Selim Ünlü

Selim Ünlü is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Boston University's College of Engineering. His research focuses on advanced optical microscopy, nanoscale imaging, and biosensor development. He holds a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Middle East Technical University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His work spans semiconductor optoelectronics, biophotonics, and high-speed photodetectors, with applications in virus detection and biomedical diagnostics.

Education:

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Middle East Technical University (Turkey)
• M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Research Interests:

• Near-Field Optical Microscopy and Spectroscopy
• Biosensor Technology for Virus and Biomolecule Detection
• Nano-optics and Biophotonics
• Resonant Cavity Enhanced Photodetectors
• Exosome and Extracellular Vesicle Analysis

Awards:

• IEEE LEOS Distinguished Lecturer (2005)
• NSF CAREER Award (1996)
• ONR Young Investigator Award (1996)
• Boston University ECE Excellence in Teaching Award (2001–02)

Grants and Collaborations:

• Developed technology for Ebola detection with BU colleagues
• Contributed to the South Pole Telescope's mirror design
• Recipient of grants from NSF, ONR, and other agencies

His lab focuses on innovative optical tools for biomedical applications, including interferometric imaging sensors and mid-infrared photothermal microscopy. Recent work includes point-of-care diagnostics for Monkeypox and high-sensitivity viral detection systems.