"Sebastian is the associate research scientist in our group, and it isn't an exaggeration to say that the entire lab would fall apart within 24 hours if he wasn't around. He's an incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and kind person, and everyone's research is improved by having him as a resource. The lab is truly a better place because of him; I couldn't imagine a person more deserving of this award."

Nominated by Susanna Weber, MR Science Lab, Columbia University, United States

 

"Sebastian is an invaluable asset to our lab, embodying the spirit of dedication and hard work. His tireless efforts not only contribute significantly to his own research projects but also extend to assisting fellow lab members. Sebastian consistently goes above and beyond by sharing his expertise, helping troubleshoot challenges, and ensuring a collaborative and supportive environment within the lab. Not to mention, his superhero ability to ensure our lab meetings are fueled by a steady stream of coffee adds a delightful touch of caffeinated camaraderie, making our scientific pursuits as energized as our discussions!"

Nominated by Carlotta Ianniello, MR Science Lab, Columbia University, United States

 

"Dr. Sebastian Theilenberg exemplifies the true definition of a scientist who not only has deep knowledge in the field of magnetic resonance, but also makes time to teach his fellow lab members. Dr. Theilenberg started his scientific journey as a physicist in the development and application of rheological methods combined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to study the properties of brain tissue, specifically in the context of pathologies such as gliomas. He then added engineer to his title in his postdoc, as he transitioned to developing hardware designed to enhance MRI signals tackling the challenge of B0 shimming hardware for neuroimaging. Now as an associate research scientist, in collaboration with other labs, Dr. Theilenberg has helped in the development of state of a multi-coil B0 shimming head-coil for improving signal on the world’s first portable MRI scanner. His scientific expertise and excitement has also led him to be part of a team in an MRI4ALL challenge that created a novel open-source low field MRI scanner in only one week! These experiences are just a few examples that encapsulate the wealth and diversity of knowledge Dr. Theilenberg encompasses.

In addition to his research, Sebastian displays passion for teaching and mentoring. Whenever I need a concept explained, he takes the time to explain it in detail with patience. Patience is essential because my questions can range from straightforward to convoluted. Yet, he is still willing to break down concepts in order to ensure my full understanding. He is also always available to give advice on not just science but my journey through the PhD program. Dr. Theilenberg has also mentored several undergraduate students, guiding them through various projects. He is the leader in the lab and somehow makes himself available to help everyone.

Dr. Sebastian Theilenberg deserves this award because he not only serves as a scientist, teacher, and mentor, but also is able to take care of all the lab duties. Every person in the lab must go through Sebastian for help with on-boarding and navigating through the lab. He helps with the day to day operations, making sure that the lab stays well equipped, organized, all lab member trainings are up to date. He is a multitalented scientist, bringing a wealth of knowledge and generosity to the lab. His presence significantly enhances the culture of the lab, along with our lab’s research endeavors."

Nominated by Kay Igwe, MR Science Laboratory / Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, United States

 

"Sebastian Theilenberg is an integral member of the lab. He serves as a leader to both students and his fellow faculty members."

Nominated by Jasmine Lewis, Engineering, Columbia University, United States

 

"Dr. Sebastian Theilenberg is an associate research scientist and the lab manager in my lab. He continuously goes the extra mile for the lab and its members by:

• setting up our new lab space and IT infrastructure when the lab moved 
• supervising undergraduate and graduate students
• initiating a computational seminar series for the lab 
• ... on top of performing outstanding original research. For instance, Dr. Theilenberg took the lead of the design and construction of novel multi-coil hardware for B0 magnetic field control in the world's first head-only MR scanner providing clinical 1.5T field strength (U01-EB025153), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37145035/ 
• In addition, he volunteered for the Columbia/NYP vaccination effort during the Covid-19 pandemic

He was spotlighted by the department of biomedical engineering during the National Postdoc Appreciation Week NPAW in 2021 based on his efforts and I enthusiastically support him being considered for this Lab Heroes Award 2023 without reservation.

Nominated by Christoph Juchem, MR SCIENCE Lab, Columbia University, USA

 

"He is a great leader in the lab."

Nominated by Valentina Gonzalez, Columbia University, United States

 

"Sebastian is a model leader in science, innovation, and collaboration. He demonstrates a profound dedication to excellence across his commitments. As a new undergraduate student in the lab, I can attest to his welcoming spirit and management skills. From onboarding to day-to-day tasks, he seamlessly balances managing a group and pursuing his research projects. I aspire to reach his level of scientific, technical, and operations knowledge."

Nominated by Emma Van Praagh, MR Science Laboratory, Columbia University, USA

 

"I am part-time member of the MR SCIENCE Lab but primarily function as a resident in diagnostic radiology. Sebastian has made a remarkable contribution to the field of MRI and development of new tools. One thing that impresses me is Sebastian's constant goal to make contributions with an eye towards clinical improvement. In the Radiology Department, Sebastian has been a reliable point of contact and source of expertise with all technical aspects of MR diagnostics and we depend on him dearly."

Nominated by Russell Posner, Department of Radiology / MR SCIENCE Lab, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, United States

 

"Sebastian is an example of an ideal lab leader, with a combination of extensive expertise and professionalism. He demonstrates a profound knowledge of various aspects of our lab, while he is also attentive to the needs of fellow lab members. Upon joining the lab, he became the go-to person for any questions I had, going above and beyond to assist me in acclimating to the new environment. He consistently invests his time and effort into optimizing every aspect of our lab, and I think that makes him truly worthy of receiving this award."

Nominated by Alma Davidson, MR Science Laboratory, Columbia University, United States

 

"Dr. Theilenberg is an Associate Research Scientist who, in addition to tackling challenging research questions, has taken on responsibilities outside the scope of his role. He has become essential to the operation of the lab, and devotes a generous amount of time to the training and mentorship of graduate students and other junior members of the lab. He is a capable scientist, engineer, and machinist, and is always willing to impart knowledge on anyone who asks for it. He has also modeled the positive attitude and persistence needed to conduct research. When a poorly-timed hardware malfunction delayed critical experiments close to an important deadline, he advised me that managing frustration with setbacks is an important skill for a PhD student to acquire. This type of reframing has contributed to a positive and collaborative lab environment in which failure is embraced as an opportunity to learn."

Nominated by Isabelle Zinghini, MR Science Laboratory, Columbia University, United States

 

"As a lab manager, he has a lot of impact on this research and the maintenance of the lab operation every day.

Research Excellence: He demonstrated outstanding contributions to scientific research, making significant advancements in the development of an accessible superconductive head-only MR scanner.

Innovation: He has developed novel methodologies and techniques for the design and fabrication of the multi-coil array for the head-only MR scanner and the system calibrations for first imaging.

Mentorship: He has been an exemplary mentor, providing guidance and support to graduate students and colleagues completing their projects, and contributing to the growth of the scientific community.

Scientific Impact: His work has had a tangible impact on the area of muti-coil design and fabrication, with results that contribute to our understanding of a better usage of this technology

Ethical Conduct: His research practices are conducted in accordance with high ethical standards, demonstrating integrity and transparency at all times.

Dedication and Resilience: Through his unwavering dedication to his research, he has overcome challenges with resilience and continues to make valuable contributions to science.

Recognition from Peers: The nomination is endorsed by colleagues and the scientific community, recognizing the nomination's influence, collaboration, and contribution to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

These reasons highlight the variety of qualities and accomplishments that make Sebastian a worthy candidate for the title "Lab Hero."

Nominated by Yun Shang, MR SCIENCE Laboratory / Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, United States

 

"I would like to nominate Dr. Sebastian Theilenberg for this year’s Lab Heroes Award, for his role as a mentor, leader and researcher in the MR SCIENCE Lab at Columbia University. I am extremely grateful for Sebastian’s leadership and guidance when I joined the lab in 2021 as a first year Ph.D. student, and he continues to serve as a mentor to me as I navigate my academic career. Not only does he contribute and lead a large portion of our group’s academic work, but he also plays an essential role in ensuring the lab’s physical and digital resources run smoothly, effectively serving as our lab manager. Overall, he is an extremely kind, bright and hardworking individual who brings a positive energy to work everyday."

Nominated by Ronald Instrella, MR SCIENCE Lab, Columbia University, United States

 

"Dr. Sebastian Theilenberg is an exceptional scientist, a dedicated manager, a patient and thoughtful mentor, a caring and always ready to help colleague and an inspiring leader (https://juchem.bme.columbia.edu/people/sebastian-theilenberg). Sebastian is the one who saves the lab when something is not working or when someone is stuck.

Dr. Theilenberg’s research focuses on Magnetic Resonance (MR) hardware development. His hard work and tireless commitment to science lead him to build the hardware for B0 magnetic field control of the first accessible head-only 1.5 Tesla MR scanner in the world. This impressive achievement stands as a testament for the extra hours, extra weekends and holidays that were spent working on a project that might revolutionize MR scanning and also change lives someday.

I met Sebastian long before joining the lab where we both are currently working. Even back then, when there was no obligation to provide any guidance, he voluntarily offered his help. Sebastian took the time and effort to share advice on how to navigate through the last year of a PhD and how to manage the stress and challenges it comes with.

Later on, Sebastian carefully guided me when joining the MR SCIENCE lab. Relocating from Europe to USA is not an easy task, yet Dr. Theilenberg made it smoother for me by helping with and advising on visa, accommodation, transportation, banking, safety, etc. My lab onboarding was also managed by Sebastian who would always make time to answer questions or to fix door access, broken university accounts, expired software, orders and deliveries, and many, many more administrational issues.

As one of the most senior researchers in our lab, Sebastian is a valuable asset for all those seeking for explanations regarding MR physics, MR scanning and even Matlab or SolidWorks questions. In the lab, we all benefited from his extensive knowledge and never-ending patience. The mentorship Sebastian offers translates to faster problem resolution and faster progress.

As a colleague, Dr. Theilenberg makes sure we are always united and part of the lab family. While he ensures all newbies are offered support to accommodate in the lab, he also maintains the cohesion between older lab members and acts as the glue of our research group.

I have never met anyone as dedicated and genuinely driven to help as Sebastian. His effort and time invested in others deserves recognition and I support Sebastian for the Lab Heroes Award 2023."

Nominated by Diana Rotaru, MR SCIENCE Lab, Columbia University, USA

 

"Dr. Sebastian Theilenberg has been one of the most influential people in my experience in the MR SCIENCE Laboratory. Across the three years that I have worked alongside him, Sebastian has been an incredible mentor. While managing the lab space, resources, and his own projects, he is always willing to provide feedback and guidance for others on a number of scientific and nonscientific topics. His optimism and friendly attitude promote lab productivity, cooperation, and closeness as he facilitates a welcoming, familial, and intellectually stimulating environment. He has not only helped ensure that I am comfortable (such as when approaching my first conference or being welcomed in the lab), but also appreciated and confident in the work that I have done. My experience in the lab would undoubtedly not be the same without him."

Nominated by Leonardo Campos, The Chahine Laboratory, Columbia University, United States of America

 

"Sebastian is that kind of person who deeply cares about others and is always ready to help with whatever comes up and whenever needed in the lab. Not only is he an effective communicator between the lab members who have diverse backgrounds, but he also has the understanding and ability to help new lab members grow through relationships based on trust and good scientific practice. His contributions extend far beyond daily tasks, embodying the true spirit of a lab hero."

Nominated by Rashad Ismail, MR Science Lab, Columbia University, USA