Robert M. Nishikawa, Ph.D. has a principal areas of research have three intertwining themes.  The first is the development of computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) techniques for x-ray imaging of the breast, in particular for digital breast tomosynthesis and full-field digital mammography (FFDM).  The second is the image quality assessment and evaluation of imaging technologies, specifically, the clinical effectiveness of CAD.  The evaluations include Monte Carlo modeling of using computer-aided detection in screening mammography and observer studies to understand how effectively radiologists can use computers as aids when interpreting mammograms.  The third is the investigation of the performance of new breast x-ray imaging systems.  These studies include the evaluation of new clinical systems, such as phase contrast mammography, and the optimization of digital breast tomosynthesis.

Dr. Nishikawa is the Director of the Carl J. Vyborny Translational Laboratory for Breast Imaging Research