Richard C. Prince

Dr. Richard C. Prince serves as Assistant Professor and Biomedical Engineering Technology (BMET) Coordinator at East Tennessee State University's College of Engineering, Engineering Technology, Interior Architecture, and Surveying, advancing biophotonics research and rural biomanufacturing education in Appalachia.

Education:

• PhD in Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine (2021)
• MS in Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine (2018)
• BA in College Scholars, University of Tennessee (2015)

His pioneering work in biophotonics focuses on Raman microspectroscopy and nonlinear optical imaging for lipid metabolism analysis, contrast-free tissue visualization, and single-cell metabolomics. He integrates synthetic biology to address regional biotechnology challenges through open-hardware innovation and project-based curriculum development.

Publications reveal a trajectory from fundamental optical techniques (2017 Chemical Reviews review) to translational applications in cartilage biomechanics (2025 Science) and Appalachian workforce development (2024 ASEE), demonstrating interdisciplinary impact across biomedical engineering, ophthalmology, and rural STEM education.

Scientific recognition:

• NSF IGERT fellowship

Secured $1.3M in grants for Appalachian biomanufacturing workforce initiatives. Actively mentors students in laboratory research, emphasizing hands-on experience in bioengineering innovation and tissue imaging projects.

Current lab initiatives include Raman spectroscopy analysis of oleaginous yeasts, myocardial infarction tissue recovery imaging, and scalable bioengineering curriculum for rural settings through the Biomedical Engineering Technology program.