Taking (AI)M at Oral Cancer
Aksel Alp of the Wilder-Smith Lab develops machine learning algorithms for oral cancer detection
On March 1-3, 2024, Dr. Petra Wilder-Smith and new team member Aksel Alp attended the annual conference of the American College of Legal Medicine in San Diego, California.
During the conference, Aksel Alp hosted a session, “Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Medicine and Dentistry.” During his presentation, he shared about his role in steering innovative design in biomedical equipment, utilizing his programming and analytics expertise, alongside advanced 3-D printing to enhance equipment capability and efficiency.
As a member of the Wilder-Smith Lab, Alp’s focus is on transforming complex biomedical concepts into sophisticated, functional designs, ensuring their accuracy and practicality.
“I’m truly excited to join the BLI [UCI Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic] Wilder-Smith Lab team, where innovation meets purpose,” stated Alp, “Being a part of this team means taking on challenges to merge technology with healthcare in groundbreaking ways.”
A key project of Alp’s involves developing machine learning algorithms for oral cancer detection, a venture that has yielded promising preliminary results.
“Currently, I’m working on designing and developing a wireless intra-oral camera equipped with AI capabilities aimed at early oral-cancer detection,” stated Alp, “This project not only highlights our commitment to advancing medical technology, but also showcases our dedication to making a tangible difference in people’s lives.”
“Through this endeavor, I hope to enhance our understanding of oral cancer, and provide a tool that offers early detection, potentially saving lives and improving patient outcomes,” stated Alp, “It’s a privilege to contribute to such meaningful work alongside a team of passionate and talented individuals.”
Alp formed a solid foundation in physics from his studies at San Diego State University, where he earned both his Master’s and Bachelor’s of Science degrees. His previous research focused on proto-neutron stars, conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Fridolin Weber. These studies led to significant contributions, culminating in a journal publication and a book chapter.
As a devoted AI advocate and technology enthusiast, Alp enjoys sharing insights and discussing future trends in AI integration in medicine and dentistry.
“I’m looking forward to sharing more about our research and working together with the Wilder-Smith team to bring this vision to life,” stated Alp.
Click here to learn more about Dr. Petra Wilder-Smith and the Wilder-Smith Lab.
