Michael Hackmann

Michael Hackmann is a Research Fellow at the University of Western Australia (UWA) within the School of Human Sciences. His research focuses on developing laser-based medical imaging technologies, particularly using polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT), to study respiratory diseases like severe asthma. He collaborates with engineers, physiologists, and clinicians to improve treatments and scientific understanding of airway smooth muscle pathophysiology.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Physics, University of Münster (2013)
• Master of Science in Physics, University of Münster (2016)
• Master Universitario en Fisica Avanzada, University of Seville (2016)

Research Interests: Medical imaging, optics & photonics, respiratory diseases, and biomedical engineering. His work emphasizes translating advanced imaging techniques into clinical settings to address unmet diagnostic and therapeutic needs, especially in asthma and breast density analysis.

Key Projects:

• Developing PS-OCT for airway smooth muscle quantification in asthma
• Assessing breast density distribution and early life growth impacts using imaging

Awards:

• Dean’s List Honourable Mention (2025)
• TSANZ Janet Elder International Travel Award (2025)
• Thoracic Society Travel Award (2025)
• PSA Research Week Best Talk (2022)

Grants & Collaborations:

• Projects funded by Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (e.g., airway adipose tissue assessment, smooth muscle thickness quantification)
• Interdisciplinary collaborations with engineers and clinicians

Media & Engagement: Featured in Charlie's Foundation for innovative asthma imaging techniques.