UC Irvine Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic welcomes two distinguished interdisciplinary researchers to its growing faculty: Drs. Stacy Copp and Amir Rahmani. Their appointments highlight the Institute’s ongoing dedication to pushing the boundaries of biophotonics, medical advancements, and cutting-edge healthcare technologies.

Stacy Copp, Ph.D., Associate Professor

Dr. Stacy Copp joins the Institute from the Samueli School of Engineering, as a leader in nanomaterials science and engineering. Her research focuses on the design and development of DNA-templated silver nanoclusters, which are programmable, ultra-small fluorescent nanomaterials with highly tunable optical properties. By leveraging the precision of DNA sequences to control nanocluster size, structure, and emission wavelength, Dr. Copp’s work sits at a compelling intersection of chemistry, materials science, and optical engineering.

Her work adds a new dimension to the Institute’s photonics and imaging efforts. DNA-templated nanoclusters, which can be precisely engineered at the atomic level, hold great promise as next-generation fluorescent probes for biological imaging, biosensing, and diagnostics, all of which are central to the Institute’s mission. This groundbreaking technology paves the way for advanced deep tissue imaging, early disease detection, and targeted molecular sensing with capabilities that conventional fluorophores cannot achieve

“Dr. Copp’s nanocluster research is precisely the caliber of innovative, materials-driven science that has the power to transform how we use light to explore the human body,” said Bernard Choi, Institute Director and Arnold and Mabel Beckman Endowed Chair in Laser Biomedicine. “Her pioneering work will open new doors in how we see, understand, and ultimately improve biological systems.”

Amir Rahmani, Ph.D., Professor and Samueli Endowed Chair in Integrative Health

Dr. Amir Rahmani’s research is at the intersection of artificial intelligence, wearable sensing technologies, and personalized digital health. Based in UC Irvine Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, Dr. Rahmani holds the prestigious Samueli Endowed Chair in Integrative Health, a testament to the transformative impact of his work on patient-centered, data-driven healthcare.

Dr. Rahmani’s research encompasses AI-powered health monitoring systems, Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) platforms, and intelligent edge-computing frameworks that enable real-time, continuous health assessment outside of traditional clinical settings. His work has produced wearable and remote monitoring solutions capable of detecting physiological changes with remarkable sensitivity, spanning stress, sleep disorders, cardiac events, and chronic disease progression.

His expertise creates a natural synergy between the Institute’s optical and laser-based measurement capabilities and the broader ecosystem of continuous AI-enhanced health monitoring. Wearable photonics, including optical pulse oximetry, photoplethysmography, and near-infrared spectroscopy, are becoming increasingly central to remote patient monitoring. In this rapidly evolving landscape, Dr. Rahmani’s knowledge in intelligent data processing and clinical deployment provides a critical link that bridges laser technology and real-world medical outcomes.

“Dr. Rahmani connects the power of light-based measurement with the transformative potential of artificial intelligence,” said Dr. Choi. “Together, these disciplines will help us deliver smarter, more responsive patient care.”

A New Era in Precision Health

The appointments of Drs. Copp and Rahmani reflect the Institute’s evolving vision that extends beyond traditional laser medicine to embrace nanoscale optical engineering, digital health, and AI-driven clinical discoveries. Together, they add complementary mastery that spans modern biophotonics: from the engineering of light-emitting nanomaterials at the molecular scale, to the intelligent interpretation of optical health data in real time.

As the Institute continues to unite scientists, engineers, and clinicians, the addition of Drs. Copp and Rahmani positions the Institute at the cutting edge of 21st-century health innovation. Together, their pioneering work promises to drive transformative advances in medical technology, shaping a healthier and brighter future for patients worldwide.

Author: Gabrielle Comfort