Narasimhan Rajaram

Narasimhan Rajaram is an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering in the College of Engineering at the University of Arkansas. His research focuses on developing optical imaging techniques to investigate tumor microenvironment dynamics, particularly examining hypoxia, metabolism, and their role in cancer treatment resistance and metastasis.

Education:

• Postdoctoral Associate, Duke University, Durham, NC
• Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, TX
• B.E., Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering, Anna University, Chennai, India

Rajaram's research program centers on using optical imaging to investigate changes in the tumor microenvironment in response to treatment, with particular interest in the relationship between tumor oxygenation and metabolism. His work aims to develop biomarkers that can identify patients who will benefit most from specific treatments. His teaching includes Biomedical Signals and Systems (BMEG 3124) and Biomedical Optics and Imaging (BMEG 4513/5513), where he covers fundamental signal processing tools and various biomedical imaging modalities including X-ray, MRI, PET, CT, Ultrasound, and Photoacoustic imaging.

Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on developing optical imaging techniques for cancer diagnostics and treatment monitoring. His work spans multiple cancer types including head and neck cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer, with particular emphasis on radiation therapy response. The research combines multiple optical techniques including Raman spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and fluorescence lifetime imaging to investigate tumor metabolism, hypoxia, and treatment resistance mechanisms. Recent work has expanded into health disparities research, particularly examining racial and skin color mediated differences in pulse oximetry readings.

Rajaram leads the Laboratory for Functional Optical Imaging and Spectroscopy, which has received funding from various institutions to support research that makes a positive impact in the biomedical engineering field. The lab is actively recruiting undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows to continue advancing optical imaging technologies for cancer research and clinical applications.