• Ethan MacDonald is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Software Engineering. 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 of skiing, where he completed a MSc and PhD in Biomedical Engineering under the supervision of Richard Frayne, and then completed a Post-doctoral Fellowship with Bruce Pike 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.

Research Interests

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Acquisition and reconstruction of MRI data. Pulse sequence programming. Specialization in brain imaging methods including: vascular, functional magnetic resonance imaging, and diffusion tensor imaging.

• Big Data and Machine Learning: Working with large databases and supercomputing resources for analytics, neuroinfomatics, brain morphology, aging physiology, and genetics. Machine learning for generative modelling and prediction. Segmentation and classification of brain tissue and diseases.

• Next Generation Artificial Intelligence: Exploring new neural network architectures based on the human brain connectome. Using findings from MRI for brain simulation. Feedback and resonance in neural networks to obtain consciousness and adaptive learning.