Rebekah Drezek

Rebekah Drezek is a Professor of Bioengineering and Electrical & Computer Engineering at Rice University, and serves as Associate Chair of the Department of Bioengineering. She leads the Optical Molecular Imaging and Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, focusing on developing optical tools and nanomaterials for cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Her research emphasizes translational applications, including nanoparticle-based delivery systems and photothermal therapy.

• Education:
  • Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, University of Texas, Austin (2001)
  • M.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Texas, Austin (1998)
  • B.S., Electrical Engineering, Duke University (1996)
  • Postdoctoral Fellow, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center (2001-2002)

Her research interests span biomedical imaging technologies, nanoparticle design, and clinical translation of diagnostic tools. Notable projects include gold nanoparticle-based vaccines and collaborations with Bellicum Pharmaceuticals and the Texas Medical Center.

Dr. Drezek has published 118 papers and holds four patents. Awards include the MIT TR100 Innovators Award (2004), Adolph Lomb Medal (2009), and Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE).

Her lab actively collaborates with clinicians and researchers to advance minimally invasive diagnostic techniques and nanotherapeutics.