over 1200 citations and an h-index of 20, I have demonstrated my achievements as an accomplished researcher.

Educational Focus

I expand my role beyond research to encompass the responsibilities of an educational leader. My involvement in committees dedicated to research, artificial intelligence, and functional neuroimaging underscores my dedication to influencing educational standards in this field. My responsibilities involve leading the development of curriculum for Artificial Intelligence education within the American Society of Neuroradiology Foundation. My expertise extends to providing essential technical guidance within my field. Furthermore, my active participation in workshops and educational sessions, both on a national and international scale, highlights my passion for sharing knowledge and empowering individuals to excel. My enthusiastic involvement in professional societies underscores my unwavering commitment to continuous growth and development. Importantly, my engagement in influential advisory committees, my participation in peer-review activities, and my mentoring roles further amplify my commitment to education. My comprehensive engagement in mentorship, instruction, collaboration, and organization reflects my identity as an educator dedicated to shaping the educational landscape and inspiring learners to reach their full potential.

Publications

PUBLICATIONS:
Original Research [OR]

  1. Nandakumar N, Manzoor K, Agarwal S, Pillai JJ, Gujar SK, Sair HI, Venkataraman A. A multi-scale spatial and temporal attention network on dynamic connectivity to localize the eloquent cortex in brain tumor patients. Inf Process Med Imaging. 2021;12729:241-252. Note: I performed patient data collection, data analysis, and manuscript review.
  2. Nandakumar N, Manzoor K, Agarwal S, Pillai JJ, Gujar SK, Sair HI, Venkataraman A. Automated eloquent cortex localization in brain tumor patients using multi-task graph neural networks. Medical Image Analysis. 2021;74:102203. Note: I performed patient data collection, data analysis, and manuscript review.
  3. Beheshtian E, Jalilianhasanpour R, Shanechi AM, Sethi V, Wang G, Lindquist MA, Caffo BS, Agarwal S, Pillai JJ, Gujar SK, Sair HI. Identification of the somatomotor network from language task-based fMRI compared with resting-state fMRI in patients with brain lesions. Radiology. 2021;301(1):178-184. Note: I performed data collection, data analysis, developed illustrations, conducted a literature search, and conducted manuscript writing and review.
  4. Gujar SK, Manzoor K, Wongsripuemtet J, Wang G, Ryan D, Agarwal S, Lindquist M, Caffo B, Pillai JJ, Sair HI. Identification of the language network from resting-state fMRI in patients with brain tumors: how accurate are experts? AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2023;44(3):274-282. Note: I performed data collection, data analysis, developed illustrations, conducted a literature search, and conducted manuscript writing and review.
  5. Nandakumar N, Manzoor K, Agarwal S, Sair HI, Venkataraman A. RefineNet: An Automated Framework to Generate Task and Subject-Specific Brain Parcellations for Resting-State fMRI Analysis. Lecture Notes in Computer Science. vol 13431. Springer, Cham. Note: I performed patient data collection, data analysis, and manuscript review.

Review Articles [RA]

  1. Agarwal S, Sair HI, Pillai JJ. The problem of neurovascular uncoupling. Neuroimaging Clinics of North America. 2021;31(1):53-67.
  2. Jalilianhasanpour R, Ryan D, Agarwal S, Beheshtian E, Gujar SK, Pillai JJ, Sair HI. Dynamic brain connectivity in resting state functional MR imaging. Neuroimaging Clinics of North America. 2021;31(1):81-92. Note: I assisted in literature search, developed illustrations, writing and review.
  3. Jalilianhasanpour R, Beheshtian E, Ryan D, Luna LP, Agarwal S, Pillai JJ, Sair HI, Gujar SK. Role of functional magnetic resonance imaging in the presurgical mapping of brain tumors. Radiol Clin North Am. 2021;59(3):377- 393. Note: I assisted in literature search, developed illustrations, writing and review.
  4. Agarwal S, Welker KM, Black DF, Little JT, DeLone DR, Messina SA, Passe TJ, Bettegowda C, Pillai JJ. Detection and Mitigation of Neurovascular Uncoupling in Brain Gliomas. Cancers. 2023;15(18):4473.

Proceedings Reports [PR]

  1. Agarwal S, Pillai JJ, Hanzhang Lu. Diffusion and perfusion characteristics of brain white matter prone to hyperintensities: a four-year longitudinal study. Proceedings of the International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. 2021, abstract 4985. Note: I presented this work in the virtual ISMRM meeting.
  2. Nandakumar N, Manzoor K, Agarwal S, Sair HI, Venkataraman A. RefineNet: An Automated Framework to Generate Task and Subject-Specific Brain Parcellations for Resting-State fMRI Analysis. Medical Image Computing and Computer Assisted Intervention – MICCAI 2022. Note: I assisted in data collection, writing and review.

Book Chapters, Monographs [BC]

  1. Agarwal S, Khalifah HA, Zaca D, Pillai JJ. fMRI and DTI: Review of Complementary Techniques. (2023) in Functional Neuroradiology: Principles and Clinical Applications. Springer International Publishing.
  2. Zacà D, Agarwal S, Pillai JJ. Breath-Hold Cerebrovascular Reactivity Mapping for Neurovascular Uncoupling Assessment in Primary Gliomas. (2022) in Cerebrovascular Reactivity. Humana, New York, NY.