Christopher Contag

Christopher Contag is the James and Kathleen Cornelius Chair and Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Michigan State University (MSU), leading the Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering (IQ) and the Department of Biomedical Engineering. He holds a joint appointment in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics. Previously, he served at Stanford University in Pediatrics and multiple leadership roles, including directorships in imaging and research institutes. His research focuses on molecular imaging, extracellular vesicles, and optical tools for disease diagnostics and therapy. Key contributions include developing in vivo bioluminescence imaging and founding companies like Xenogen Corp. and BioEclipse Inc.

Education: B.S. in Biology (University of Minnesota, 1982), Ph.D. in Microbiology (University of Minnesota, 1988), postdoctoral training at Stanford University (1990–1995).

Research interests include noninvasive imaging for biological processes, stem cell biology, and cancer immunotherapy. His lab develops microscopic tools like confocal microscopes and Raman endoscopes for in vivo pathology. Extracellular vesicle research explores their role in cancer progression and diagnostics.

Notable awards include the Society for Molecular Imaging Achievement Award and SPIE's Britton Chance Award. His work bridges academia and industry, commercializing technologies through ventures like PixelGear for point-of-care pathology.

Current roles include IQ directorship and leadership in MSU's biomedical engineering programs. Active in professional societies such as the World Molecular Imaging Society (WMIS).