Development of biomedical optics technologies that non-invasively characterize tissue hemodynamics and translate them to a point-of-care setting
This project can also be virtual.
Our section’s focus is to develop biomedical optics technologies that non-invasively characterize tissue hemodynamics and translate them to a point-of-care setting. We are interested in a range of clinical applications including identifying disease states based on changes in tissue composition or metabolism, monitoring changes in tissue in response to therapeutics, and providing feedback and guidance in a surgical setting. These technologies include portable, bedside, non-contact and wearable sensor platforms that provide real-time quantitative measurement of clinically-relevant information including tissue composition, blood flow, and metabolic rate of oxygen consumption.
Throughout these projects, students will receive mentorship and learn about optical instrumentation design, device development, data analysis, and translational clinical research. Students will also interact with both engineers and clinicians as they take various optical technologies from the laboratory to the clinic.
Potential Summer Projects
Evaluation of Portable Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Sleep Studies
In this project, we will assess the use of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) as a diagnostic tool for sleep research, seeking to better understand how tissue hemodynamics change throughout the night for patients with sleep disorders.
Blood Flow Analysis of Sickle Cell Patients Using Diffuse Optical Technologies
We plan to monitor changes in blood flow in patients with sickle cell anemia in response to treatment with several optical technologies (laser speckle imaging, laser doppler, diffuse correlation spectroscopy) and evaluate their efficacy and sensitivity.
Development of a Handheld Diffuse Optical Spectroscopic Imager
We will design and characterize a portable diffuse optical spectroscopy imaging (DOSI) system. DOSI is a non-invasive optical technique that uses near-infrared light to quantify tissue constituents such as hemoglobin, water and fat.