7th Annual Sotak Lecture in Biomedical Engineering: Lawrence Latour, PhD '94

NIH: NINDS: “Rapid MRI in the Study of Acute Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury”

On November 11th, 2024, the WPI Biomedical Engineering (BME) department hosted its seventh annual Sotak Lecture. Named after Dr. Christopher Sotak, a key figure in WPI’s BME history, the event honors his dedication to teaching and mentorship in biomedical research. As a professor and department head (1999-2006), Dr. Sotak transformed the WPI BME Department into a leader in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MRI spectroscopy. He also played a crucial role in developing the Gateway Park facilities at 60 and 85 Prescott Street, which house Biotechnology and BME research labs.

Teaching was central to Dr. Sotak’s research approach. This year’s speaker, Dr. Lawrence Latour (PhD ’94), one of Dr. Sotak’s early students, helped develop MRI as a healthcare tool. Dr. Sotak guided Dr. Latour in pursuing his passion for research. Dr. Latour noted, “Chris didn’t bring me motivation; that’s something individuals must have. But a good teacher, like Chris, helps you reach your goals and removes barriers.” With Dr. Sotak’s mentorship, Dr. Latour learned to ask meaningful questions and pursue answers diligently, enabling him to conduct national-level research.

Dr. Latour’s rigorous training in the Sotak Lab laid the foundation for his career. Since earning his BME doctorate, he has advanced MRI applications for evaluating traumatic brain injuries. His work has earned him the role of Senior Scientist at the National Institute’s Acute Cerebrovascular Diagnostics Unit. He is also the Principal Investigator of two studies at the Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine in Bethesda, MD, and has received multiple awards from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) since 2007.