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Hao ZhangView profile

Professor

• Optical Coherence Tomography
• Single-Molecule Imaging
• Ophthalmology
• +3 more

Hao Zhang is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University’s McCormick School of Engineering. His research focuses on advanced optical imaging technologies with applications in ophthalmology, genomics, and medical diagnostics. He leads the Functional Optical Imaging Lab, developing novel techniques such as visible-light optical coherence tomography (OCT) and spectroscopic single-molecule localization microscopy. Dr. Zhang holds a PhD from Texas A&M University and M.S./B.S. degrees from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. His work bridges engineering and medicine, with contributions to retinal imaging, single-molecule tracking, and glaucoma diagnostics. Recent studies include hyperreflective dot visualization in retinas and aqueous humor outflow pathway analysis in glaucoma. His research interests span optical coherence tomography innovations, retinal ganglion cell axon mapping, and super-resolution microscopy for biomedical applications. Over 100 peer-reviewed publications reflect his expertise in imaging technologies for clinical and basic science advancements. Labs/Teams: Functional Optical Imaging Lab

Yang LiuView profile

Professor

• Bioimaging at Multi-Scale
• Biophotonics
• Cancer Detection
• +6 more

Yang Liu is a Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), affiliated with the Grainger College of Engineering. She holds additional roles as an Affiliate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cancer Center at Illinois, and a member of the Beckman Institute. Liu earned her Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University (2006) and an M.S. in Chemistry from the University of Chicago (2001). Her research focuses on bioimaging at multi-scale , including biophotonics, cancer detection, and chromatin structure analysis. She leads the Biomedical Optical Imaging Laboratory , pioneering super-resolution microscopy and quantitative phase imaging for precision medicine applications. Her work integrates cutting-edge optical techniques with AI and robotics to study cellular and molecular mechanisms of disease. Notable contributions include developing drift-free super-resolution imaging methods and nanoscale nuclear architecture mapping for early cancer detection. Liu serves on federal review panels (e.g., NIH ISD Study Section) and editorial boards (e.g., Biomedical Optics Express). Her lab’s innovations aim to bridge microscopy, computational biology, and clinical diagnostics. Research interests span: Multi-scale optical microscopy and imaging platforms Super-resolution and quantitative phase imaging Early cancer detection via chromatin and nuclear structure analysis AI-driven systems biology and image analysis Recent publications emphasize RNA-protein interactions (MYC oncogene studies), nanoscale imaging techniques, and translational applications in oncology. Liu’s lab collaborates across engineering, medicine, and computational science to advance precision diagnostics and therapeutic insights.

• Biomedical imaging
• Biophotonics
• Computational bioengineering
• +3 more

Hongqiang Ma is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), part of the Grainger College of Engineering. He holds a B.S. (2009) and Ph.D. (2014) in Biomedical Engineering from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China. Prior to UIUC, he served as a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh (2017–2023). His research focuses on biomedical imaging , biophotonics , and computational bioengineering , with specialties in super-resolution microscopy, single-molecule imaging, and quantitative phase imaging. He has developed innovative imaging platforms for high-throughput analysis of cellular dynamics, chromatin structure, and tissue microenvironments. His work emphasizes drift-free imaging methods, artifact minimization, and multimodal integration of optical systems. Notable contributions include the Omni-Mesoscope for multiscale imaging and WindSTORM for real-time nanoscopy processing. His research has applications in cancer pathogenesis, immunology, and spatial biology. Ma’s lab is based in the Everitt Lab at UIUC, where he collaborates on advancing biomedical imaging technologies for clinical and research applications. Ma has published extensively in top journals such as Nature Biomedical Engineering and Light: Science & Applications , focusing on imaging systems, algorithm development, and biomedical applications. Though no formal awards are listed, his work reflects impactful contributions to microscopy innovation. He currently advises no recorded students but collaborates on grant-funded projects related to imaging technology development.

Pengfei SongView profile

Associate Professor

• Medical Imaging
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Ultrasound
• +5 more

Pengfei Song is an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Duke University, with affiliations across multiple institutes including the Beckman Institute and Carle Illinois College of Medicine. He holds the Y. T. Lo Faculty Fellowship and has indefinite tenure. Previously, he was an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) from 2019. His research focuses on advancing ultrasound imaging technologies, particularly super-resolution ultrasound localization microscopy (ULM), functional neuroimaging, and 3D ultrafast imaging. These innovations aim to address clinical challenges in cancer, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and cardiovascular disorders. Education: PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Mayo Clinic College of Medicine (2014), followed by postdoctoral training at Mayo Clinic under Professors James Greenleaf and Shigao Chen. His work has led to over 95 peer-reviewed publications, 5500+ citations (h-index 39), and commercialized patents used in clinical ultrasound systems. Research interests include ultrafast ultrasound, deep learning integration, and translational medical imaging. He has received prestigious awards such as the NSF CAREER Award and Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Early Career Acceleration Award. Teaching includes courses on biomedical ultrasound imaging and signal processing at both Duke and UIUC. Laboratory activities involve interdisciplinary teams developing novel imaging tools, with ongoing grants from NIH, DOD, and NSF. His lab's move to Duke emphasizes cutting-edge research in ultrasound technologies, fostering collaborations across engineering and medicine.

• Single-Molecule Biophysics
• Super-Resolution Microscopy
• Mitochondrial Metabolism
• +4 more

Dr. Peter Su is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering and IT. He holds an NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellowship and serves as Theme Lead in the School. His research focuses on quantitative imaging at nanoscale, integrating super-resolution microscopy and biophysical tools to study molecular mechanisms in mitochondrial dynamics, thrombosis, and cardiovascular disease. He is also a Visiting Scientist at the Heart Research Institute (HRI) and the University of Sydney. Education: PhD in Single-Molecule Biophysics (Peking University, 2017), postdoctoral training at Harvard (2012), and leadership roles in NHMRC-funded projects. Research spans three pillars: Dynamic Imaging (motor-driven membrane dynamics), Molecular Imaging (chromatin structures), and Functional Imaging (platelet mechanosensors). Publications highlight innovations in super-resolution microscopy, mitochondrial thermal dynamics, and thrombotic disease profiling. His lab collaborates internationally with institutions like Tsinghua University and UC Berkeley, and locally with Sydney's Heart Research Institute and Centenary Institute. Grants include NHMRC Investigator Grants, ARC Discovery Projects, and industry partnerships. Supervision of 15 HDR students and leadership in imaging facilities (Volumetric Imaging, Single-Molecule Manipulation) showcase his translational research impact. Awards include Young Biophysicist of the Year (2019) and multiple early-career recognitions.

• Cellular Metabolism
• GPCR Signaling
• Diabetes
• +4 more

David Hodson is the Robert Turner Professor of Diabetic Medicine at the University of Oxford's Radcliffe Department of Medicine, affiliated with Green Templeton College. He holds a BVSc (Hons), PhD, and FRCVS. His research focuses on cellular metabolism and GPCR signaling, particularly GLP-1 and GIP receptors' roles in diabetes and obesity. The Hodson Group develops novel technologies to study metabolic processes in complex tissues like the brain and pancreatic islets, emphasizing drug targeting and regenerative medicine applications. He serves as Associate Editor of Diabetes and has led grant panels supporting early-career scientists. Education: BVSc (Hons) in Veterinary Medicine, PhD in Endocrinology (University of Bristol), postdoctoral training at the Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (Montpellier). Career highlights include a Diabetes UK Fellowship at Imperial College London and a Professorship at the University of Birmingham before joining Oxford. Research interests include: (1) GLP-1/GIP receptor signaling in brain-pancreas communication, (2) pancreatic islet heterogeneity and β-cell function, (3) translational drug delivery systems. Notable achievements include fluorescent probe development for receptor visualization and nanocapsule-based targeted therapies. Recent work (2023-2025) explores GLP-1R/GIPR dual agonists' cellular targets, hyperglycaemia's vascular effects, and malaria-detection imaging tools. Key awards include the Diabetes UK RD Lawrence Fellowship (2012).

Thorben CordesView profile

Professor

• Biophysics
• Membrane Transport
• Fluorescence Spectroscopy
• +3 more

Prof. Thorben Cordes is a University Professor and Head of the 'Physical and Synthetic Biology' research group at the Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich (LMU). His academic career includes roles as an Associate and Assistant Professor at the University of Groningen (NL), and postdoctoral research at LMU Munich and the University of Oxford (UK). He holds a PhD in Biophysics from LMU Munich (2005-2008) and a Diplom in Chemistry from TU Braunschweig (2000-2005). Research focuses on developing novel optical techniques for studying biomolecular processes. Key areas include membrane transport mechanisms, fluorescent probe development, and advanced microscopy instrumentation. The lab employs single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy and super-resolution imaging to investigate biological systems, with applications in drug resistance and live-cell imaging. Labs/Teams: Leads the 'Physical and Synthetic Biology' group at LMU, collaborating on initiatives like the SFB 1309 (Chemical Biology of Epigenetic Modifications) and SFB 1371 (Microbiome Signatures). Future work emphasizes translating biophysical insights into medical and technological innovations.

Cheng SunView profile

Professor

• Nanotechnology
• Additive Manufacturing
• Optics/Photonics
• +3 more

Professor Cheng Sun is a faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering from Penn State University, an M.S. and B.S. in Physics from Nanjing University. His research focuses on interdisciplinary advancements in nanotechnology, additive manufacturing, optics, and biomedical engineering. Key projects include developing nano-scale fabrication techniques, 3D-printed bioresorbable medical devices, and high-resolution imaging systems like super-resolution microscopes and visible-light OCT. His work addresses clinical challenges such as tissue regeneration and deep-tissue imaging. Dr. Sun leads a team that integrates robotics and nanophotonics to create next-generation medical tools. Research Highlights: 3D-printed bioresorbable vascular scaffolds for coronary applications Highly sensitive ultrasound detectors using polymer micro-ring resonators Miniaturized accommodating optical microscopes for rapid prototyping Visible-light optical coherence tomography (Vis-OCT) for ophthalmic imaging Awards: 2010 NSF CAREER Award Lab & Collaborations: The Sun Research Group collaborates across disciplines to advance personalized medicine through innovations in manufacturing and imaging technologies. Current efforts include robotic surgery systems, nanoscale biomedical devices, and high-efficiency energy conversion systems.

Daniel KopinkeView profile

Assistant Professor

• Muscle Stem Cell Biology
• Ciliary Signaling
• Tissue Regeneration
• +3 more

Dr. Daniel Kopinke is an Assistant Professor at the University of Florida. His research focuses on understanding how primary cilia regulate cellular communication during tissue repair and regeneration, particularly in skeletal muscle. He investigates the role of cilia in stem cell interactions and how their dysfunction contributes to chronic diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy and sarcopenia. Research Interests: Role of primary cilia in tissue regeneration Muscle stem cell biology and adipogenesis Cellular communication in chronic muscle diseases Development of therapeutic strategies targeting cilia signaling Recent trends in his work emphasize the interplay between ciliary signaling pathways (e.g., Hedgehog and FFAR4) and adipogenesis in muscle fibrosis. His studies highlight omega-3 fatty acids as potential modulators of cilia-mediated responses. Articles explore mechanisms linking intramuscular fat deposition to impaired muscle recovery in injury models. Scientific Awards: No awards explicitly listed in provided texts. Advising & Grants: No advisees listed. No grant information provided. Labs/Teams: Kopinke Lab focuses on cilia signaling and muscle regeneration, emphasizing translational approaches to combat fatty fibrosis and musculoskeletal diseases.

Anna-Karin GustavssonView profile

Assistant Professor

• Single-Molecule Imaging
• Super-Resolution Microscopy
• Cellular Dynamics
• +4 more

Anna-Karin Gustavsson is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Rice University, holding the Norman Hackerman-Welch Young Investigator Chair. Her research focuses on developing 3D single-molecule tracking and super-resolution imaging techniques to study cellular nanoscale structures and dynamics, with applications to aging and cancer. She leads the Gustavsson Lab, which integrates innovative microscopy tools and analysis algorithms to advance biomedical and biophysical understanding. Dr. Gustavsson earned her PhD in Physics from the University of Gothenburg (2015), followed by postdoctoral work in Nobel Laureate W.E. Moerner’s lab at Stanford University, where she pioneered light-sheet-based super-resolution imaging. Her honors include the FEBS Richard Perham Prize (2012), NIH K99/R00 Award (2019), and CPRIT Recruitment Award (2020). Research Interests: 3D Single-Molecule Super-Resolution Microscopy Cellular Nanoscale Architecture Primary Cilia Biogenesis FLASH Radiation Therapy Mechanisms Genomic Stability and Epigenetic Regulation Grants & Awards: CPRIT Recruitment of First-Time Tenure-Track Faculty (2020) NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence (2019) PicoQuant Young Investigator Award (2018) Lab Focus: The Gustavsson Lab develops microscopy platforms to investigate molecular mechanisms in health and disease, emphasizing translational applications in cancer and laminopathies. Their work bridges physics, chemistry, and biology through cutting-edge imaging innovations.

Liisa HirvonenView profile

Researcher

• Physics
• Microscopy
• Fluorescence
• +3 more

Liisa Hirvonen is a researcher affiliated with King's College London, specializing in advanced microscopy techniques. Her work bridges physics and cell biology, focusing on super-resolution imaging, fluorescence lifetime microscopy (FLIM), and integrative biophysical analysis of cellular structures like podosomes. Key research interests include: Structured illumination and super-resolution microscopy Fluorescence lifetime and anisotropy imaging Biomechanical interactions in myeloid cells Development of correlative imaging methodologies She has contributed to studies involving PAK4 kinase signaling, facilitated diffusion in cellular environments, and quantitative analysis of mitochondrial dynamics. Her collaborations span interdisciplinary teams in biomedical optics and cellular imaging.

• Bioimaging
• Cell Biology
• Cytoskeleton
• +3 more

Dr. Tim Hawkins serves as Head of Bioimaging in the Department of Biosciences at Durham University and Deputy Director of the Durham Centre for Bioimaging Technology. His role combines facility leadership, industrial collaboration, and active research in cell biology with a focus on advanced imaging techniques. He also coordinates outreach for the Biosciences department and maintains an active presence on Twitter (@BioimagingDurh1). His research centers on cytoskeleton dynamics in plant and animal cells, with particular emphasis on: Mechanisms of actin-membrane interactions and cytoskeletal organization Plant cell responses to mechanical stress and division processes Development of novel bioimaging methodologies for plant tissues Collagen dynamics and skin biology applications Industrial partnerships for imaging technology development Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2017-2025) reveals a strong interdisciplinary trajectory bridging plant cell biology and dermatological research. His work consistently advances imaging techniques while exploring fundamental cytoskeletal mechanisms, with increasing focus on mechanical manipulation platforms and translational skin applications since 2020. Key collaborations with industry partners and cross-departmental teams at Durham are evident throughout his output. Dr. Hawkins actively supervises eight postgraduate students across PhD and MSc programs and leads a research team including Joanne Robson, Dr. Liv Kent, and Lydia Kitchen. His laboratory focuses on integrating high-resolution imaging with mechanical testing systems, notably developing microscope-mountable platforms for controlled tissue stretching/compression using Zaber linear platforms and Flintec force transducers.

Feng LuoView profile

Professor

• Deep Learning
• Bioinformatics
• Computational Biology
• +3 more

Feng Luo is a Professor at the School of Computing , Clemson University, and founding director of the Clemson AI Research Institute for Science and Engineering (AIRISE). He earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2004 and held a postdoctoral position at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center before joining Clemson in 2006. Research Focus: Deep Learning, High-Throughput Biological Data Analysis, Computational Genomics Laboratory: BigData Analytics Research Group ( BigData@Clemson ) His research spans Deep Learning applications in bioinformatics, with emphasis on genomic data analysis and network biology . Recent work includes genome assembly algorithms, methylation detection, and AI-driven cybersecurity for IoT devices. His 15 most recent publications (2024-2025) focus on advanced AI/ML methods for 3D genome reconstruction , molecular structure generation , video denoising , and diffusion model security , reflecting interdisciplinary work bridging Computer Science with Genomics and Materials Science . Dr. Luo has advised numerous graduate students and postdocs, several of whom now hold positions at companies like Amazon , Meta , and LinkedIn . He actively serves on university and professional committees as a Senior IEEE Member and ACM Member . His funded projects include NSF , DOE , and NIFA grants addressing citrus disease resistance , off-road autonomy , and AI-enabled healthcare .

Weidong YangView profile

Professor

• Single-molecule biophysics
• Super-resolution microscopy
• Molecular transport mechanisms
• +3 more

Weidong Yang is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Temple University's College of Science and Technology. He leads the Yang Laboratory, which focuses on developing advanced imaging techniques to address complex biological problems. His research emphasizes single-molecule biophysics, super-resolution microscopy, and molecular transport mechanisms. Developed techniques: SPEED microscopy, virtual 3D super-resolution imaging, sp-FRAP Current projects: Nuclear transport mechanisms and cytoplasm-to-primary-cilium trafficking His lab maintains an interdisciplinary approach, balancing technical innovation with biological applications to train future scientists. The lab's website can be found at www.yanglab.com .

Tong YeView profile

Associate Professor

• Optical Nanoscopy
• Microscopy
• Mesoscopy
• +3 more

Tong Ye, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at Clemson University's College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences. He directs the Nano and Functional Imaging Lab located in the Bioengineering Building, where his research focuses on advanced optical imaging techniques for biomedical applications. Dr. Ye received his doctorate from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 1995. Research Focus Dr. Ye's research spans three interconnected domains: Optical Imaging Development : Creating novel microscopy platforms including superresolution fluorescence, nonlinear optical, and light sheet microscopy systems for deep tissue visualization. Structural-Functional Assessment : Developing label-free methods for analyzing cell metabolism, tissue viability, and microstructural properties using intrinsic optical signatures. Medical Device Innovation : Engineering clinical imaging tools such as compact nonlinear arthroscopes and laser speckle contrast devices for dermatological and orthopedic applications. Publication Trends Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate Dr. Ye's focus on integrating deep learning with advanced microscopy for quantitative tissue analysis. Key trends include: (1) Development of AI-enhanced imaging pipelines for automated assessment of cartilage viability and cardiac capillarization; (2) Innovation in super-resolution techniques (e.g., Phasor-FSTM) for live-cell imaging; and (3) Application of multimodal approaches in orthopedics, cardiology, and oncology. His work consistently addresses clinical challenges through label-free, noninvasive methodologies. Laboratory The Nano and Functional Imaging Lab specializes in pushing resolution boundaries across spatial scales – from nanoscopic cellular structures to whole-organ imaging. Current projects include developing deep learning-enabled diagnostic platforms for articular cartilage assessment, creating compact imaging devices for clinical use, and investigating microvascular changes in disease models using advanced optical techniques.