Leonardo Rivera-Rivera, PhD obtained his PhD in physics and completed his postgraduate studies in MRI neuroimaging at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Before joining the Section of Imaging Sciences as an assistant professor in 2026, Dr. Rivera-Rivera worked in the Department of Medicine as an associate scientist in the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC). Currently, Dr. Rivera-Rivera serves as the Co-Leader and MRI Service Leader of the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) Imaging Core.
Where are you from?
I’m from Puerto Rico. I grew up in Yabucoa, a coastal town on the southeastern side of the island, overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Why did you choose radiology?
My first research experiences were in astronomy, where I enjoyed the imaging and physics aspects. However, I wanted to work in a more human-centered field, which led me to radiology and medical imaging.
What are your professional interests?
I am interested in developing quantitative MRI methods and translating them into clinical and population-based studies to improve the assessment of cerebrovascular health and neurofluids.
Why did you choose to work at UW–Madison?
I first came to UW–Madison for graduate studies, drawn in part by the striking contrast with the tropical weather I grew up with. Over time, however, it has become the people and the collaborative environment that make UW–Madison such a great place to work.
What are your hobbies?
Playing sports, swimming, leisure reading, traveling to explore new places, and—when possible—relaxing at the beach.