Samuel Achilefu

Dr. Samuel Achilefu is a Professor and inaugural Chair of the Biomedical Engineering Department at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW), holding the Lyda Hill Distinguished University Chair. He also serves as a Professor in Radiology and the Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center. Previously, he spent two decades at Washington University in St. Louis as the Michel M. Ter-Pogossian Professor of Radiology and Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Medicine, and Biochemistry & Biophysics.

• Primary Affiliation: UTSW Biomedical Engineering Department
• Secondary Affiliations: Radiology, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Leadership Roles: Chair of Biomedical Engineering, SPIE Board Member

His research focuses on optical and multimodal imaging, cancer treatment, nanotechnology, and contrast agents. Key innovations include image-guided surgery tools, portable imaging devices, and radionuclide-stimulated therapies. He has spun off startups to commercialize his technologies.

Research Interests include:

• Optical imaging and theranostics
• Nanoparticle-based therapies
• Cancer biomarker development
• Immunotherapy platforms
• Fluorescence-guided surgery systems

Notable achievements include over 300 publications, 70 patents, and recognition in all three National Academies (Medicine, Engineering, Inventors). He holds prestigious fellowships in societies like AAAS and Optica.

His lab (Achilefu Lab) develops complete solutions from concept to clinical care, emphasizing translational research in molecular imaging and cancer treatment.