Paras N. Prasad

Paras N. Prasad is a SUNY Distinguished Professor with joint appointments in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, and Electrical Engineering at the University at Buffalo. He serves as Executive Director of the Institute for Lasers, Photonics and Biophotonics (ILPB), which he founded in 1999. Dr. Prasad holds the Samuel P. Capen Chair of Chemistry and has pioneered interdisciplinary research at the interface of photonics, nanotechnology, and biomedicine.

Education:

• BSc, Bihar University, India (1964)
• MSc, Bihar University, India (1966)
• PhD, University of Pennsylvania (1971)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Michigan (1971-74)

Research Focus: Dr. Prasad's multidisciplinary research spans photonics, nanophotonics, and biophotonics, with emphasis on nonlinear optical processes in nanostructured materials. His work develops photonic technologies for information processing, medical imaging, and cancer therapy through nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems and diagnostic platforms. The ILPB laboratory features state-of-the-art instrumentation for advanced optical research.

Publication Trends: Recent articles demonstrate strong focus on nanomedicine applications, particularly cancer theranostics using functional nanoparticles. Key themes include drug delivery systems, chiral photonic materials, bioimaging technologies, and nanoparticle synthesis techniques. The research consistently bridges fundamental materials science with translational medical applications.

Honors and Awards:

• SPIE Gold Medal (2016)
• IEEE Photonics Society William Streifer Award (2021)
• American Chemical Society Peter Debye Award (2018)
• OSA Michael Feld Biophotonics Award (2017)
• IEEE Pioneer Award in Nanotechnology (2017)
• Fellow of National Academy of Inventors (2016)
• Guggenheim Fellowship (1997)

Leadership: As ILPB Executive Director, Dr. Prasad leads multidisciplinary teams developing photonic technologies with applications in healthcare, energy, and communications. His research has generated nine spin-off companies, including Nanobiotix currently in advanced cancer therapy trials.