Tomer

The Tomer Lab at Columbia University is led by Professor Tomer, a pioneer in developing advanced molecular and optical methods for multi-scale biological research. The lab focuses on Neuroscience, Neuroengineering, and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, with innovations such as the Modular Neuronal Network (MoNNet) platform for non-invasive brain modeling and Light Sheet Microscopy variants (COLM, LSTM, pLSM, SPED) for high-resolution neuroimaging.

Research Highlights:

• MoNNet for in vitro modeling of adult brain networks
• COLM and SPED for rapid whole-brain mapping
• LSTM and pLSM for light sheet imaging advancements
• PrImR software for cellular gene expression analysis

Key Publications span 3D brain culture techniques, high-speed microscopy, and ketamine's neurobiological effects, with recent articles in Nature Biomedical Engineering, Nature Communications, and Cell Reports. The lab collaborates with MBF Bioscience for commercializing technologies like ClearScope.

Grants & Collaborations:

• SBIR Grant (2020, 2024) for ClearScope development
• UG3/UH3 NCATS Grant for cerebral organoid-blood vessel systems
• Irving Institute Collaborative Award for light sheet microscopy

Training & Innovation: The lab mentors graduate researchers like Bianca, Malika, and Iden (NSF Fellow), and has produced multiple preprints, patents (e.g., Light Sheet Theta Microscopy), and open-source tools. Their work bridges Neurotechnology with Translational Neuroscience for drug discovery and disease modeling.