Samuel Achilefu

Samuel Achilefu is a Professor and the inaugural Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW), where he holds the Lyda Hill Distinguished University Chair. He also holds appointments in the Department of Radiology and the Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center. Prior to joining UTSW in February 2022, he was the Michel M. Ter-Pogossian Professor of Radiology at Washington University in St. Louis, with professorial roles in Biomedical Engineering, Medicine, and Biochemistry & Biophysics.

Dr. Achilefu's research focuses on optical and multimodal imaging, image-guided cancer surgery, nanotechnology, and novel contrast agent development. His work emphasizes translational innovation, moving discoveries from concept to clinical application. He has pioneered portable imaging devices, fluorescence-guided surgical systems, and theranostic nanoparticles, with multiple technologies commercialized through start-up ventures.

His recent publications reflect a strong trend in molecular imaging, cancer diagnostics, and targeted therapy, with applications in breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, multiple myeloma, and liver disease. His work integrates nanotechnology, radionuclide imaging, and augmented reality to improve surgical precision and therapeutic outcomes.

Dr. Achilefu has received numerous honors, including:

• Distinguished Investigator Award from the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program
• Britton Chance Biomedical Optics Award
• St. Louis Award
• Election to the National Academies of Medicine, Engineering, and Inventors
• Fellowships in SPIE, Optica, AAAS, Royal Society of Chemistry, and Royal Society of Medicine

As a highly productive researcher, he has over 300 scientific articles and 70+ U.S. patents. He leads the Achilefu Lab at UTSW, which fosters a multidisciplinary team focused on developing complete solutions—from conception to clinical care—aiming to transform medical practice. His lab has secured significant grant funding to support innovation in molecular imaging and cancer therapeutics, and he continues to mentor the next generation of scientists and engineers.

The Achilefu Lab is dedicated to harnessing light-based technologies for disease diagnosis and treatment, with ongoing projects in fluorescence imaging, wearable surgical systems, and nanoparticle-based theranostics.