Valencia Joyner Koomson

Valencia Joyner Koomson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Tufts University’s School of Engineering. She also holds concurrent appointments in the Tisch College and the Department of Computer Science. Her primary affiliation is with the Advanced Integrated Circuits and Systems Lab, where her research focuses on silicon-based VLSI systems, optoelectronic integration, and biomedical imaging applications. Dr. Koomson received her Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge and previously worked at the University of Southern California’s Information Sciences Institute (USC/ISI), specializing in radiation-hardened VLSI systems for military and aerospace applications.

Her academic journey includes a B.S. and M.Eng. from MIT, followed by a Marshall Scholarship and Intel Foundation support. She has held visiting professorships at MIT, Boston University, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Notable awards include the NSF CAREER Award and recognition as a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow.

Research interests span mixed-mode VLSI systems (analog/digital/optical), optoelectronic system-on-chip integration, and applications in medical imaging and optical wireless communication. Her lab develops wearable health monitoring devices, including the AHOMKA hypertension management platform for Ghana. Recent work includes miniaturized NIRS instruments, microfluidic devices for cell analysis, and millimeter-wave circulators in CMOS.

Dr. Koomson has authored over 85 publications and secured grants from NIH, NSF, and industry partners. Current projects include mHealth platforms, noninvasive brain stimulation systems, and culturally adapted healthcare solutions. She actively mentors graduate students in interdisciplinary research combining electrical engineering with biology and public health.

• Grants: Over 39 funded projects, including NIH’s AHOMKA initiative and NSF’s HDR Tripods Center.
• Labs: Advanced Integrated Circuits and Systems Lab (AICS Lab) with collaborators in biomedical and materials sciences.
• Teaching: Courses on VLSI design, digital electronics, and wearable systems.