Jin U. Kang

Jin U. Kang is the Jacob Suter Jammer Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, with a joint appointment in the Department of Dermatology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He is affiliated with the Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute and the Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics (LCSR). His research focuses on optical imaging, sensing, and robotic systems for biomedical applications, including OCT-based surgical tools and image-guided interventions. Kang has pioneered real-time 4D OCT systems and autonomous robotic devices for microsurgeries, such as retinal and vascular procedures. His work also involves developing smart surgical tools through startups like LIV Med Tech Inc.

Education: B.S. in Physics (Western Washington University, 1992); M.S. and Ph.D. in Optical Science and Electrical Engineering (University of Central Florida, 1993–1996). Prior to JHU, he worked at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory.

Research interests include fiber optic sensors, medical imaging systems, and surgical robotics. His recent work emphasizes real-time OCT-guided procedures, autonomous robotic surgery, and innovations in corneal and retinal surgeries. Over 20 patents and key awards such as the ONR Young Investigator Award reflect his contributions.

Scientific Awards: Recipient of the ONR Young Investigator Award, Australian Institute of Advanced Studies Fellowship, NASA Faculty Fellowship, and Brain Korea Distinguished Faculty Fellowship. He is a Fellow of the Optical Society of America, SPIE, and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering.

Advising & Grants: Kang’s research is supported by grants and collaborations with industry (e.g., LIV Med Tech). He has advised numerous projects on surgical robotics and imaging systems, though specific student names are not listed here. His work spans academic and translational efforts, including ventures to commercialize medical technologies.

Labs & Teams: Active in the Kavli Neuroscience Institute and LCSR. His lab develops cutting-edge imaging and robotic tools, with recent focus on autonomous systems for microsurgery and intraoperative guidance.