Christopher R. Dillon

Christopher R. Dillon is an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Brigham Young University (BYU). His research bridges mechanical and biomedical engineering, focusing on bioheat transfer modeling and MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) thermal therapies for cancer treatment. Prior to joining BYU in 2021, he worked as a Senior Computer Scientist at Sandia National Laboratories (2018-2021) and held a postdoctoral position in the Department of Radiology at the University of Utah (2014-2017), where he received NIH NRSA fellowship support.

• Education
  • PhD in Bioengineering, University of Utah (2014)
  • BS in Mechanical Engineering, BYU (2009)

Dr. Dillon’s research centers on characterizing human tissue properties and developing computational models for MRgFUS, aiming to improve treatment planning accuracy by addressing challenges like blood perfusion variability and subcutaneous fat absorption. His lab collaborates with clinical institutions to transition findings from ex vivo studies to clinical applications.

The Bioheat Transfer Laboratory under Dr. Dillon focuses on:

• Quantifying perfusion-related thermal energy losses via 3D MRI data
• Evaluating and refining the Pennes bioheat transfer equation
• Developing temperature-dependent property measurement tools for fat
• Advancing non-invasive thermal therapies to reduce surgical reliance

His work has led to 15+ publications on computational modeling, tissue property analysis, and thermal therapy optimization.

• Scientific Awards
  • Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award (BYU, 2023)
  • NIH NRSA Fellowship (2015-2017)
  • Young Investigator Award (Focused Ultrasound Foundation, 2014)
  • National Merit Scholarship (2001-2007)

As an educator, Dr. Dillon teaches ME EN 321: Thermodynamics and ME EN 340: Heat Transfer, emphasizing practical applications in biomedical contexts. He also contributes to Python-based computational training through Enthought certification (2021-present).