Tomasz Tkaczyk

Professor Tomasz Tkaczyk is a faculty member in the Department of Bioengineering at Rice University, with a joint appointment in Electrical and Computer Engineering. He specializes in developing high-performance optical systems for biomedical and environmental applications, including hyperspectral imaging, micro-optics, and snapshot spectrometers. His work focuses on translating advanced optical technologies into practical tools for disease detection, global health, and environmental monitoring.

Education:

• Ph.D., Optical Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology (2000)
• MS.Eng., Optical Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology (1994)
• Postdoctoral Fellowships in Applied Optics and Biomedical Imaging, University of Arizona (2001–2003)

Research Interests: Tkaczyk’s lab engineers compact, cost-effective imaging systems using additive manufacturing and advanced optics. Key areas include:

• Hyperspectral imaging for cancer detection and retinal diagnostics
• Miniaturized endoscopes and micro-optics for point-of-care diagnostics
• Snapshot spectrometers for environmental sensing funded by NASA
• Ultrafast laser microsurgery tools for biomedical applications

Awards & Grants: Tkaczyk is an OSA and SPIE Fellow. He has received over 70 peer-reviewed publications, two book chapters, and multiple awards including the NASA $2M grant for Earth observation spectrometers. His honors include the Paul F. Forman Engineering Excellence Award (2011) and Norman Edmund Awards (2012).

Lab & Collaborations: The Biophotonics Instrumentation Lab collaborates with industry and academic partners to develop optical technologies. Current projects include NASA-funded Earth observation systems and clinical tools for early cancer detection. Former students hold roles at institutions like UCLA, ASML, and Apple.