Silas J. Leavesley, Ph.D. is a Professor in both Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering at the University of South Alabama's College of Engineering, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering. He leads research in advanced imaging technologies with a focus on translating laboratory innovations into clinical applications. Education: Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Purdue University B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Florida University Dr. Leavesley's research focuses on developing optical imaging and illumination technologies for biomedical and clinical applications. His work spans hyperspectral imaging techniques applied to microscopy, endoscopy, and small-animal fluorescence imaging. He has designed spectral small animal fluorescence imaging systems, optical tissue phantoms for imager calibration, spectral image analysis techniques, and novel endoscopic approaches. His current research emphasizes translating hyperspectral imaging technologies into real-time clinical diagnostic devices with improved detection sensitivity and specificity at low cost. His work on 4D and 5D imaging (x, y, z, λ, t dimensions) has enabled groundbreaking visualization of cAMP signaling gradients in living cells. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward clinical translation of imaging technologies, particularly in cancer detection (colon cancer), pulmonary biology, and cardiovascular applications. His work consistently combines engineering principles with biological discovery, creating novel imaging platforms that reveal previously hidden cellular processes. The recurring themes across his publications include spectral imaging, FRET technology, cAMP signaling dynamics, and the development of innovative optical instrumentation. Dr. Leavesley teaches multiple courses including EG 101 Introduction to Engineering and Design, CHE 311 Equilibrium Stage Operations, CHE 342 Engineering Communications, CHE 352 Process Measurement Lab II, CHE 372 Chemical Reactor Design, and EG 620 Biomedical Instrumentation, Imaging, and Modeling. As a key member of the BioImaging and BioSystems center at the University of South Alabama, Dr. Leavesley collaborates with researchers from Chemical and Mechanical Engineering, Pharmacology, Physiology, the Center for Lung Biology, and the Mitchell Cancer Institute. The BioImaging center's mission is to develop new approaches for understanding complex biological systems through cutting-edge imaging technologies and multi-scale systems modeling, with a particular emphasis on 5D imaging (x, y, z, λ, t) that captures spatial, spectral, and temporal dimensions of biological processes.
