Brian Bacskai is a Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School and a Principal Investigator in the Department of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital. His research focuses on developing advanced optical imaging techniques to study Alzheimer's disease in living transgenic mouse models. Specializes in multiphoton microscopy for in vivo imaging of senile plaques Develops novel optical methods like FLIM and NIR fluorescence tomography Investigates cellular responses to amyloid pathology and neurovascular unit dynamics Current work emphasizes optimizing immunotherapies, characterizing amyloid-targeting ligands, and studying neurovascular interactions in Alzheimer's disease. The lab employs chronic imaging approaches to track disease progression and therapeutic outcomes. Key technical developments include: Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) for protein-protein interactions Non-invasive near-infrared (NIR) imaging for amyloid detection
Prof. Thomas Hellerer is a faculty member specializing in applied photonics and advanced microscopy techniques. His laboratory develops cutting-edge optical systems for biomedical research, including fluorescence lifetime imaging and intracellular nanoparticle tracking. Key research projects: SEMPA track (2022-2024): Time-resolved microscopy for tracking nucleic acid delivery via lipid nanoparticles LiteScope (2019-2022): Compact multimodal system combining fluorescence lifetime, elastography, and multiphoton imaging KISS STED (2017-2019): Super-resolution microscopy with intrinsic beam overlay technology Applied Photonics (2021-2024): Broad photonics applications research He leads the Multiphoton Imaging Laboratory at Physics Lab II, developing novel imaging methodologies for life sciences.
Peter Bayguinov, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Neuroscience and Cell Biology & Physiology at Washington University School of Medicine, where he serves as Assistant Director of the Washington University Center for Cellular Imaging (WUCCI). He plays a key role in the development and management of the WUCCI-Neuroscience Facility in the Neuroscience Research Building (NRB), focusing on applying cutting-edge optical modalities to neural systems and disease models. Dr. Bayguinov earned his PhD in Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology from the University of Nevada in 2010 and his BS in Biology from the University of Washington in 2003. His research expertise centers on dynamic imaging, multiphoton microscopy, lightsheet fluorescence imaging, and tissue processing techniques including optical clearing and expansion microscopy. His research program focuses on developing and applying advanced imaging technologies to address complex biological questions across multiple disciplines. His recent work demonstrates significant contributions to neuroimaging, cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, neural circuit analysis, cardiac immunology, and tumor microenvironment studies. He has pioneered approaches that bridge optical microscopy with electron microscopy and cryogenic techniques to create comprehensive imaging workflows. His publications reveal a strong trend toward interdisciplinary collaboration, with work spanning neuroscience, immunology, cardiology, oncology, and developmental biology. Many of his recent papers focus on developing novel imaging methodologies that enable visualization across varying spatial and temporal scales, particularly for neural systems. 2009 Young Investigator Award, American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society As Assistant Director of WUCCI, Dr. Bayguinov oversees a major imaging technology hub that serves as a resource for the entire WashU medical campus. The center provides access to cutting-edge optical, electron, data analysis, and cryogenic electron microscopy tools, along with comprehensive training and educational opportunities. His leadership has been instrumental in expanding WUCCI's scope to include specialized neuroscience applications following the construction of the Neuroscience Research Building.
Eduardo Rosa-Molinar is a Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Neuroscience at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He serves as the Director of the Microscopy and Analytical Imaging Research Resource Core Laboratory and is an Academic Affiliate of the Bioimaging Science Track in the Bioengineering Graduate Program at the University of Kansas School of Engineering. Previously, he was the Director of the Microscopy and Analytical Imaging (MAI) Research Laboratory at the University of Kansas. His expertise spans over 40 years in optical and electron microscopy methodologies. BA, University of Alabama PhD, Anatomy, Cell Biology and Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center Rosa-Molinar's research focuses on neurotechnology and the development of reagents, tools, and workflows for multi-scale multi-modal correlated volume resin microscopies. His work aims to determine the three-dimensional nano-scale geometry and chemical composition of synapses. He studies the proteins in cell membranes that act as channels through which signals pass into synapses, investigating how brain cells communicate across electrical and chemical synapses. His laboratory specializes in techniques that allow for the visualization of neuronal connections at unprecedented resolution. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on microscopy innovation, particularly in 3D imaging techniques, neural circuit mapping, and the application of advanced microscopy to cancer research and stem cell biology. His work bridges fundamental neuroscience with practical applications in disease modeling and therapeutic development, with particular emphasis on rigor and reproducibility in imaging sciences. Rosa-Molinar has developed and refined numerous imaging techniques including correlative microscopy methods, novel staining protocols, and multi-functional neural tract tracers. His work on the western mosquitofish as a model organism has provided insights into sexual dimorphism in neural circuits and body plans. Director of the Microscopy and Analytical Imaging Research Resource Core Laboratory Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Neuroscience Graduate Program Academic Affiliate of the Bioimaging Science Track in the Bioengineering Graduate Program Professor of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of Kansas Medical Center His laboratory trains numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in advanced imaging techniques. Rosa-Molinar has contributed significantly to establishing standards for rigor and reproducibility in imaging sciences, developing training modules that have been widely adopted. His collaborative work spans departments and institutions, focusing on applying advanced microscopy to diverse biological questions from cancer biology to neural development.
Dr. Victor Da Costa serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, with active research contributions spanning laryngeal disorders, voice pathology, and advanced tissue imaging techniques. His work bridges clinical practice with innovative biomedical engineering approaches to address complex head and neck conditions. Dr. Da Costa's primary research focuses on laryngeal disorders , particularly inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors and voice pathologies in occupational settings, alongside advanced investigations into laser-tissue interactions with cartilage and non-destructive imaging of keloid scarring. His work demonstrates strong clinical relevance with significant translational potential in airway management, scar treatment, and voice rehabilitation. Analysis of his publication portfolio (2008-2014) reveals consistent expertise in otolaryngology with specialization in laryngology and facial plastic surgery . His research demonstrates methodological diversity spanning case reports , clinical studies , and basic science investigations , with particular strength in laser applications and advanced imaging modalities for tissue analysis. Dr. Da Costa has established collaborative research networks across multiple institutions, as evidenced by his co-authorship patterns across diverse clinical specialties including pediatrics, audiology, and facial plastic surgery. His work has generated substantial scholarly impact with 174 total citations and an h-index of 5.
Prof. Dr. Janina Kneipp is a Professor (W3) of Physical Chemistry at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, where she has led an active research group since 2012. She previously held positions as Assistant Professor at HU Berlin/BAM (2008-2012), Junior Researcher at BAM (2005-2008), and research appointments at Harvard Medical School, Princeton University, and Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam. Education: Dr. rer. nat. (summa cum laude), Freie Universität Berlin (2002) Undergraduate/Graduate Studies in Biology & Physics, Freie Universität Berlin (1992-1998) Research Focus: Her interdisciplinary work bridges physical chemistry and biospectroscopy, with particular emphasis on: Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for complex sample analysis Plasmonic catalysis and hot electron chemistry Multiphoton-excited vibrational spectroscopy Nanoscale biochemical mapping in plant and animal systems Development of advanced plasmonic substrates Publication Trends: Recent work demonstrates strong focus on multimodal spectroscopy applications, with studies combining SERS, hyper-Raman, IR, and synchrotron techniques to address questions in catalysis, nanoparticle-cell interactions, plant biochemistry, and biosensing. Publications frequently incorporate advanced nanomaterials, electrochemical methods, and machine learning-assisted spectral analysis. Scientific Awards: Fellow, European Academy of Sciences (2020) Caroline von Humboldt Professorship (2019) Wilhelm Ostwald Fellow, BAM (2012) Bunsen-Kirchhoff Award, GDCh (2010) ERC Starting Grant (2010) Academic Leadership: Currently advises 5 PhD students and leads multiple collaborative initiatives. Serves as Board Member of Einstein Center Catalysis (since 2019), Head of Chemistry Department (2014-2016), and Speaker of Graduate School SALSA (since 2012). Secured funding through DFG, EU networks, and ERC grants supporting spectroscopy infrastructure development. Lab & Team: Leads the KneippLab research group with 2 postdoctoral researchers, 5 graduate students, and technical staff. Research focuses on developing spectroscopic methods for interrogating biological and chemical processes at nanoscale resolution using plasmonic enhancement strategies.
Professor Maximilian Waldner leads the Mucosal Immunology research group at the Max Planck Center for Physics and Medicine (MPZPM), a joint institution of Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen (UKER), and Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL). His work bridges physics and medicine to investigate gastrointestinal immune mechanisms. His research focuses on how cell mechanics and aging regulate mucosal immune responses in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC). Key projects include: Studying immune cell migration dynamics in IBD using real-time deformation cytometry (RT-DC) with Jochen Guck's department (Cell Physics) Investigating age-related T-cell dysfunction signatures in mucosal immunity Developing label-free multiphoton endomicroscopy for in vivo immune monitoring with Oliver Friedrich/Sebastian Schürmann (FAU Medical Biotechnology) Engineering ex-vivo epithelial monolayers to analyze barrier integrity during bacterial infections The laboratory employs advanced optical methods and systems biology to identify therapeutic targets for chronic inflammation and cancer progression, operating within MPZPM's Core Facilities for Microscopy and Lab-on-a-Chip systems.
Christoph Krafft serves as Group Leader ( Arbeitsgruppenleiter ) at the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz-IPHT) in Jena, Germany, where he leads the Raman and IR Spectroscopic Analytics research group within the Spectroscopy/Imaging Research Department. His research program bridges physics, chemistry, and biomedical applications through advanced optical technologies. Dr. Krafft's expertise centers on vibrational spectroscopy techniques, particularly Raman and infrared methods. His research spans biomedical diagnostics (cancer detection, cellular analysis, infection mechanisms) and environmental applications (microplastic detection). He has developed innovative instrumentation including specialized Raman imaging systems, 1064 nm fiber probe spectrometers, and high-throughput screening platforms that address fluorescence interference challenges in biological samples. Analysis of his publication record reveals a strategic focus on clinical translation of spectroscopic technologies. His recent work demonstrates progression from fundamental methodology development toward practical diagnostic applications, particularly in intraoperative settings. The consistent collaboration with Jürgen Popp and international research teams across multiple disciplines highlights his position within a robust scientific network focused on advancing optical technologies for real-world challenges. Dr. Krafft actively participates in large-scale collaborative efforts, including international interlaboratory comparisons for microplastic detection standardization. His laboratory at Leibniz-IPHT maintains a dual focus on pushing technical boundaries in spectroscopic instrumentation while ensuring practical applicability in medical and environmental contexts.
