Beckman Laser Institute

Junjie Yao, PhD
2026-03-12 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | BLI Library
From Light to Sound: Imaging, Treating, and Building Tissues at Depth
Abstract
Integrating light and sound, our research weaves engineering innovations that map, treat, and ultimately engineer living tissues at depthsunreachable by conventional optical methods—spanning scales from single cells to whole organs.
(1) Seeing deep with clarity and color. Our photoacoustic imaging (PAI) converts optical absorption into ultrasound emission, enabling multi-scale functional and molecular imaging. We accelerate photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) by 1000×, unlocking real-time observations of neural activity, placental development, and the remarkable transparency of glassfrogs. Using genetically encoded photoswitchable probes, we further enhance the molecular sensitivity of photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT) by 1000×, enabling reliable detection of cancer metastasis, tissue regeneration, and neuronal signaling in deep tissues. (2) Treating deep with precision. We translate deep-tissue ultrasound technologies into clinical practice through super-resolution passive cavitation mapping (SR-PCM) integrated with laser lithotripsy. By localizing laser-induced cavitation with >10× sub-diffraction precision, SR-PCM provides real-time, closed-loop surgical guidance that significantly improves the efficiency and safety of kidney-stone treatments. (3) Building deep with safety. Our ultrasound volumetric in-situ printing (UltraVIP) technology overcomes the penetration limits of light-based bioprinting by >100×, using focused ultrasound energy to fabricate intricate three-dimensional structures within deep-seated tissues. UltraVIP expands the possibilities of regenerative medicine, minimally invasive surgery, and in situ tissue engineering. Together, these advances form a unified research pipeline that harnesses light–sound energy conversion and control for noninvasive imaging, image-guided intervention, and deep-tissue biofabrication—paving the way for next-generation diagnostic, therapeutic, and regenerative technologies.
Biography
Dr. Junjie Yao is Jeffrey N. Vinik Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Bass Chair Professor at Duke University, with a secondary appointment at Duke Neurology. He is also the Associate Director of Duke Fitzpatrick Institute for Photonics. Dr. Yao earned his B.S. (2006) and M.S. (2008) degrees from Tsinghua University (Beijing, China). He further completed his doctoral study at Washington University in St. Louis in 2013 and postdoctoral training in 2016, under the mentoring of Dr. Lihong V. Wang. At Duke
University, Dr. Yao’s research involves the conversion and control of light and sound for high-speed functional brain imaging, deep-tissue molecular imaging, early-stage cancer detection, super-resolution passive cavitation mapping, and through-tissue ultrasound printing. Dr. Yao’s Google Scholar Citation is ~15500, with an H-index of 59 and i10-index of 160. Dr. Yao’s contributions to the field of biomedical engineering have been recognized with IEEE Photonic Society Young Investigator Award (2019), National Jewish Fund Faculty Fellow (2021), NSF CAREER Award (2022), Nature Rising Stars of Light Award (2023), IC-UEBA Young Investigator Award (2025), Highly Citied Researcher List by Clarivate (2025), and Stansell Family Distinguished Research Award (2025). Dr. Yao is the Associate Editor of Science Advances, Journal of Biomedical Optics, BMC Medical Imaging, and Journal of Photoacoustics. Dr. Yao was elected as a Fellow of OPTICA (2022), SPIE (2025) and AIMBE (2025), ‘for breaking the limits of photoacoustic imaging in resolution, speed, and functionality, and translating the technical innovations to theragnostic impacts’. For more detailed information about Dr. Yao’s research, please visit his website at http://photoacoustics.pratt.duke.edu/.

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Anna-Karin Gustavsson, PhD
2026-02-26 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | BLI Library
Mapping cellular function with 3D single molecule tracking and super-resolution microscopy
Abstract
Cellular function is governed by the molecular organization and interactions at the nanoscale. In this talk I will demonstrate our recent developments for improved 3D single-molecule tracking of dynamics and super-resolution imaging of nanoscale structures throughout mammalian cells and showcase applications of our approaches for cellular imaging.
I will describe our developments of light sheet microscopy platforms that reduce fluorescence background, photobleaching, and the risk of photodamaging sensitive samples. Combined with point spread function (PSF) engineering
for nanoscale localization of individual molecules in 3D, deep learning for analysis of overlapping emitters, and a novel 3D nanoprinted microfluidic chip for environmental control, our platforms offer whole-cell multi-target 3D single-molecule superresolution imaging with improved accuracy, precision, and imaging speed. Next, I will demonstrate how we integrate the
optical sectioning capabilities of light sheet illumination with uniform, flat-field epi- and TIRF illumination to achieve more precise and accurate quantitation of single-molecule data. I will also demonstrate novel long axial-range double-helix PSFs and show that they offer stitching-free, 3D super-resolution imaging of whole mammalian cells, simplifying the experimental and analysis procedures for obtaining volumetric nanoscale structural information. Furthermore, I will show that deep learning-based analysis drastically improves the achievable imaging speed and resolution with these PSFs. Finally, I will describe our recent developments and applications of dCas9-based labels for flexible and long-term tracking of endogenous, non-repetitive genomic loci in live human cells with excellent spatiotemporal resolution.
These imaging approaches are versatile and can be utilized to study molecular dynamics, nanoscale structures, and molecular mechanisms to address a broad range of chemical, biological, and biomedical questions related to cellular function and pathogenesis.
Biography
Dr. Gustavsson joined the faculty at Rice University in 2020 as a CPRIT Scholar in Cancer Research and the Norman Hackerman-Welch Young Investigator Chair. At Rice, she founded and serves as Director of the Center for Nanoscale Imaging Sciences. Her research group strives to gain detailed information about cellular nanoscale structures, dynamics, and molecular mechanisms by designing and applying innovative and versatile optical imaging tools. Dr. Gustavsson received her Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Her graduate work focused on studying rhythms and dynamic responses in single cells by combining and optimizing techniques such as fluorescence microscopy, optical tweezers, and microfluidics. Upon completion of her graduate work, Dr. Gustavsson joined the group of Nobel Laureate W. E. Moerner at Stanford University as a Postdoctoral Fellow. Her research focused on the development and application of 3D single-molecule super-resolution microscopy for cellular imaging and included the implementation of light sheet illumination for optical sectioning of mammalian cells. Her work has been recognized with multiple honors, awards, and fellowships, most notably the FEBS Journal Richard Perham Prize, the 3-year Swedish Research Council International Postdoctoral Fellowship, the PicoQuant Young Investigator Award, the NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award, the CPRIT Recruitment of First-Time Tenure-Track Faculty Members Award, the Scialog: Advancing Bioimaging Fellowship, the Edward S. and Fofo Lewis Chemistry Research Award, and the NSF CAREER Award

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Wenbin Tan, PhD
2026-01-22 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | BLI Library
Induced pluripotent stem cells and vascular organoids assemble capillary malformation phenotypes: insights and challenges
Abstract
Recent advances in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology have transformed vascular malformation research by enabling the development of human-relevant, genotype-specific disease models. Patient-derived or genome-edited iPSCs can be differentiated into endothelial cells and assembled into three-dimensional vascular organoids that recapitulate
many hallmarks of pathological features. In our recent work, we established capillary malformation (CM)–derived iPSCs and generated induced endothelial cells and vascular organoids that mirror key disease phenotypes, including enlarged vascular lumens, endothelial hyperproliferation, and dysregulated signaling. Notably, patient-derived iPSCs and iPSC derived ECs also exhibited heterogeneity in laser-treatment responses, reflecting the clinical spectrum observed among individuals with CM. Together, these clinically relevant stem cell–based systems provide powerful platforms for dissecting mechanisms of vascular pathologies and for screening therapeutic candidates in a controlled, patient-specific context.
Biography
Dr. Tan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy and Director of the Stem Cell and Organoid Core at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. He is also affiliated with the Cardiovascular Research Center and the Department of Bioengineering at the University of South Carolina. He received his Ph.D. in Neurophysiology and Neurobiology from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2008, where his early work focused on rhythmic brainstem neurons involved in the neural control of breathing under Dr. Jack L. Feldman’s mentorship. In 2010, he joined Dr. J. Stuart Nelson’s group in the Department of Surgery and the Beckman Laser Institute at the University of California, Irvine, where he began his research on congenital vascular malformations—a dramatic and unexpected shift from studying neurons to endothelial cells. Dr. Tan is deeply grateful to Dr. J. Stuart Nelson, Dr. Dongbao Chen, and the Beckman Laser Institute for their mentorship and the supportive academic environment that shaped his transition to this field. In 2018, he joined the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. On the East Coast, he continues to miss the authentic food and consistently pleasant climate of Southern California. He also greatly appreciates the natural beauty and welcoming environment of South Carolina.

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Dr. Goldman
2025-12-04 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | BLI Library
Single molecule fluorescence approaches reveal that DEAD-Box RNA helicases cluster in dynamic hubs for protein synthesis initiation
Abstract
DEAD-box helicases, DDX3 and eukaryotic initiation factor 4A (eIF4A), play essential roles in translation initiation, cytoplasmic surveillance for foreign RNAs and in facilitating cellular stress response. Using multi-parameter confocal fluorescence burst spectroscopy, we discovered that sex chromosome-encoded helicases, DDX3X and DDX3Y, form 20 nm RNA-protein clusters (RPCs) containing a few RNA duplexes and dozens of protein subunits. This assembly occurs at nanomolar concentrations, far below the critical micromolar concentration threshold for liquid-liquid phase separation. N-terminal and C-terminal intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) are required for RPC formation of DDX3s. eIF4A, with much smaller IDRs, does not form RPCs without other protein partners. But with cofactors eIF4B, which is highly disordered, and eIF4G, a scaffolding factor needed to recognize and activate authentic capped mRNAs, the RPCs appear and again facilitate the helicase (unwinding) function. A mutation in the RNA-binding module of eIF4B causes reduced RPC formation, reduced phase separation into condensates, and reduced activity. Faster diffusion of the mutant eIF4B in HeLa cells relative to wild type implies that these features apply in cells as well as in vitro. As DEAD-Box helicases are not processive, RPCs may be required for unwinding of larger mRNA secondary structures during initiation of protein synthesis and in formation of stress granules as a cellular protective mechanism.
Biography
Dr. Goldman obtained a BS in Electrical Engineering from Northwestern University in 1969 and MD and PhD in Physiology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1975. He was Post-Doctoral Fellow at University College London under Professor Sir Andrew F. Huxley and Robert M Simmons until 1980 at which time he joined the Physiology Department of the School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. He moved his laboratory and appointment to University of California in Davis in 2023. Dr. Goldman has developed novel instrumentation for biophysical studies on muscle contraction, non-muscle molecular motors, protein synthesis and RNA helicases. He introduced photochemical approaches to transient dynamics and mechanochemistry of these biophysical systems, including caged ATP photolysis, high speed optical traps (laser tweezers), stable isotope oxygen exchange, single molecule nanometer tracking and polarized total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. He was awarded the Bowditch Lectureship of the American Physiological Society, Kinosita Single Molecule Award, President, and Fellow of the Biophysical Society, Storer Lectureship at UC Davis among others. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, American Association for the Advancement of Science and elected Member of the US National Academy of Science.

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Wei Gao, PhD
2025-11-20 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | BLI Library
Body-Interfaced Biosensors
Abstract
The rise of personalized medicine is reshaping traditional healthcare, enabling predictive analytics and tailored treatment strategies. In this talk, I will discuss our progress in developing wearable, implantable, and ingestible electrochemical biosensors for real-time molecular analysis. These bioelectronic systems autonomously access and sample diverse body fluids—including sweat, interstitial fluid, gastrointestinal fluid, wound exudate, and exhaled breath condensate—enabling continuous monitoring of key biomarkers such as metabolites, nutrients, hormones, proteins, and drugs during various activities. To facilitate scalable, cost-effective manufacturing of these high-performance, nanomaterial-based sensors, we employ laser engraving, inkjet printing, and 3D printing techniques. The clinical utility of our biosensors is being evaluated in human and animal studies, focusing on applications such as stress and mental health assessment, precision nutrition, chronic disease management, and personalized drug monitoring. Additionally, I will highlight our efforts in energy harvesting from both the body and the environment, opening the door to battery-free, wireless biosensing technologies. By integrating electrochemical biosensing with advanced bioelectronics, we aim to revolutionize personalized healthcare, offering new possibilities for diagnostics, continuous monitoring, and therapeutic interventions.
Biography
Wei Gao is a Professor of Medical Engineering and Heritage Medical Research Institute Investigator at the California Institute of Technology. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of California, San Diego in 2014, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, Berkeley from 2014 to 2017. He is an Associate Editor of Science Advances, npj Flexible Electronics, Biosensors and Bioelectronics, and Sensors & Diagnosis. He is a recipient of NSF Career Award, ONR Young Investigator Award, IAMBE Early Career Award, Sloan Research Fellowship, Pittcon Achievement Award, IEEE EMBS Early Career Achievement Award, IEEE EMBS Technical Achievement Award, IEEE Sensor Council Technical Achievement Award, MIT Technology Review 35 Innovators Under 35, and Falling Walls Breakthrough of the Year in Engineering and Technology. He is a World Economic Forum Young Scientist, a Highly Cited Researcher (Web of Science). He is an elected Fellow for AIMBE and RSC. His research interests include wearable biosensors, digital medicine, bioelectronics, flexible electronics, additive manufacturing, and micro/nanorobotics.
For additional information about Gao’s research, please visit www.gao.caltech.edu.

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Dr. Haichong (Kai) Zhang
2025-10-13 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | BLI Library
Listening to the Sound of Light with A Robot: Fusion of Imaging and Robotics for Healthcare
Abstract
Medical robotics has been widely applied in areas such as surgical assistance, enabling higher precision, reduced fatigue, and enhanced performance, and tele-operation, allowing surgeons to perform procedures remotely without being physically present with the patient. A key enabler of medical robotics is imaging, which has rapidly evolved over the past two decades to support more minimally invasive, personalized, and low-risk diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. My research group focuses on the intersection of medical robotics, sensing, and imaging, with the aim of developing robotic-assisted imaging systems and image-guided robotic interventional platforms. We emphasize ultrasound and photoacoustic (PA) imaging due to their real-time capabilities, accessibility, and compact form, which make them ideal for integration into interventional procedures. In this talk, I will highlight two major research thrusts in our lab. First, I will present our work on PA-based functional image-guided interventions, which provide functional information such as disease states and therapy progression. This approach enables high-sensitivity, multimodal robotic-assisted surgical guidance. Specifically, we are investigating the use of molecular-targeted contrast agents to delineate prostate cancer using spectroscopic PA (sPA) imaging, and a label-free sPA method to monitor therapeutic progression during cardiac ablation. Second, I will discuss autonomous robotic imaging, which aims to reduce user dependency during image acquisition, resulting in higher-quality images and more comprehensive scanning. This includes our development of a robotic optical coherence tomography (OCT) platform for quantifying microstructural parameters of human kidneys during transplant surgeries to assess organ viability,and an autonomous ultrasound robot for diagnosing lung diseases. These advancements in robotic imaging and intervention have the potential to significantly enhance both diagnostic capabilities and therapeutic outcomes, paving the way for the next generation of medical imaging and robotics.
Biography
Dr. Haichong (Kai) Zhang is an Associate Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Robotics Engineering with an appointment in Computer Science at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). He is the founding director of the Medical Frontier Ultrasound Imaging and Robotic Instrumentation (Medical FUSION) Laboratory. His research interests include advanced medical imaging and robotic instrumentation with an emphasis on ultrasound and photoacoustics. Dr. Zhang received his B.S. and M.S. in Human Health Sciences from the Kyoto University, Japan, and subsequently earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Computer Science from the Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Zhang is the recipient of the NIH Director’s Early Independence Award (DP5) in 2019 and the Early Investigator Research Award from the Department of Defense Prostate Cancer Research Program in 2018. He has served as a Program Committee Member for two tracks at the Image-Guided Procedures, Robotic Interventions, and Modeling and Ultrasonic Imaging and Tomography at the SPIE Medical Imaging Conference.

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Guillem Pratx, PhD
2025-09-25 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | BLI Library
Small but mighty: Micropysiological models for simulating complex clinical oncology workflows
Abstract
Microphysiological tumor models (μPTMs) are tissue-engineered 3D tumors that are grown in the lab and retain the biological and functional characteristics of the tissue of origin. These μPTMs provide a powerful model of individual patients’ tumor and are used for drug discovery, cancer research, and personalized medicine. This talk will discuss various projects related to these models. First, we will show how radioluminescence microscopy (RLM) can image clinical radionuclides in μPTMs, providing the equivalent of PET/CT but with higher spatial resolution. By imaging patient-derived organoids, RLM provides a quantitative endpoint that can be linked to in vivo PET data from the same patient. We will then discuss how RLM can also be applied to “on-chip” tumors, which are engineered using microfluidics technology to create environmental gradients of oxygen and nutrients, resulting in heterogeneous physiology. Finally, we will explore how μPTMs can help decipher the complex biology behind so-called FLASH radiotherapy, which involves treating tumors with high doses of ionizing radiation in a fraction of a second. By reducing the complexity of animal models while enabling use of patient-derived cells, μPTMs can reveal crucial biological mechanisms, yielding biological knowledge that can then be applied to translating these novel treatments.
Biography
Guillem Pratx, PhD is associate professor of Radiation Oncology and Medical Physics at Stanford University. The physical Oncology Lab, which he leads, employs physics and math to advance cancer research and patient care. Research projects blend traditional medical physics concepts with recent advances in biomedical engineering to incorporate novel capabilities into current medical imaging and enhance radiation therapy processes. Prof. Pratx is a Damon Runyon Innovator, an SNMMI Young Investigator, an NIH investigator, and the author of over 100 publications.

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Prof. C.P.J. Chris Barty
2025-06-26 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | BLI Library
Distributed Charge Compton Sources and the Precision Detection and Treatment of Disease
Abstract
Medical robotics has been widely applied in areas such as surgical assistance, enabling higher precision, reduced fatigue, and enhanced performance, and tele-operation, allowing surgeons to perform procedures remotely without being physically present with the patient. A key enabler of medical robotics is imaging, which has rapidly evolved over the past two decades to support more minimally invasive, personalized, and low-risk diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. My research group focuses on the intersection of medical robotics, sensing, and imaging, with the aim of developing robotic-assisted imaging systems and image-guided robotic interventional platforms. We emphasize ultrasound and photoacoustic (PA) imaging due to their real-time capabilities, accessibility, and compact form, which make them ideal for integration into interventional procedures. In this talk, I will highlight two major research thrusts in our lab. First, I will present our work on PA-based functional image-guided interventions, which provide functional information such as disease states and therapy progression. This approach enables high-sensitivity, multimodal robotic-assisted surgical guidance. Specifically, we are investigating the use of molecular-targeted contrast agents to delineate prostate cancer using spectroscopic PA (sPA) imaging, and a label-free sPA method to monitor therapeutic progression during cardiac ablation. Second, I will discuss autonomous robotic imaging, which aims to reduce user dependency during image acquisition, resulting in higher-quality images and more comprehensive scanning. This includes our development of a robotic optical coherence tomography (OCT) platform for quantifying microstructural parameters of human kidneys during transplant surgeries to assess organ viability,and an autonomous ultrasound robot for diagnosing lung diseases. These advancements in robotic imaging and intervention have the potential to significantly enhance both diagnostic capabilities and therapeutic outcomes, paving the way for the next generation of medical imaging and robotics.
Biography
Prof. C.P.J. (Chris) Barty is a Distinguished Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of California, Irvine (https://faculty.sites.uci.edu/bartylab/). He is also the co-founder of Lumitron Technologies, Inc of Irvine, California (www.lumitronxrays.com). At UCI he has affiliations with the Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic, the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, and is the senior member of UCIʼs Convergence Optical Sciences Initiative (COSI). Prior to his arrival in Southern California in 2017, he had served as the chief technology officer for the $0.5B/annum, National Ignition Facility and Photon Science Directorate at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Prof. Barty received his Ph.D. and M.S. in applied physics from Stanford University and B.S.ʼs in chemistry, physics and chemical engineering, each with honors, from North Carolina State University. He is a fellow of OSA, IEEE,APS, SPIE, and AAAS. Recent recognitions include; the Harold E. Edgerton Award of the SPIE and the R. W. Wood Prize of the OSA.

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ABRAHAM QAVI, M.D., PH.D.
2025-05-01 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | BLI Library
Controlling Light to Reimagine Clinical Diagnostics
Abstract
Current diagnostic testing faces several challenges, including limited multiplexing capabilities, a lack of quantitation information, the need for centralized laboratories, and/or cold chain custody. In this talk, we highlight the use of photonic resonators and plasmonic enhanced sensors as tools to address these critical gaps in diagnostics. Both techniques enable the control and manipulation of light to significantly improve the analytical sensitivity and performance of conventional laboratory assays. We demonstrate the use of these technologies for the rapid and sensitive detection of viruses, including filoviruses and coronaviruses. We also highlight how optical toolkits can be leveraged to meet urgent global health challenges.
Biography
Dr. Abraham Qavi completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Irvine, followed by his PhD and MD at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He subsequently completed medical residency in Clinical Pathology and postdoctoral studies at Washington University in St. Louis. His research program focuses on the application of photonic resonators and plasmonic enhanced sensing to improve current diagnostic assays. His clinical obligations include serving as Director of Point of Care Testing, Director of Innovative Laboratory Diagnostics, and Associate Director of Clinical Chemistry at UCI Medical Center.

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Elliot S. Yu, MD
2025-04-10 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | BLI Library
Pitfalls in Clinical Gastroenterology
Abstract
Gastroenterology is a multi-organ medical specialty pertaining to the treatment of the entire alimentary tract. I would like to introduce biomedical concepts and current treatment and diagnostic modalities of common gastrointestinal disorders and in turn discuss the current limitations of technological and clinical limitations to spark collaboration and ideas for improvement with engineering colleagues who may be interested. Upper endoscopy bleeding, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and gastroparesis are areas of the GI foregut where we are still lacking certain tools for early diagnosis, treatment and understanding of the pathophysiology of these disorders.
As proceduralists, gastroenterologists practice both medicine and therapeutic endoscopy in our practice. I hope to brainstorm concepts and feasibilities of current wavelength imaging, proximity sensors and temporal spatial markers to be able to explore these different modalities further and bridge our current gap of knowledge.
Biography
Dr. Yu earned his medical degree from the State University of New York Jacobs School of Medicine in Buffalo with research honors. He completed a residency in internal medicine and fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.
As a physician deeply invested in advancing esophageal care, Dr. Yu completed an additional year of fellowship research in Neurogastroenterology and Motility at the Medical College of Wisconsin with his clinical training. His work, including publications and abstracts on the rehabilitative potential of striated esophageal muscles and gastroesophageal reflux disease, reflects his commitment to advancing care for patients with esophageal conditions through evidence-based practices. Dr. Yu is also interested in investigating novel endoscopic and manometric techniques for diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders and assessment of physiological reflux barriers in the esophagus. He has a clinical focus in dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and is adept at performing and interpreting esophageal manometry. He also has interest in eosinophilic esophagitis and mechanisms to evaluate and prevent gastroesophageal reflux disease.

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Xingde Li, Ph.D.
2025-03-27 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | BLI Library
Low-coherence Biophotonics Imaging for the Brain
Abstract
This talk will highlight our recent efforts in exploring the brain using low-coherence light. We will discuss two scenarios: intraoperative assessment of brain cancer infiltration in patients and real-time imaging of dynamic neural activities in freely behaving rodents. In the first scenario (clinical translation), we developed a color-coded quantitative optical coherence tomography (qOCT) technology, providing neurosurgeons with direct visual cues for maximizing cancer resection while minimizing damage to healthy brain tissue. Our results from over 50 patients demonstrate excellent specificity and sensitivity (>95%). For the second scenario (basic research), we created the first all-fiber-optic, head-mounted, ultracompact (~2 mm diameter), and ultralight (

James Rosenzweig, PhD
2025-02-26 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | BLI Library
Relativistic Compton Scattering Experiments: Applications to Science and Medicine
Biography
James Rosenzweig is a Distinguished Professor of Physics in the UCLA Department of Physics and Astronomy specializing in research into advances accelerator, beam and radiation techniques, and their frontier applications across science. In pursuit of these goals, he directs a large research group at UCLA, the Particle Beam Physics Laboratory (PBPL.) The PBPL concentrates on fundamental aspects of high brightness, ultra-fast relativistic electron beams, with application to very high field accelerators based on lasers, wakefields, plasmas, dielectrics and to radiation production, such as free-electron lasers and Compton scattering sources.
This research enables new scientific methods using electron, terahertz optical and X-ray beams, which have to applications ranging from high field pumps to study nonequilibrium high field phenomena, and atomic-molecular level ultra-fast imaging techniques. This research program is based on-campus at the MITHRA advanced accelerator lad and the MOTHRA high field microwave research lab. These state-of-the-art facilities are complemented by a large external program emphasizing wakefield acceleration and at user facilities. Professor Rosenzweig is the author of more than 600 scientific articles and has written a textbook, Fundamentals of Beam Physics, emphasizing unity of concepts between charged particle and laser beams.
Dr. Rosenzweig is a lifetime member and Fellow of the American Physical Society. He has been the recipient of Sloan, SCC and Wilson Fellowships. In recognition of his contributions to his research fields, he has received the 2007 International Free-electron Laser Prize, 2022 Advanced Accelerator Prize and the 2023 Alfven Prize in Plasma Physics. Professor Rosenzweig has trained over 35 graduate students, and these scientists have gone on to key positions in the national labs, universities, and industry. He has served five years as the Chair of the UCLA Department of Physics and Astronomy, and has also co-founded several industrial accelerator companies.

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Vasilis Ntziachristos, M.Sc., Ph.D.
2025-01-21 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | BLI Library
From Optical to Optoacoustic Imaging: Technology Advances and Clinical Translation
Abstract
Biological discovery is a driving force of biomedical progress. With rapidly advancing technology to collect and analyze information from cells and tissues, we generate biomedical knowledge at rates never before attainable to science. Nevertheless, conversion of this knowledge to patient benefits remains a slow process. To accelerate the process of
reaching solutions for healthcare, it would be important to strongly complement this culture of discovery with a culture of problem-solving in healthcare.
The talk focuses on recent progress with optical and optoacoustic technologies, including Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography (MSOT) and Raster-scan Optoacoustic Mesoscopy (RSOM), as well as computational methods, as the means to opening new paths for solutions in biology and medicine. Particular attention is given on the use of these
technologies for early detection and monitoring of disease evolution. The talk further shows new classes of imaging systems and sensors for assessing biochemical and pathophysiological parameters of systemic diseases, complement knowledge from –omic analytics and drive integrated solutions for improving healthcare.
Biography
Professor Vasilis Ntziachristos studied electrical engineering at Aristotle University in Thessaloniki. Following his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania, he was then appointed Assistant Professor and Director of the Laboratory for Bio-Optics and Molecular Imaging at Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital.
Since 2007, he has served as Professor of Medicine and Electrical Engineering and the Chair of Biological Imaging at the Technical University of Munich and Director of the Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging at Helmholtz Munich. Prof. Ntziachristos is also currently Director of Bioengineering at the Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, the Head of the Bioengineering Department at Helmholtz Munich, and Director of the IESL at FORTH. Prof. Ntziachristos is the founder of the journal Photoacoustics, regularly Chairs in international meetings and councils and has received numerous awards and distinctions, including the Karl Heinz Beckurts prize (2021), the Chaire Blaise Pascal (2019) from the Region Ile-de-France, the Gold Medal from the Society for Molecular Imaging (2015), the Gottfried Leibnitz prize from the German Research Foundation (2013), the Erwin Schrödinger Award (2012) and was named one of the world’s top innovators by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Technology Review in 2004. In 2024, he has been elected as a new member of the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina.

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Lingyan Shi
2024-12-02 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | BLI Library
Multimodal Metabolic Nanoscopy for Studying Aging and Related Diseases
Abstract
Understanding how metabolism functions in multicellular organisms is essential for revealing the fundamental mechanisms of numerous biological processes. Metabolism involves the creation, transformation, and breakdown of biomolecules, acting according to genetic instructions. Traditional imaging techniques like MRI, PET, fluorescence, and mass spectrometry come with limitations. In contrast, stimulated Raman scattering (SRS), a non-linear vibrational imaging microscopy technique, offers chemically specific images with high resolution, deep penetration, and the ability to quantify. Our research has developed and combined deuterium-probed picosecond stimulated Raman scattering (DO SRS), multiphoton fluorescence (MPF), and second harmonic generation (SHG) into a unified nanoscopy. This tool is designed for studying metabolic changes in aging and diseases. The process of enzymatic incorporation of deuterium generates carbon-deuterium (C-D) bonds in newly formed molecules, detectable by DO-SRS within the spectral cell silence region of the Raman spectrum, which identifies them apart from older molecules.
One significant finding is that lipid turnover decreases faster in aged female Drosophila compared to males. Additionally, dietary restrictions, downregulation of the insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway, and AMPK activation significantly alter lipid metabolism in aged or Alzheimer’s-affected brains. The introduction of APoD and PRM algorithms has enhanced our current multimodal metabolic nanoscopy to deliver superresolution with hyperspectral volumetric imaging capabilities. By using deuterated molecules—including glucose, amino acids, fatty acids, and water molecules—as bioorthogonal probes, this technology provides insights into the metabolic heterogeneity of organs such as the brain, adipose tissue, liver, muscle, retina, and kidneys.
Biography
Lingyan Shi is currently an Associate Professor in the Shu Chien Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering at UCSD. She joined UCSD in 2019, following her postdoctoral training in the Department of Chemistry at Columbia University. Her lab at UCSD focuses on developing high-resolution metabolic nanoscopy to study aging processes and related diseases. Notably, she discovered the “Golden Window” for deep tissue imaging and pioneered the “DO-SRS” metabolic imaging platform, which visualizes metabolic dynamics in cells and tissues. At UC San Diego, her group further advanced stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy into super-resolution multiplex nanoscopy by developing A-PoD and PRM algorithms, revealing various lipid metabolic changes in organ tissues during aging and disease.
Dr. Shi holds 10 awarded patents and 8 pending. She won Blavatnik Regional Award for Young Scientists (2018), Nature Light Science & Applications’ Rising Star Award (2021), the Advancing Bioimaging Scialog Fellow Award 2023, the David L. Williams Lecture Scholarship Award (2023), the Sloan Research Fellowship in Chemistry (2023), the BMES Cellular Molecular Bioengineering Rising Star Faculty Award (2024), the Davos Summit iCANx Young Scientist Award (2024), and Featured in the 2025 Global Woman in Optics notebook.

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Shu Jia
2024-11-14 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | BLI Library
Toward High-Speed Light-Field Biophotonics
Abstract
Visualizing the diverse anatomical and functional traits within the densely packed cellular space and over large heterogeneous populations unfolds critical details of the fundamentals of living organisms. In this talk, I will present my laboratory’s recently developed advanced microscopy techniques for high-throughput extraction of molecular information in cells and tissues with ultrahigh-spatiotemporal resolution and accessibility.
Biography
Dr. Shu Jia is an Associate Professor in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University. He received his BS at Tsinghua University, Ph.D. with Professor Jason Fleischer at Princeton University, and postdoctoral training with Professor Xiaowei Zhuang at Harvard University. Dr. Jia is a recipient of the NSF CAREER Award, DARPA Young Faculty Award and NIH MIRA Award among others.

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Christine O'Brien
2024-10-10 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | BLI Library
Development of wearable laser speckle imaging devices for use at the point-of-care
Abstract
While laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) was historically confined to bulky benchtop systems, research teams have recently developed hand-held and wearable laser speckle systems. For these systems to be useful in a clinical setting, hand-held devices must be lightweight and compact enough to easily lift and move around while wearable users must be able to function normally. This requires careful selection and characterization of camera and laser components; for untethered systems, this requires small and inexpensive computation and battery modules, and intentional hardware design. A wearable and wireless LSCI device that uses a two-lens design will be presented and point-of-care design considerations and tradeoffs will be discussed.

In vitro and in vivo validation studies in phantoms, swine, and human subjects will demonstrate the sensitivity of the device to small blood flow changes and numerous physiologic applications for the technology will be discussed. Additionally, a patient-specific normalization strategy that provides insights on severity of peripheral vasoconstriction and skin pigmentation correction will be presented.
Biography
Christine O’Brien is an Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis with a secondary appointment in the department of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Her research is focused on developing and translating non-invasive optical spectroscopy and imaging tools to solve global problems in maternal-fetal health. Dr. O’Brien obtained her PhD in Biomedical Engineering at Vanderbilt University and completed postdoctoral training at Washington University School of Medicine in the Department of Radiology. She launched her independent research program with projects focused on the development of novel wearable sensors for the early detection of postpartum hemorrhage and novel strategies for preterm birth detection and investigation.

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Eduardo Juárez, Ph.D.
2024-09-06 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | BLI Library
Hyperspectral Image and Video Processing in Neurosurgery: the HELICoiD, NEMESIS-3D-CM, and STRATUM Research Projects
Abstract
Brain tumor surgery is one of the most complex procedures that benefits from integrated digital diagnostics. Differentiating pathological tissue margins and interpreting multimodal data from a variety of independent devices are among the main challenges neurosurgeons face during brain tumor resections. In this seminar, the main results of several European and Spanish research projects, such as HELICoiD, NEMESIS-3D-CM, and STRATUM, in which the Research Center on Software Technologies and Multimedia Systems (CITSEM) at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) has been involved, will be reviewed. Over the past few years, these projects have contributed to partially overcoming these challenges by developing solutions for brain surgery guidance and diagnostics based on multimodal data processing. Our long-term research goal is to increase the intraoperative diagnostic accuracy of brain tumor operations, with the hope of eventually extending these results to support surgeries in other anatomical areas.
Biography
Eduardo Juárez is currently an Associate Professor in the Telematics and Electronics Engineering Department at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Spain, and Vice-Director of the UPM Research Center on Software Technologies and Multimedia Systems (CITSEM), where he conducts his research. He holds a PhD from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL, 2003), Switzerland.

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Alberto Martín-Pérez
2024-06-27 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | BLI Library
Advancing In-Vivo Human Brain Tissue Classification: A Multimodal Approach Integrating Machine Learning, Hyperspectral Imaging and Depth Information
Abstract
This talk will present a novel approach to classify in vivo human brain tissue in real time using a multimodal imaging technique that integrates hyperspectral imaging and depth information in a recently developed system called Slim Brain. This system has been used during surgical procedures to collect a database of over 193 patients that is growing weekly. By applying sophisticated machine learning algorithms to the acquired information, Slim Brain demonstrates the potential of combining advanced imaging modalities with computational techniques for precise and non-invasive assessment of brain tissue, with implications for neurology and medical imaging. In addition, a new acquisition system under development that combines hyperspectral imaging with spatial frequency domain imaging modulation will be presented as a new tool to improve brain tissue classification.
Biography
Alberto Martín-Pérez is a Teaching Assistant at the Department of Audivisual Engineering and Communication in the School of Telecommunications Systems and Engineering of the Technical University of Madrid (UPM). Presently, he is pursuing a PhD at UPM with the Electronic and Microelectronic Design Group (GDEM) in the Research Center on Software Technologies and Multimedia Systems for Sustainability (CITSEM). His research pursuits center around the utilization of Machine Learning algorithms for the classification of in-vivo human brain tumors through hyperspectral imaging. Furthermore, he aims to enhance classification methodologies through the application of spatial frequency domain imaging for his doctoral studies.

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Kamran Avanaki, Ph.D.
2024-06-14 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | BLI Library
Biomedical hyperspectral imaging of murine tumors in the preclinical environment
Abstract
In this talk, we explore the application of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in skin imaging and various applications of photoacoustic imaging in brain imaging. For skin imaging, we introduce a novel image analysis method to assess tissue health. This algorithm extracts optical radiomic signatures from OCT images, providing detailed insights into tissue characteristics. In the realm of brain imaging, we discuss the use of photoacoustic microscopy for vascular and functional imaging in small animals, addressing significant neuroscientific questions. Additionally, we highlight the application of photoacoustic tomography in large animal brain imaging, emphasizing its potential translation to clinical settings.
One significant finding is that lipid turnover decreases faster in aged female Drosophila compared to males. Additionally, dietary restrictions, downregulation of the insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway, and AMPK activation significantly alter lipid metabolism in aged or Alzheimer’s-affected brains. The introduction of APoD and PRM algorithms has enhanced our current multimodal metabolic nanoscopy to deliver superresolution with hyperspectral volumetric imaging capabilities. By using deuterated molecules—including glucose, amino acids, fatty acids, and water molecules—as bioorthogonal probes, this technology provides insights into the metabolic heterogeneity of organs such as the brain, adipose tissue, liver, muscle, retina, and kidneys.
Biography
Tadej Dr. Kamran Avanaki is an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering Department at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Prior to this position he was an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering Department at Wayne State University. His areas of expertise include, design and development of photoacoustic imaging technology and optical coherence tomography for biomedical applications to solve critical problems in brain and skin imaging. He completed his postdoctoral-fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis in 2012 under Professor Lihong Wang, a pioneer in photoacoustic technology. He has a Ph.D. from the University of Kent with outstanding postgraduate student honors where he was mentored by Professor Adrian Podoleanu, the world’s leader in OCT instrumentation. As principal investigator, he has received multiple research grants/ fellowships. He is credited with more than 120 published first-authored/senior-authored peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals such as, PNAS, Cancer Research, IEEE Transaction of Medical Imaging, Photoacoustics, and Theragnostic. He currently serves as an associate editor of Biomedical Optics Express and Scientific Report. He has received the Outstanding Faculty Award from the College of Engineering at Wayne State University, in 2016, 2017, and 2019, also the Research Excellence Award in 2019 as well as the Excellence in Teaching Award in 2019. He has also received the prestigious 2020 Wayne State University Academy of Scholar Award, and most recently 2023 Rising Star Award and Excellence in Teaching Award from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

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Tadej Tomanic, MSc
2024-06-06 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | BLI Library
Biomedical hyperspectral imaging of murine tumors in the preclinical environment
Abstract
Biomedical hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is an emerging non-invasive optical imaging technique that captures spatial and spectral information of the imaged biological tissue. In recent years, HSI has been widely used to image human and animal tumors in the brain, breast, colon, prostate, and skin. This talk will cover the recent advancements in hyperspectral imaging for biomedical applications, mainly skin, in our lab at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia. The talk will introduce the basics of HSI and various implementations, followed by presenting tissue models and algorithms needed to extract tissue properties from hyperspectral images, focusing on the inverse adding-doubling (IAD) algorithm and advanced machine learning (ML) techniques. Moreover, the application of HSI to monitor the growth of different murine tumor models in the preclinical setting will be presented, and the possibility of combining HSI with other optical techniques, such as laser speckle contrast imaging, will be demonstrated. Ultimately, the capabilities of HSI for early detection of murine tumors will be exhibited.
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One significant finding is that lipid turnover decreases faster in aged female Drosophila compared to males. Additionally, dietary restrictions, downregulation of the insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway, and AMPK activation significantly alter lipid metabolism in aged or Alzheimer’s-affected brains. The introduction of APoD and PRM algorithms has enhanced our current multimodal metabolic nanoscopy to deliver superresolution with hyperspectral volumetric imaging capabilities. By using deuterated molecules—including glucose, amino acids, fatty acids, and water molecules—as bioorthogonal probes, this technology provides insights into the metabolic heterogeneity of organs such as the brain, adipose tissue, liver, muscle, retina, and kidneys.
Biography
Tadej Tomanic, MSc, is a young researcher and teaching assistant at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia. He received his BSc and MSc degrees in Physics and Medical Physics from the University of Ljubljana in 2017 and 2020, respectively. As part of his Master’s research, he collaborated with the Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, to analyze brain FDG PET images of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. He also interned at Cosylab as a software engineer to work on developing a treatment planning system for patients with cancer treated with radiotherapy. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Physics at the University of Ljubljana under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Matija Milanic, PhD. His research interests include early tumor detection, monitoring, treatment, and tumor vasculature development in vivo. He develops and applies various optical imaging methods in preclinical and clinical environments, focusing on hyperspectral imaging, laser speckle contrast imaging, optical coherence tomography, and optical profilometry. He is expected to graduate by January 2025.

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Lei S. Li, Ph.D.
2024-05-02 13:00 UTC | Zoom Event, CA, United States
Advancing Photoacoustic Tomography: From benchtop wholebody imagers to wearable devices
Abstract
This talk will cover the recent development of photoacoustic imaging technology, including a benchtop imager, termed single-impulse panoramic photoacoustic computed tomography (SIP-PACT), and its preclinical applications. SIP-PACT has also been scaled up for breast cancer diagnosis with improved sensitivity and specificity. In addition, to shape the benchtop PACT systems toward portable and wearable devices with low cost without compromising the imaging performance, we recently have developed photoacoustic topography through an ergodic relay, a high-throughput imaging system with significantly reduced system size, complexity, and cost, enabling wearable applications. As a rapidly evolving imaging technique, photoacoustic imaging promises preclinical applications and clinical translation.

Biography
Dr. Lei Li is an assistant professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Bioengineering at Rice University. He obtained his Ph.D. from the Department of Electrical Engineering at California Institute of Technology in 2019. He received his MS at Washington University in St. Louis in 2016. His research focuses on developing next-generation medical imaging technology for understanding the brain better, diagnosing early-stage cancer, and wearable monitoring of human vital signs. He was selected as a TED fellow in 2021 and a rising star in Engineering in Health by Columbia University and Johns Hopkins University (2021). He received the Charles and Ellen Wilts Prize from Caltech in 2020 and was selected as one of the Innovators Under 35 by MIT Technology Review in 2019. He is also a two-time winner of the Seno Medical Best Paper Award granted by SPIE (2017 and 2020, San Francisco).

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Inga Saknite, Ph.D.
2024-02-08 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | BLI Library
Smartphone-based total body photography of patients with mpox in remote areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Abstract
Mpox (associated with clade I monkeypox virus infection) is endemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and manifests with hundreds to thousands of total body lesions and an estimated case fatality ratio of 11% (17% in children). In October 2022, the PALM007 randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial of the safety and efficacy of tecovirimat for mpox was launched at remote sites in the DRC. Time to lesion resolution is the primary study endpoint, making frequent lesion count assessments a critical study measure. Given the typically very high burden of skin lesions, daily counting poses considerable human resource challenges to clinicians and clinical research staff.
We have established smartphone-based protocols for standardized total body photography to document mpox lesion appearance, evolution, and resolution. We will share our experience setting up, standardizing, and overseeing photodocumentation of mpox in remote trial sites, discussing technical, educational, and cultural considerations. This rich standardized dataset of clade I mpox images will enable the development of artificial intelligence (AI) tools aimed to automate mpox lesion counting in future studies. Further, new optical technologies may be advanced in response to this clinical need. Smartphone-based photodocumentation coupled with AI image analysis has become a benchmark for evaluating the performance of novel optical technologies. The PALM007 trial is supported by the Institut National de la Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) of the DRC and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the US, and funded by NCI Contract No.75N910D00024, Task Order No.75N91020F00025.
Biography
Dr. Inga Saknite is a Leading Researcher at the Biophotonics Laboratory, the University of Latvia, and an Adjoint Assistant Professor in Dermatology at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, the United States. Her main research interest is advancing noninvasive imaging technologies to quantitatively assess skin for clinical impact. Among other projects, Dr. Saknite is currently leading photodocumentation of patients with mpox as part of a randomized controlled trial in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She has multiple years of research experience in photographic, hyperspectral, and microscopic imaging of human skin, standardized protocol and guideline development, image processing and analysis, and device and algorithm development.
Dr. Saknite received her PhD in physics from the University of Latvia in 2016. She was then awarded the Fulbright Scholarship to advance her translational research career at the Beckman Laser Institute of the University of California, Irvine. From 2017 until 2021, Dr. Saknite was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Vanderbilt Dermatology Translational Research Clinic (VDTRC.org), and was named the inaugural Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Mentor of the Year in 2021. She has received several additional awards, including the Abstract Achievement Award at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology and the best talk award at the Annual Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Association Symposium.

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Keiichiro Kagawa, Ph.D. Eng.
2024-02-01 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | BLI Library
Enhancing SFDI’s functionality and performance with state-of-the-art CMOS image sensors
Abstract
Recently, new CMOS image sensors with high performance and functionalities such as near-infrared-enhanced global shutter, multi-tap pixels for time-division-multiplexing (TDM) or time-resolved (TR) imaging, and multi-aperture (MA) are emerging. At Shizuoka University, TDM, TR, and MA CMOS image sensors are being developed for LiDAR and biomedical imaging applications. In my talk, examples of SFDI systems with enhanced functionality and performance are shown. (1) multi-wavelength SFDI with suppression of ambient light bias and motion artifacts, (2) fusion of SFDI and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) using scanned multiple lines, (3) fusion of SFDI and time-resolved imaging.
Biography
Keiichiro Kagawa received the Ph.D. degree in engineering from Osaka University, Osaka, Japan, in 2001. In 2001, he joined Graduate School of Materials Science, Nara Institute of
Science and Technology as an Assistant Professor. In 2007, he joined Graduate School of Information Science, Osaka University as an Associate Professor. In 2011, he joined Shizuoka University as an Associate Professor. Since 2020, he has been a Professor with Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan. His research interests cover high-performance computational CMOS image sensors, imaging systems, and biomedical applications.

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Hanna Kim
2023-11-30 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | BLI Library
TIPS & TRICKS TO SUCCESSFUL IRB CLINICAL RESEARCH PROTOCOLS

Xunbin Wei, Ph.D.
2023-11-21 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | BLI Library
Light Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Abstract
Photobiomodulation, by utilizing low-power light in the visible or near-infrared spectrum to trigger biological responses in cells and tissues, has been considered as a possible therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), while its specific mechanisms have remained elusive. Here, we provide evidence that cognitive and memory impairment in an AD mouse model can be ameliorated by 1070-nm light via reducing cerebral β-amyloid (Aβ) burden, the hallmark of AD. The glial cells, including microglia and astrocytes, play important roles in Aβ clearance. Our results show that 1070-nm light pulsed at 10 Hz triggers microglia rather than astrocyte responses in AD mice. The 1070-nm light-induced microglia responses with alteration in morphology and increased colocalization with Aβ are sufficient to reduce Aβ load in AD mice.
Moreover, we demonstrate that 1070-nm light pulsed at 10 Hz can reduce perivascular microglia and promote angiogenesis to further improve Aβ clearance. Our study confirms the important roles of microglia and cerebral vessels in the use of 1070-nm light for the treatment of AD mice and provides a framework for developing a novel therapeutic
approach for AD.
Biography
Dr. Wei received his bachelor in physics from University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei. He received his PhD from Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine. Dr. Wei completed his post-doc training at Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School. From 2006-2010, he was a professor in Fudan University, China. From 2006-2010, he was a professor and chair in Department of Biomedical Instrumentation, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China.
Currently, he is a professor at Department of Biomedical Engineering, Peking University. Dr. Wei is an SPIE Fellow, and recipient of Chinese Outstanding Young Scholar Award. He has published more than 120 peer-reviewed papers, including in Nature and PNAS. His research interests include cancer detection by optical means, optical manipulation of cells, and light treatment of Alzheimer disease.

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Woonggyu Jung, Ph.D.
2023-08-08 15:00 - 16:00 UTC | BLI Library
Staining-free optical imaging techniques toward digital histopathology
Abstract
The histological optical imaging is a gold standard method to observe the biological tissues, which follows routine process such as dissection, embedding, sectioning, staining, visualization and interpretation of specimens. This technique has a long history of development, and is used ubiquitously in pathology, despite being highly time and labour-intensive. Advanced optical imaging techniques developed over the last decade have enabled to provide high sensitivity, high resolution and non-invasive biological information. In particular, new optical imaging contrast rather than chemical staining has been presented to be utilized in histopathology while showing the strong potential. However, acquiring high throughput, large volume tissue anatomy remains a difficult challenge due to the effect of light scattering, which limits the penetration imaging depth and lateral resolution. Recently, various optical imaging methods have been introduced to
create volumetric anatomy data of ex vivo tissues using physical tissue sectioning or optical clearing.
Here, we introduce novel staining-free and multi-scale imaging modality based on scattering and phase contrast. Optical staining in histopathology could be key technique to build fast feedback of anatomy of tissues or organs due to its simplicity, efficiency, robustness, and high-throughput capabilities. This presentation covers the latest work of large-scale and fast tissue imaging using optical coherence microscopy, quantitative phase imaging and projection tomography. Specifically, the talk will highlight comparison study over the conventional method in histopathology and its adaptation with artificial intelligence such as the virtual staining and resolution enhancement.
Biography
Woonggyu Jung received his Ph. D. in 2008 from the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of California, Irvine. From 2001 to 2008, he worked at the Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic at UC Irvine. He also worked at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign since January 2009. He has joined the faculty of UNIST in 2012, and currently works as an associate professor of Department of Biomedical Engineering. He is also co-founder and CTO of start-up company, Conecson which is focused on the futuristic business regarding to mobile-based medical devices. Dr. Jung has a strong research background in optical imaging technologies including optical coherence tomography (OCT), quantitative phase microscope (QPM), and miniaturized optical imaging probes. His research interest is to develop new optical technologies that address challenges in clinical medicine, basic biological research and neuroscience. In previous work, he developed a successful optical platform for in vivo translational research, and has published more than 60 peer-reviewed journal papers in the field of biophotoics.
For more information or to schedule a meeting with the speaker, please contact Xandra Dvornikova.
Sponsored by the Berns Family Laser and Microbeam Program
Hosted by: Dr. Zhongping Chen

2023 SHORT COURSE IN MULTISCALE BIOPHOTONICS
2023-07-09 08:00 - 2023-07-20 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | BLI Library
2023 SHORT COURSE
IN MULTISCALE BIOPHOTONICS
(SCMB2023)
July 9 – July 20, 2023

Open to grad students, university postdocs, faculty and industry researchers
AREAS COVERED:
Biological Microscopy
Optical Dosimetry
Optical Property Determination
Wide-Field Spectroscopy and Imaging
Physiological Monitoring
WORK WITH RECOGNIZED EXPERT COURSE LECTURERS
HANDS-ON LABORATORY EXPERIENCE
CAREER DEVELOPMENT PANELS
TEAM SCIENCE TRAINING
PROBLEM BASED LEARNING AND SO MUCH MORE!
Program Fees
Academics: $1000
Industrial Applicants: Contact Program Directors

Access to Careers in Engineering and Sciences (ACES) HBCU Undergraduate Summer Training Program
2023-06-26 08:00 - 2023-08-18 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | BLI, 1002 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA, 92612, United States
Access to Careers in Engineering and Sciences (ACES) HBCU Undergraduate Summer Training Program
June 26 – August 18, 2023

Every summer, 10 talented undergraduate students from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are selected to travel across the country to attend Access to Careers in Engineering and Sciences (ACES), an eight-week summer training program at UCI Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic. ACES introduces high-achieving, underrepresented students to the breadth of UCI graduate programs in the fields of biomedical engineering, biophotonics and related science, technology, engineering and math disciplines.
ACES students:

work alongside faculty mentors who are leaders in their field
conduct leading-edge research in Institute facilities and labs
learn about careers in academia and industry
attend workshops on taking the GRE, writing a personal statement and preparing for graduate school
make connections valuable to gaining admission to graduate school

Click here to learn more about ACES.

Hyunmo Yang, Ph.D.
2023-06-15 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | BLI Library
Deep Learning Applications in Biomedical Imaging
Abstract
Recently developed deep learning techniques revolutionized image analysis methods in the last decade. Classification, segmentation, quantitative prediction, and generating new data can be performed by the training of deep learning models. These tasks can directly be applied to biomedical imaging and successful applications will provide strong advantages to researchers and physicians in terms of efficiency for their studies and improvement in diagnosis.
In this talk, I will discuss my recent studies that using deep learning techniques to the following topics: glaucoma screening from fundus photographs based on regional retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness estimation using deep learning, label-free digital histopathology with QPI imaging based on virtual staining and image classification techniques, and high-throughput phenotype screening platform using office scanner. For these studies, we have employed the convolution neural network (CNN) network architectures and trained them to perform image-to-number regression, image classification, image segmentation, and image-to-image generation. The details of each approach will be also discussed.
Biography
Dr. Hyunmo Yang earned his Ph.D. in physics from Ulsan National Institute of Science of Technology (UNIST) in Korea. After his degree in 2019, he joined as a postdoc researcher to the translational biophotonics laboratory in department of biomedical engineering at UNIST. He is currently working on developing machine learning and deep learning applications for biomedical imaging. His research interests are digital medicine, digital screening and digital histopathology using A.I. technology.

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Roukuya Mamuti, Ph.D.
2023-04-27 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | BLI Library
Tunable infrared structured laser generation and opto-thermal trapping of micro/nano particles
Abstract
This talk covers the experimental research and theoretical investigation of mid-infrared tunable optical vortex sources with versatile orbital angular momentum (OAM) and opto-thermophoretic trapping of micro and nano particles with mid-infrared fiber lasers. As a typical structured light, optical vortex with a helical wavefront exhibits interesting physical properties, including an annular spatial intensity profile and an OAM of owing to an on-axial phase singularity. Such properties of the vortex beam have been widely utilized in diverse applications. In the talk, Dr. Mamuti presents generation of optical vortices with versatile OAM states from a nanosecond optical parametric oscillator (OPO) by appropriately shortening or extending the cavity. The system with a compact cavity configuration enables the production of a millijoule-level signal (idler) output with l =1~3 (0~-2) simply by tuning the wavelength of signal output. The system was further developed to create coherently coupled OAM states, i.e., flower-shaped signal and wheel-shaped idler outputs, arising from the coherent superposition of opposite-signed OAM states.
Furthermore, Dr. Mamuti proposed a method for opto-thermophoretic trapping with a 2 μm Tm-doped fiber laser. The infrared continuous-wave laser beam is directly and strongly absorbed by water solution, and some local temperature gradient is generated around the focus. The particles are migrated along the temperature gradient and form a hexagonal close-packed structure at a bottom-glass solution interface. She has investigated the dependence of the phenomenon on the material, particle size, and laser power. Since the water molecules have a significant absorption in the 3-μm wavelength band, a midinfrared Er:ZBLAN tunable fiber laser is applied for opto-thermophoretic trapping of particles diffusing in water. Through the laser wavelength dependence and single particle tracking analysis, they found that particles are rapidly collected at the laser focus which is much faster than near infrared lasers. The system with 2 μm and 3 μm direct optothermal trapping could be extended in various fields, such as bio sensing, detection, and sorting.
Biography
Dr. Roukuya Mamuti received her Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Optical Engineering from laser laboratory, Chiba University, Japan. Her graduate research mainly focused on the generation of tunable infrared structured lasers. After graduation, she worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Laser Lab (the same lab where she earned her degree). Dr. Mamuti received 2 million Japanese yen of research grant from Kambayashi foundation (private funding). Later, she worked in the Laser Science Laboratory at Toyota Technological Institute, to develop optical trapping of micro/nano particles. Now, she is seeking a research position to pursue her profession in laser-related research fields.

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