BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Beckman Laser Institute - ECPv6.16.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://leadersinlight.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Beckman Laser Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Los_Angeles BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20210314T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20211107T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20220313T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20221106T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20230312T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20231105T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20240310T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20241103T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20250309T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20251102T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20260308T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20261101T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:UTC BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:UTC DTSTART:20200101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250327T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250327T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20250325T192519Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T192519Z UID:32892-1743076800-1743080400@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Xingde Li\, Ph.D. DESCRIPTION:Low-coherence Biophotonics Imaging for the Brain\nAbstract \nThis talk will highlight our recent efforts in exploring the brain using low-coherence light. We will discuss two scenarios: intraoperative assessment of brain cancer infiltration in patients and real-time imaging of dynamic neural activities in freely behaving rodents. In the first scenario (clinical translation)\, we developed a color-coded quantitative optical coherence tomography (qOCT) technology\, providing neurosurgeons with direct visual cues for maximizing cancer resection while minimizing damage to healthy brain tissue. Our results from over 50 patients demonstrate excellent specificity and sensitivity (>95%). For the second scenario (basic research)\, we created the first all-fiber-optic\, head-mounted\, ultracompact (~2 mm diameter)\, and ultralight ( URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/xindeli/ LOCATION:BLI Library CATEGORIES:2024 Hybrid Seminar Series,LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Xingde-li-pic.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250226T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250226T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20250325T194942Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T212420Z UID:32911-1740571200-1740574800@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:James Rosenzweig\, PhD DESCRIPTION:Relativistic Compton Scattering Experiments: Applications to Science and Medicine\nBiography \nJames Rosenzweig is a Distinguished Professor of Physics in the UCLA Department of Physics and Astronomy specializing in research into advances accelerator\, beam and radiation techniques\, and their frontier applications across science. In pursuit of these goals\, he directs a large research group at UCLA\, the Particle Beam Physics Laboratory (PBPL.) The PBPL concentrates on fundamental aspects of high brightness\, ultra-fast relativistic electron beams\, with application to very high field accelerators based on lasers\, wakefields\, plasmas\, dielectrics and to radiation production\, such as free-electron lasers and Compton scattering sources. \nThis research enables new scientific methods using electron\, terahertz optical and X-ray beams\, which have to applications ranging from high field pumps to study nonequilibrium high field phenomena\, and atomic-molecular level ultra-fast imaging techniques. This research program is based on-campus at the MITHRA advanced accelerator lad and the MOTHRA high field microwave research lab. These state-of-the-art facilities are complemented by a large external program emphasizing wakefield acceleration and at user facilities. Professor Rosenzweig is the author of more than 600 scientific articles and has written a textbook\, Fundamentals of Beam Physics\, emphasizing unity of concepts between charged particle and laser beams. \nDr. Rosenzweig is a lifetime member and Fellow of the American Physical Society. He has been the recipient of Sloan\, SCC and Wilson Fellowships. In recognition of his contributions to his research fields\, he has received the 2007 International Free-electron Laser Prize\, 2022 Advanced Accelerator Prize and the 2023 Alfven Prize in Plasma Physics. Professor Rosenzweig has trained over 35 graduate students\, and these scientists have gone on to key positions in the national labs\, universities\, and industry. He has served five years as the Chair of the UCLA Department of Physics and Astronomy\, and has also co-founded several industrial accelerator companies. \n  \nREGISTER HERE FOR ZOOM \n  \nClick here to register for in-person attendance (lunch will be served) \n  URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/james-rosenzweig/ LOCATION:BLI Library CATEGORIES:2025 Hybrid Seminar Series,LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-25-124910-e1742932263664.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250121T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250121T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20250325T200206Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T212454Z UID:32916-1737460800-1737464400@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Vasilis Ntziachristos\, M.Sc.\, Ph.D. DESCRIPTION:From Optical to Optoacoustic Imaging: Technology Advances and Clinical Translation\nAbstract \nBiological discovery is a driving force of biomedical progress. With rapidly advancing technology to collect and analyze information from cells and tissues\, we generate biomedical knowledge at rates never before attainable to science. Nevertheless\, conversion of this knowledge to patient benefits remains a slow process. To accelerate the process of\nreaching solutions for healthcare\, it would be important to strongly complement this culture of discovery with a culture of problem-solving in healthcare. \nThe talk focuses on recent progress with optical and optoacoustic technologies\, including Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography (MSOT) and Raster-scan Optoacoustic Mesoscopy (RSOM)\, as well as computational methods\, as the means to opening new paths for solutions in biology and medicine. Particular attention is given on the use of these\ntechnologies for early detection and monitoring of disease evolution. The talk further shows new classes of imaging systems and sensors for assessing biochemical and pathophysiological parameters of systemic diseases\, complement knowledge from –omic analytics and drive integrated solutions for improving healthcare. \nBiography \nProfessor Vasilis Ntziachristos studied electrical engineering at Aristotle University in Thessaloniki. Following his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania\, he was then appointed Assistant Professor and Director of the Laboratory for Bio-Optics and Molecular Imaging at Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital. \nSince 2007\, he has served as Professor of Medicine and Electrical Engineering and the Chair of Biological Imaging at the Technical University of Munich and Director of the Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging at Helmholtz Munich. Prof. Ntziachristos is also currently Director of Bioengineering at the Helmholtz Pioneer Campus\, the Head of the Bioengineering Department at Helmholtz Munich\, and Director of the IESL at FORTH. Prof. Ntziachristos is the founder of the journal Photoacoustics\, regularly Chairs in international meetings and councils and has received numerous awards and distinctions\, including the Karl Heinz Beckurts prize (2021)\, the Chaire Blaise Pascal (2019) from the Region Ile-de-France\, the Gold Medal from the Society for Molecular Imaging (2015)\, the Gottfried Leibnitz prize from the German Research Foundation (2013)\, the Erwin Schrödinger Award (2012) and was named one of the world’s top innovators by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Technology Review in 2004. In 2024\, he has been elected as a new member of the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. \n  \nREGISTER HERE FOR ZOOM \n  \nClick here to register for in-person attendance (lunch will be served) \n  URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/vasilis-ntziachristos/ LOCATION:BLI Library CATEGORIES:2025 Hybrid Seminar Series,LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Professor-Vasilis-Ntziachristos2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241202T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241202T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20241114T223343Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241114T223343Z UID:32569-1733140800-1733144400@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Lingyan Shi DESCRIPTION:Multimodal Metabolic Nanoscopy for Studying Aging and Related Diseases\nAbstract \nUnderstanding how metabolism functions in multicellular organisms is essential for revealing the fundamental mechanisms of numerous biological processes. Metabolism involves the creation\, transformation\, and breakdown of biomolecules\, acting according to genetic instructions. Traditional imaging techniques like MRI\, PET\, fluorescence\, and mass spectrometry come with limitations. In contrast\, stimulated Raman scattering (SRS)\, a non-linear vibrational imaging microscopy technique\, offers chemically specific images with high resolution\, deep penetration\, and the ability to quantify. Our research has developed and combined deuterium-probed picosecond stimulated Raman scattering (DO SRS)\, multiphoton fluorescence (MPF)\, and second harmonic generation (SHG) into a unified nanoscopy. This tool is designed for studying metabolic changes in aging and diseases. The process of enzymatic incorporation of deuterium generates carbon-deuterium (C-D) bonds in newly formed molecules\, detectable by DO-SRS within the spectral cell silence region of the Raman spectrum\, which identifies them apart from older molecules.  \nOne significant finding is that lipid turnover decreases faster in aged female Drosophila compared to males. Additionally\, dietary restrictions\, downregulation of the insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway\, and AMPK activation significantly alter lipid metabolism in aged or Alzheimer’s-affected brains. The introduction of APoD and PRM algorithms has enhanced our current multimodal metabolic nanoscopy to deliver superresolution with hyperspectral volumetric imaging capabilities. By using deuterated molecules—including glucose\, amino acids\, fatty acids\, and water molecules—as bioorthogonal probes\, this technology provides insights into the metabolic heterogeneity of organs such as the brain\, adipose tissue\, liver\, muscle\, retina\, and kidneys.  \nBiography \nLingyan Shi is currently an Associate Professor in the Shu Chien Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering at UCSD. She joined UCSD in 2019\, following her postdoctoral training in the Department of Chemistry at Columbia University. Her lab at UCSD focuses on developing high-resolution metabolic nanoscopy to study aging processes and related diseases. Notably\, she discovered the “Golden Window” for deep tissue imaging and pioneered the “DO-SRS” metabolic imaging platform\, which visualizes metabolic dynamics in cells and tissues. At UC San Diego\, her group further advanced stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy into super-resolution multiplex nanoscopy by developing A-PoD and PRM algorithms\, revealing various lipid metabolic changes in organ tissues during aging and disease.  \nDr. Shi holds 10 awarded patents and 8 pending. She won Blavatnik Regional Award for Young Scientists (2018)\, Nature Light Science & Applications’ Rising Star Award (2021)\, the Advancing Bioimaging Scialog Fellow Award 2023\, the David L. Williams Lecture Scholarship Award (2023)\, the Sloan Research Fellowship in Chemistry (2023)\, the BMES Cellular Molecular Bioengineering Rising Star Faculty Award (2024)\, the Davos Summit iCANx Young Scientist Award (2024)\, and Featured in the 2025 Global Woman in Optics notebook.  \n  \nREGISTER HERE FOR ZOOM \n  \nClick here to register for in-person attendance (lunch will be served) \n  URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/lingyan-shi/ LOCATION:BLI Library CATEGORIES:2024 Hybrid Seminar Series,LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Screenshot-2024-11-14-143054.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241114T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241114T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20241023T194620Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241023T194642Z UID:32465-1731585600-1731589200@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Shu Jia DESCRIPTION:Toward High-Speed Light-Field Biophotonics\nAbstract \nVisualizing the diverse anatomical and functional traits within the densely packed cellular space and over large heterogeneous populations unfolds critical details of the fundamentals of living organisms. In this talk\, I will present my laboratory’s recently developed advanced microscopy techniques for high-throughput extraction of molecular information in cells and tissues with ultrahigh-spatiotemporal resolution and accessibility. \nBiography \nDr. Shu Jia is an Associate Professor in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University. He received his BS at Tsinghua University\, Ph.D. with Professor Jason Fleischer at Princeton University\, and postdoctoral training with Professor Xiaowei Zhuang at Harvard University. Dr. Jia is a recipient of the NSF CAREER Award\, DARPA Young Faculty Award and NIH MIRA Award among others. \n  \nREGISTER HERE FOR ZOOM \n  \nClick here to register for in-person attendance (lunch will be served) \n  URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/shu-jia/ LOCATION:BLI Library CATEGORIES:2024 Hybrid Seminar Series,LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/shu-jia.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241010T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241010T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20241023T185821Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241023T185821Z UID:32461-1728561600-1728565200@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Christine O'Brien DESCRIPTION:Development of wearable laser speckle imaging devices for use at the point-of-care\nAbstract \nWhile laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) was historically confined to bulky benchtop systems\, research teams have recently developed hand-held and wearable laser speckle systems. For these systems to be useful in a clinical setting\, hand-held devices must be lightweight and compact enough to easily lift and move around while wearable users must be able to function normally. This requires careful selection and characterization of camera and laser components; for untethered systems\, this requires small and inexpensive computation and battery modules\, and intentional hardware design. A wearable and wireless LSCI device that uses a two-lens design will be presented and point-of-care design considerations and tradeoffs will be discussed. \n  \nIn vitro and in vivo validation studies in phantoms\, swine\, and human subjects will demonstrate the sensitivity of the device to small blood flow changes and numerous physiologic applications for the technology will be discussed. Additionally\, a patient-specific normalization strategy that provides insights on severity of peripheral vasoconstriction and skin pigmentation correction will be presented. \nBiography \nChristine O’Brien is an Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis with a secondary appointment in the department of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Her research is focused on developing and translating non-invasive optical spectroscopy and imaging tools to solve global problems in maternal-fetal health. Dr. O’Brien obtained her PhD in Biomedical Engineering at Vanderbilt University and completed postdoctoral training at Washington University School of Medicine in the Department of Radiology. She launched her independent research program with projects focused on the development of novel wearable sensors for the early detection of postpartum hemorrhage and novel strategies for preterm birth detection and investigation. \n  \nREGISTER HERE FOR ZOOM \n  \nClick here to register for in-person attendance (lunch will be served) \n  URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/christine-obrien/ LOCATION:BLI Library CATEGORIES:2024 Hybrid Seminar Series,LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/christine-o-brien-headshot.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240906T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240906T120000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20240829T180705Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240829T181435Z UID:32202-1725620400-1725624000@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Eduardo Juárez\, Ph.D. DESCRIPTION:Hyperspectral Image and Video Processing in Neurosurgery: the HELICoiD\, NEMESIS-3D-CM\, and STRATUM Research Projects \nAbstract \nBrain tumor surgery is one of the most complex procedures that benefits from integrated digital diagnostics. Differentiating pathological tissue margins and interpreting multimodal data from a variety of independent devices are among the main challenges neurosurgeons face during brain tumor resections. In this seminar\, the main results of several European and Spanish research projects\, such as HELICoiD\, NEMESIS-3D-CM\, and STRATUM\, in which the Research Center on Software Technologies and Multimedia Systems (CITSEM) at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) has been involved\, will be reviewed. Over the past few years\, these projects have contributed to partially overcoming these challenges by developing solutions for brain surgery guidance and diagnostics based on multimodal data processing. Our long-term research goal is to increase the intraoperative diagnostic accuracy of brain tumor operations\, with the hope of eventually extending these results to support surgeries in other anatomical areas. \nBiography \nEduardo Juárez is currently an Associate Professor in the Telematics and Electronics Engineering Department at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)\, Spain\, and Vice-Director of the UPM Research Center on Software Technologies and Multimedia Systems (CITSEM)\, where he conducts his research. He holds a PhD from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL\, 2003)\, Switzerland. \n  \nREGISTER HERE FOR ZOOM \n  \nClick here to register for in-person attendance (lunch will be served) \n  URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/eduardo-juarez-ph-d/ LOCATION:BLI Library CATEGORIES:2024 Hybrid Seminar Series,LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Eduardo-Juarez-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240627T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240627T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20250325T213637Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T213637Z UID:32979-1719489600-1719493200@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Alberto Martín-Pérez DESCRIPTION:Advancing In-Vivo Human Brain Tissue Classification: A Multimodal Approach Integrating Machine Learning\, Hyperspectral Imaging and Depth Information\nAbstract \nThis talk will present a novel approach to classify in vivo human brain tissue in real time using a multimodal imaging technique that integrates hyperspectral imaging and depth information in a recently developed system called Slim Brain. This system has been used during surgical procedures to collect a database of over 193 patients that is growing weekly. By applying sophisticated machine learning algorithms to the acquired information\, Slim Brain demonstrates the potential of combining advanced imaging modalities with computational techniques for precise and non-invasive assessment of brain tissue\, with implications for neurology and medical imaging. In addition\, a new acquisition system under development that combines hyperspectral imaging with spatial frequency domain imaging modulation will be presented as a new tool to improve brain tissue classification. \nBiography \nAlberto Martín-Pérez is a Teaching Assistant at the Department of Audivisual Engineering and Communication in the School of Telecommunications Systems and Engineering of the Technical University of Madrid (UPM). Presently\, he is pursuing a PhD at UPM with the Electronic and Microelectronic Design Group (GDEM) in the Research Center on Software Technologies and Multimedia Systems for Sustainability (CITSEM). His research pursuits center around the utilization of Machine Learning algorithms for the classification of in-vivo human brain tumors through hyperspectral imaging. Furthermore\, he aims to enhance classification methodologies through the application of spatial frequency domain imaging for his doctoral studies. \n  \nREGISTER HERE FOR ZOOM \n  \nClick here to register for in-person attendance (lunch will be served) \n  URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/alberto-martin-perez/ LOCATION:BLI Library CATEGORIES:2024 Hybrid Seminar Series,LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-25-143611.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240614T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240614T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20250325T213245Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T213245Z UID:32971-1718366400-1718370000@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Kamran Avanaki\, Ph.D. DESCRIPTION:Biomedical hyperspectral imaging of murine tumors in the preclinical environment\nAbstract \nIn this talk\, we explore the application of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in skin imaging and various applications of photoacoustic imaging in brain imaging. For skin imaging\, we introduce a novel image analysis method to assess tissue health. This algorithm extracts optical radiomic signatures from OCT images\, providing detailed insights into tissue characteristics. In the realm of brain imaging\, we discuss the use of photoacoustic microscopy for vascular and functional imaging in small animals\, addressing significant neuroscientific questions. Additionally\, we highlight the application of photoacoustic tomography in large animal brain imaging\, emphasizing its potential translation to clinical settings. \nOne significant finding is that lipid turnover decreases faster in aged female Drosophila compared to males. Additionally\, dietary restrictions\, downregulation of the insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway\, and AMPK activation significantly alter lipid metabolism in aged or Alzheimer’s-affected brains. The introduction of APoD and PRM algorithms has enhanced our current multimodal metabolic nanoscopy to deliver superresolution with hyperspectral volumetric imaging capabilities. By using deuterated molecules—including glucose\, amino acids\, fatty acids\, and water molecules—as bioorthogonal probes\, this technology provides insights into the metabolic heterogeneity of organs such as the brain\, adipose tissue\, liver\, muscle\, retina\, and kidneys.  \nBiography \nTadej Dr. Kamran Avanaki is an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering Department at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Prior to this position he was an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering Department at Wayne State University. His areas of expertise include\, design and development of photoacoustic imaging technology and optical coherence tomography for biomedical applications to solve critical problems in brain and skin imaging. He completed his postdoctoral-fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis in 2012 under Professor Lihong Wang\, a pioneer in photoacoustic technology. He has a Ph.D. from the University of Kent with outstanding postgraduate student honors where he was mentored by Professor Adrian Podoleanu\, the world’s leader in OCT instrumentation. As principal investigator\, he has received multiple research grants/ fellowships. He is credited with more than 120 published first-authored/senior-authored peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals such as\, PNAS\, Cancer Research\, IEEE Transaction of Medical Imaging\, Photoacoustics\, and Theragnostic. He currently serves as an associate editor of Biomedical Optics Express and Scientific Report. He has received the Outstanding Faculty Award from the College of Engineering at Wayne State University\, in 2016\, 2017\, and 2019\, also the Research Excellence Award in 2019 as well as the Excellence in Teaching Award in 2019. He has also received the prestigious 2020 Wayne State University Academy of Scholar Award\, and most recently 2023 Rising Star Award and Excellence in Teaching Award from the University of Illinois at Chicago. \n  \nREGISTER HERE FOR ZOOM \n  \nClick here to register for in-person attendance (lunch will be served) \n  URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/kamran_avanaki_phd/ LOCATION:BLI Library CATEGORIES:2024 Hybrid Seminar Series,LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/kamran-Avanaki.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240606T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240606T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20250325T212515Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T212515Z UID:32963-1717675200-1717678800@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Tadej Tomanic\, MSc DESCRIPTION:Biomedical hyperspectral imaging of murine tumors in the preclinical environment\nAbstract \nBiomedical hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is an emerging non-invasive optical imaging technique that captures spatial and spectral information of the imaged biological tissue. In recent years\, HSI has been widely used to image human and animal tumors in the brain\, breast\, colon\, prostate\, and skin. This talk will cover the recent advancements in hyperspectral imaging for biomedical applications\, mainly skin\, in our lab at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics\, University of Ljubljana\, Ljubljana\, Slovenia. The talk will introduce the basics of HSI and various implementations\, followed by presenting tissue models and algorithms needed to extract tissue properties from hyperspectral images\, focusing on the inverse adding-doubling (IAD) algorithm and advanced machine learning (ML) techniques. Moreover\, the application of HSI to monitor the growth of different murine tumor models in the preclinical setting will be presented\, and the possibility of combining HSI with other optical techniques\, such as laser speckle contrast imaging\, will be demonstrated. Ultimately\, the capabilities of HSI for early detection of murine tumors will be exhibited. \n. \nOne significant finding is that lipid turnover decreases faster in aged female Drosophila compared to males. Additionally\, dietary restrictions\, downregulation of the insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway\, and AMPK activation significantly alter lipid metabolism in aged or Alzheimer’s-affected brains. The introduction of APoD and PRM algorithms has enhanced our current multimodal metabolic nanoscopy to deliver superresolution with hyperspectral volumetric imaging capabilities. By using deuterated molecules—including glucose\, amino acids\, fatty acids\, and water molecules—as bioorthogonal probes\, this technology provides insights into the metabolic heterogeneity of organs such as the brain\, adipose tissue\, liver\, muscle\, retina\, and kidneys.  \nBiography \nTadej Tomanic\, MSc\, is a young researcher and teaching assistant at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics\, University of Ljubljana\, Ljubljana\, Slovenia. He received his BSc and MSc degrees in Physics and Medical Physics from the University of Ljubljana in 2017 and 2020\, respectively. As part of his Master’s research\, he collaborated with the Department of Neurology\, University Medical Centre Ljubljana\, to analyze brain FDG PET images of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. He also interned at Cosylab as a software engineer to work on developing a treatment planning system for patients with cancer treated with radiotherapy. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Physics at the University of Ljubljana under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Matija Milanic\, PhD. His research interests include early tumor detection\, monitoring\, treatment\, and tumor vasculature development in vivo. He develops and applies various optical imaging methods in preclinical and clinical environments\, focusing on hyperspectral imaging\, laser speckle contrast imaging\, optical coherence tomography\, and optical profilometry. He is expected to graduate by January 2025. \n \n  \nREGISTER HERE FOR ZOOM \n  \nClick here to register for in-person attendance (lunch will be served) \n  URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/tadej_tomanic_msc/ LOCATION:BLI Library CATEGORIES:2024 Hybrid Seminar Series,LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Tadej.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240208T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240208T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20250325T213048Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T213048Z UID:32970-1707393600-1707397200@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Inga Saknite\, Ph.D. DESCRIPTION:Smartphone-based total body photography of patients with mpox in remote areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo\nAbstract \nMpox (associated with clade I monkeypox virus infection) is endemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and manifests with hundreds to thousands of total body lesions and an estimated case fatality ratio of 11% (17% in children). In October 2022\, the PALM007 randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial of the safety and efficacy of tecovirimat for mpox was launched at remote sites in the DRC. Time to lesion resolution is the primary study endpoint\, making frequent lesion count assessments a critical study measure. Given the typically very high burden of skin lesions\, daily counting poses considerable human resource challenges to clinicians and clinical research staff. \nWe have established smartphone-based protocols for standardized total body photography to document mpox lesion appearance\, evolution\, and resolution. We will share our experience setting up\, standardizing\, and overseeing photodocumentation of mpox in remote trial sites\, discussing technical\, educational\, and cultural considerations. This rich standardized dataset of clade I mpox images will enable the development of artificial intelligence (AI) tools aimed to automate mpox lesion counting in future studies. Further\, new optical technologies may be advanced in response to this clinical need. Smartphone-based photodocumentation coupled with AI image analysis has become a benchmark for evaluating the performance of novel optical technologies. The PALM007 trial is supported by the Institut National de la Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) of the DRC and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the US\, and funded by NCI Contract No.75N910D00024\, Task Order No.75N91020F00025. \nBiography \nDr. Inga Saknite is a Leading Researcher at the Biophotonics Laboratory\, the University of Latvia\, and an Adjoint Assistant Professor in Dermatology at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville\, Tennessee\, the United States. Her main research interest is advancing noninvasive imaging technologies to quantitatively assess skin for clinical impact. Among other projects\, Dr. Saknite is currently leading photodocumentation of patients with mpox as part of a randomized controlled trial in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She has multiple years of research experience in photographic\, hyperspectral\, and microscopic imaging of human skin\, standardized protocol and guideline development\, image processing and analysis\, and device and algorithm development. \nDr. Saknite received her PhD in physics from the University of Latvia in 2016. She was then awarded the Fulbright Scholarship to advance her translational research career at the Beckman Laser Institute of the University of California\, Irvine. From 2017 until 2021\, Dr. Saknite was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Vanderbilt Dermatology Translational Research Clinic (VDTRC.org)\, and was named the inaugural Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Mentor of the Year in 2021. She has received several additional awards\, including the Abstract Achievement Award at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology and the best talk award at the Annual Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Association Symposium. \n  \nREGISTER HERE FOR ZOOM \n  \nClick here to register for in-person attendance (lunch will be served) \n  URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/inga-saknite-2/ LOCATION:BLI Library CATEGORIES:2024 Hybrid Seminar Series,LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-25-143017.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240201T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240201T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20250325T210232Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T214945Z UID:32945-1706788800-1706792400@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Keiichiro Kagawa\, Ph.D. Eng. DESCRIPTION:Enhancing SFDI’s functionality and performance with state-of-the-art CMOS image sensors\nAbstract \nRecently\, new CMOS image sensors with high performance and functionalities such as near-infrared-enhanced global shutter\, multi-tap pixels for time-division-multiplexing (TDM) or time-resolved (TR) imaging\, and multi-aperture (MA) are emerging. At Shizuoka University\, TDM\, TR\, and MA CMOS image sensors are being developed for LiDAR and biomedical imaging applications. In my talk\, examples of SFDI systems with enhanced functionality and performance are shown. (1) multi-wavelength SFDI with suppression of ambient light bias and motion artifacts\, (2) fusion of SFDI and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) using scanned multiple lines\, (3) fusion of SFDI and time-resolved imaging. \nBiography \nKeiichiro Kagawa received the Ph.D. degree in engineering from Osaka University\, Osaka\, Japan\, in 2001. In 2001\, he joined Graduate School of Materials Science\, Nara Institute of\nScience and Technology as an Assistant Professor. In 2007\, he joined Graduate School of Information Science\, Osaka University as an Associate Professor. In 2011\, he joined Shizuoka University as an Associate Professor. Since 2020\, he has been a Professor with Shizuoka University\, Hamamatsu\, Japan. His research interests cover high-performance computational CMOS image sensors\, imaging systems\, and biomedical applications. \n  \nREGISTER HERE FOR ZOOM \n  \nClick here to register for in-person attendance (lunch will be served) \n  URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/keiichiro-kagawa/ LOCATION:BLI Library CATEGORIES:2024 Hybrid Seminar Series,LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-25-140153.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231121T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231121T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20250325T212039Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T212039Z UID:32952-1700568000-1700571600@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Xunbin Wei\, Ph.D. DESCRIPTION:Light Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease\nAbstract \nPhotobiomodulation\, by utilizing low-power light in the visible or near-infrared spectrum to trigger biological responses in cells and tissues\, has been considered as a possible therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer’s disease (AD)\, while its specific mechanisms have remained elusive. Here\, we provide evidence that cognitive and memory impairment in an AD mouse model can be ameliorated by 1070-nm light via reducing cerebral β-amyloid (Aβ) burden\, the hallmark of AD. The glial cells\, including microglia and astrocytes\, play important roles in Aβ clearance. Our results show that 1070-nm light pulsed at 10 Hz triggers microglia rather than astrocyte responses in AD mice. The 1070-nm light-induced microglia responses with alteration in morphology and increased colocalization with Aβ are sufficient to reduce Aβ load in AD mice. \nMoreover\, we demonstrate that 1070-nm light pulsed at 10 Hz can reduce perivascular microglia and promote angiogenesis to further improve Aβ clearance. Our study confirms the important roles of microglia and cerebral vessels in the use of 1070-nm light for the treatment of AD mice and provides a framework for developing a novel therapeutic\napproach for AD. \nBiography \nDr. Wei received his bachelor in physics from University of Science and Technology of China\, Hefei. He received his PhD from Department of Physiology and Biophysics\, University of California\, Irvine. Dr. Wei completed his post-doc training at Children’s Hospital\, Harvard Medical School. From 2006-2010\, he was a professor in Fudan University\, China. From 2006-2010\, he was a professor and chair in Department of Biomedical Instrumentation\, School of Biomedical Engineering\, Shanghai Jiao Tong University\, China. \nCurrently\, he is a professor at Department of Biomedical Engineering\, Peking University. Dr. Wei is an SPIE Fellow\, and recipient of Chinese Outstanding Young Scholar Award. He has published more than 120 peer-reviewed papers\, including in Nature and PNAS. His research interests include cancer detection by optical means\, optical manipulation of cells\, and light treatment of Alzheimer disease. \n  \nREGISTER HERE FOR ZOOM \n  \nClick here to register for in-person attendance (lunch will be served) \n  URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/xunbin-wei/ LOCATION:BLI Library CATEGORIES:2023 Virtual Seminar Series,LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-25-141956.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230615T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230615T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20250325T204318Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T204318Z UID:32933-1686830400-1686834000@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Hyunmo Yang\, Ph.D. DESCRIPTION:Deep Learning Applications in Biomedical Imaging\nAbstract \nRecently developed deep learning techniques revolutionized image analysis methods in the last decade. Classification\, segmentation\, quantitative prediction\, and generating new data can be performed by the training of deep learning models. These tasks can directly be applied to biomedical imaging and successful applications will provide strong advantages to researchers and physicians in terms of efficiency for their studies and improvement in diagnosis. \nIn this talk\, I will discuss my recent studies that using deep learning techniques to the following topics: glaucoma screening from fundus photographs based on regional retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness estimation using deep learning\, label-free digital histopathology with QPI imaging based on virtual staining and image classification techniques\, and high-throughput phenotype screening platform using office scanner. For these studies\, we have employed the convolution neural network (CNN) network architectures and trained them to perform image-to-number regression\, image classification\, image segmentation\, and image-to-image generation. The details of each approach will be also discussed. \nBiography \nDr. Hyunmo Yang earned his Ph.D. in physics from Ulsan National Institute of Science of Technology (UNIST) in Korea. After his degree in 2019\, he joined as a postdoc researcher to the translational biophotonics laboratory in department of biomedical engineering at UNIST. He is currently working on developing machine learning and deep learning applications for biomedical imaging. His research interests are digital medicine\, digital screening and digital histopathology using A.I. technology. \n  \nREGISTER HERE FOR ZOOM \n  \nClick here to register for in-person attendance (lunch will be served) \n  URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/hyunmo-yang/ LOCATION:BLI Library CATEGORIES:2023 Virtual Seminar Series,LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-25-134139-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230427T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230427T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20250325T203342Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T204503Z UID:32928-1682596800-1682600400@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Roukuya Mamuti\, Ph.D. DESCRIPTION:Tunable infrared structured laser generation and opto-thermal trapping of micro/nano particles\nAbstract \nThis talk covers the experimental research and theoretical investigation of mid-infrared tunable optical vortex sources with versatile orbital angular momentum (OAM) and opto-thermophoretic trapping of micro and nano particles with mid-infrared fiber lasers. As a typical structured light\, optical vortex with a helical wavefront exhibits interesting physical properties\, including an annular spatial intensity profile and an OAM of owing to an on-axial phase singularity. Such properties of the vortex beam have been widely utilized in diverse applications. In the talk\, Dr. Mamuti presents generation of optical vortices with versatile OAM states from a nanosecond optical parametric oscillator (OPO) by appropriately shortening or extending the cavity. The system with a compact cavity configuration enables the production of a millijoule-level signal (idler) output with l =1~3 (0~-2) simply by tuning the wavelength of signal output. The system was further developed to create coherently coupled OAM states\, i.e.\, flower-shaped signal and wheel-shaped idler outputs\, arising from the coherent superposition of opposite-signed OAM states. \nFurthermore\, Dr. Mamuti proposed a method for opto-thermophoretic trapping with a 2 μm Tm-doped fiber laser. The infrared continuous-wave laser beam is directly and strongly absorbed by water solution\, and some local temperature gradient is generated around the focus. The particles are migrated along the temperature gradient and form a hexagonal close-packed structure at a bottom-glass solution interface. She has investigated the dependence of the phenomenon on the material\, particle size\, and laser power. Since the water molecules have a significant absorption in the 3-μm wavelength band\, a midinfrared Er:ZBLAN tunable fiber laser is applied for opto-thermophoretic trapping of particles diffusing in water. Through the laser wavelength dependence and single particle tracking analysis\, they found that particles are rapidly collected at the laser focus which is much faster than near infrared lasers. The system with 2 μm and 3 μm direct optothermal trapping could be extended in various fields\, such as bio sensing\, detection\, and sorting. \nBiography \nDr. Roukuya Mamuti received her Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Optical Engineering from laser laboratory\, Chiba University\, Japan. Her graduate research mainly focused on the generation of tunable infrared structured lasers. After graduation\, she worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Laser Lab (the same lab where she earned her degree). Dr. Mamuti received 2 million Japanese yen of research grant from Kambayashi foundation (private funding). Later\, she worked in the Laser Science Laboratory at Toyota Technological Institute\, to develop optical trapping of micro/nano particles. Now\, she is seeking a research position to pursue her profession in laser-related research fields. \n  \nREGISTER HERE FOR ZOOM \n  \nClick here to register for in-person attendance (lunch will be served) \n  URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/roukuya-mamuti/ LOCATION:BLI Library CATEGORIES:2023 Virtual Seminar Series,LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-25-133315.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230316T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230316T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20230314T184923Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230314T184923Z UID:31214-1678968000-1678971600@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Mehmet Cilingiroglu\, MD\, FSCAI\, FACC\, FESC DESCRIPTION:Cardio-oncology; Cardiovascular diseases in cancer patients \nAbstract \nWith more advances in cancer therapy\, more patients are alive as cancer survivors than a decade ago.\nHowever\, cardiovascular disease is the number one reason for mortality in these cancer free patients.\nBeside the conventional risk factors for cardiovascular diseases\, radiation and chemotherapy and\ncancer specific immunotherapy contributes to increased risk. We will discuss the details of\ncardiovascular disease etiologies and treatment options in this specific patient population. \nBiography \nDr. Cilingiroglu is a well-established interventional cardiologist and structural heart interventionalist.\nHe has academic affiliations with several different universities in the USA as well as in EU for various\nresearch and educational collaborations. Beside providing excellent clinical cardiovascular care\, over\nthe last two decades he has been involved and lead many different investigator initiated and novel\ndevice development studies. Have been collaborating with Professor Milner and his team for many\nyears. \nREGISTER HERE FOR ZOOM \n  URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/mehmet-cilingiroglu/ LOCATION:Zoom Event\, CA\, United States CATEGORIES:LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Mehmet.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230207T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230207T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20230314T184214Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230314T184214Z UID:31208-1675771200-1675774800@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Jiawen Li\, Ph.D. DESCRIPTION:Ultrathin 3D-printed Imaging Devices \nAbstract \nPreclinical studies and clinical diagnostics increasingly rely on optical techniques to visualize internal\norgans. Miniaturised catheters or endoscopes are necessary for imaging small and/or delicate\narteries. However\, current lens fabrication methods limit the performance of these ultrathin devices\,\nresulting in a poor combination of resolution\, depth of focus and multimodal imaging capability.\nThis talk will introduce her latest research to address these combined challenges. In particular\, she\nhas utilized 3D micro-printing technology to fabricate lenses\, with a diameter of less than 350 μm\,\ndirectly onto an optical fiber to achieve freeform designs for 1) aberration-corrected optical coherence\ntomography (OCT)\, 2) Bessel beam OCT\, and 3) highly-sensitive multimodal fluorescence+OCT\nimaging in vivo. \nBiography \nDr. Jiawen Li is a Fellow of L’Oréal-UNESCO\, National Heart Foundation and NHMRC\, and a Senior\nLecturer at the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering\, the University of Adelaide. She received\nher Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering from Zhejiang University (China) in 2010\, and her PhD\ndegree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of California\, Irvine (USA) in 2015.\nSince finishing her PhD\, Dr. Li has secured >$2 million research funding as the lead chief/principal\ninvestigator and won numerous prestigious awards/honours (including national Superstar of STEM\,\nAustralian and New Zealand Optical Society Geoff Opat Early Career Researcher Prize\, Heart\nFoundation Paul Korner Innovation Award\, Young Tall Poppy Science Award\, etc.). Dr Li’s research\nfocuses on multimodal imaging\, ultrathin endoscopes\, optical sensing\, 3D micro-printing\, and optical\ncoherence tomography. \n\n  URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/jiawen-li-ph-d/ LOCATION:Zoom Event\, CA\, United States CATEGORIES:LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Jiawen2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230126T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230126T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20230314T183414Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230314T183414Z UID:31203-1674734400-1674738000@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Yun Jing\, PhD DESCRIPTION:Numerical Modeling of Medical Ultrasound \nAbstract \nIn the last two decades\, we have witnessed substantial development in high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for treating a\nbroad spectrum of diseases and medical conditions. As a non invasive surgical modality that can reach deep tissue\, HIFU has\nthe potential to revolutionize therapy. Although there are many numerical models available\, none can currently achieve both\nefficient and sufficiently accurate simulations for acoustic wave propagation in large scale\, heterogeneous biological media.\nExisting numerical models face two enduring dilemmas: they are either very efficient but not accurate due to invalid\napproximations\, or they are very accurate but computationally time consuming and therefore impractical in many cases. I will\ndiscuss our effort throughout the past 10 years in developing new numerical models for HIFU\, that aims to establish a\nbalance between accuracy and computational efficiency. I will focus on both the theoretical development and the practical\napplications of the numerical algorithm. I will also introduce our NIH funded project that aims to develop an open source\ntoolbox for modeling medical ultrasound (https://m-sound.github.io/mSOUND/home). \nBiography \nYun Jing\, Ph.D. was a research fellow at Brigham and Women’s Hospital\, and an assistant professor and associate professor\nat North Carolina State University\, prior to joining the Graduate Program in Acoustics at Penn State University in 2020.\nDr. Jing has published over 85 peer reviewed scientific manuscripts. Dr. Jing is fellow of ASA\, a senior member of IEEE\,\nand an associate editor of the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America and Frontiers in Materials. He has received\nnumerous awards such as the 2018 R. Bruce Lindsay Award from the Acoustical Society of America\, the 2018 IEEE\nUltrasonics Early Career Investigator award\, 2018 MIT Technology Review Innovator under 35 China award\, and the\nIEEE UFFC Star Ambassador Lectureship Award. Dr. Jing earned his B.S. in acoustics from Nanjing University\, China\,\nM.S.\, and Ph.D. in architectural acoustics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. \n  URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/yun-jing-phd/ LOCATION:Zoom Event\, CA\, United States CATEGORIES:LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/jing.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230112T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230112T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20230109T213645Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230109T213950Z UID:31131-1673524800-1673528400@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Lilit Garibyan\, MD\, PhD\, FAAD DESCRIPTION:A Leadership Toolbox for Operationalizing Innovation at Your Institution \nAbstract \nIn today’s challenging healthcare environment\, the importance of innovation has never been greater. Every healthcare institution anduniversity strive to be innovative\, but successful innovative cultures and programs are difficult to create and sustain especially in the busy and fast-paced healthcare settings. Creating an innovative culture requires having a structured process and framework that educates\, trains and rewards individuals who engage in innovation. \nThe “Magic Wand Initiative” was created at Massachusetts General Hospital to empowers and engages healthcare professional in problembased innovation. It is designed to bring innovation directly to clinicians\, reduce the barriers to engagement and provide necessary resourcesm for clinicial and research faculty to work collaboratively to solve unmet needs and generate outcomes. Over the last several years I have lectured about this revolutionary and impactful national and international curriculum called the “Magic Wand Initiative and Virtual Magic Wand program” http://www.magicwandinitiative.org/ to teach leaders and clinicians how to leverage innovation for outcomes. In this talk we will aim to:\n• Describe the importance of innovation in healthcare\n• Identify common barriers to innovation\n• Develop strategies that individuals and institutions can use to implement innovation \n  \nBiography \nDr. Lilit Garibyan MD\, PhD is a physician-scientist at Wellman Center for Photomedicine\, board certified dermatologist and faculty member at Harvard Medical School Department of Dermatology. She is listed as an inventor on 15 pending and granted patents in fields of medical devices\, immunology\, dermatology\, cardiology\, and medical innovation. Her research focuses on innovative biomedical translational discoveries aimed at identifying unmet medical needs and working with multidisciplinary teams to develop novel treatments. She used this same approach to pioneer injectable cooling devices for aesthetic and medical application since 2012. Several of her inventions have been licensed and led to venture-backed startup companies. She is the co-founder of two startup biotech companies which have resulted from her research discoveries. She serves on several scientific advisory boards for startup companies. \nDr. Garibyan is the co-founder and the Director of the “Magic Wand Initiative” and the Virtual Magic Wand programs\, which teach the process of innovation. These internationally recognized programs empower\, engage\, and teach professionals on how to identify unmet needs and collaborate to identify and implement solutions to problems. \nAs a humanitarian\, Dr. Garibyan has pioneered and established sustainable\, medical laser clinics in Armenia for effective treatments of scars and vascular anomalies. Her team has taken several lasers to Armenia and has trained Armenian physicians on the use of laser technology to treat life altering skin diseases. Dr. Garibyan recently founded and serves as the President of a nonprofit organization called “Face of Angel” to continue the mission of this humanitarian work. \nDr. Garibyan received her B.S. summa cum laude from University of California Los Angeles\, her M.D. from Harvard Medical School and her\nPh.D. from Harvard University in Experimental Pathology/Immunology. \n  \nREGISTER HERE FOR ZOOM \n  URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/lilit-garibyan-md-phd-faad/ LOCATION:Zoom Event\, CA\, United States CATEGORIES:LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Lilit-Garibyan.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221027T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221027T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20230109T214453Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230109T214453Z UID:31140-1666872000-1666875600@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Gultekin Gulsen\, Ph.D. DESCRIPTION:True multi-modality optical molecular imaging – where both modalities interact and work in harmony. \nAbstract \nThe main goal of the molecular imaging community has been achieving higher resolution and better quantitative accuracy.\nFor nearly two decades\, I have been spending effort for the same purpose\, mainly integrating optical imaging with anatomic\nimaging modalities such as MRI and X-ray CT. For example\, my team has developed a gantry-based combined X-ray CT and\nFluorescence Tomography system for small animal imaging. This system is unique in that both X-ray CT and optical imaging\nsystems are on the same gantry rotating around the animal and capable of revealing cross-sectional background optical\nabsorption map and anatomic images that can be used to obtain quantitatively correct fluorophore concentration maps.\nAnother hybrid system that is being developed in my lab is a combined MRI-Diffuse Optical Tomography scanner for small\nanimal imaging in both absorbance & fluorescence modes. \nIn all of these applications\, optical and anatomic imaging modalities worked in harmony but independent from each other.\nRecently\, we have focused on development of novel multimodality techniques\, in which optical and anatomic imaging\nmodalities work in harmony and interact with each other to provide images that cannot be obtained solely with one or the\nother. This talk will highlight two of these true-multimodality imaging techniques developed in our lab: Photo-magnetic\nImaging (PMI) and Temperature Modulated Fluorescence Tomography (TM-FT)\, where optical tomography is achieved at MRI\nand Focused Ultrasound resolution\, respectively while preserving its superior sensitivity. \n  \nBiography \nDr. Gulsen is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Radiological Sciences\, Biomedical Engineering\, Physics & Astronomy\, and Electrical Engineering & Computer Science at the University of California\, Irvine. He has been serving as the Director of In vivo Functional Onco-Imaging Shared Resource of the UCI Cancer Center for more than15 years. His research involves development of both cutting-edge instrumentation and novel mathematical algorithms for multi-modality imaging techniques. Although most of those techniques have been related to optical molecular tomography\, his team was also involved in development of the the world’s first MR compatible SPECT small animal imaging and Positron Emission\nMammography systems. \n  \n  URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/gultekin-gulsen-phd/ LOCATION:Zoom Event\, CA\, United States CATEGORIES:LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Gultekin-UCI-best-pic.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220929T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220929T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20220624T202639Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220719T172026Z UID:30667-1664452800-1664456400@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Errol Arkilic\, Ph. D. DESCRIPTION:Commercialization and searching for a business model: why is spinning technology out of a lab so challenging? \nAbstract \nIn this talk\, we will explore the four critical challenges of getting technology out of a lab. Dr. Arkilic\, Chief Innovation Officer of UCI has spent his entire career in supporting getting technology out of Academic labs. He has been founder StrataGent Life Sciences\, Inc.\, lead program manager for the NSF SBIR program\, founder of the NSF I-Corps program and founder of M34 Capital\, a venture capital firm in Silicon Valley. \n  \nBiography \nErrol Arkilic is Chief Innovation Officer and Executive Director of University of California\, Irvine Beall Applied Innovation. At UCI\, he leads campus‐wide commercialization activity\, helping researchers turn knowledge into products and services that impact society. Prior to his role at UCI\, he was founder and CEO of M34 Capital. M34 is a private investment company that focuses on seed and early‐stage projects being spun out of academic research labs. He currently sits on three boards: Growcentia\, Inc. NeuroTrainer\, Inc. and Ellis Day Skin Science\, Inc. Previously\, Errol was the founding and lead program director for the National Science Foundation Innovation Corps program (I‐Corps). He led the I‐Corps effort from its inception until July 2013. Prior to this\, he was the lead software and services Program Director for the NSF SBIR program. Before his government service\, Errol was founder and CEO of StrataGent Life Sciences (Acquired by Corium International: CORI) and Manager of Product Engineering at Redwood Microsystems. He has a Ph.D. in Aero/Astro Engineering from MIT. \n  \nREGISTER HERE FOR ZOOM \nREGISTER HERE FOR IN PERSON \n  URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/errol-arkilic-ph-d/ LOCATION:Zoom Event\, CA\, United States CATEGORIES:LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Errol-Arkilic_square.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220818T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220818T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20220811T162605Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220811T163904Z UID:30894-1660824000-1660827600@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Jason B. King\, Ph. D. DESCRIPTION:  \nLaser Beam Shaping for Surgery and Microbiopsy \nAbstract \nLasers are increasingly being used for surgery in a wide range of medical specialties due to their advantages over alternative\nsurgical tools. Advantages include precise material removal\, limited bleeding\, and delivery through optical fibers enabling use\nin body cavities and for minimally invasive surgeries. Advancements in laser technology including new laser wavelengths and\nhigher power continue to improve the performance and implementation of surgical lasers. Temporal beam shaping\, or pulse\nmodulation\, has been implemented into clinical laser systems to increase efficiency of urological surgeries\, leading to faster\,\nsafer procedures. However\, the precise mechanisms of temporally shaped laser ablation are not fully understood. The effects\nof spatial beam shaping on laser tissue ablation have not previously been explored.\nWe aim to understand the impact of temporal and spatial laser beam on laser ablation to improve the performance and\nincrease the applications of laser surgery. Working towards this aim\, a Ho:YAG laser was temporally and spatially altered and\nthe effects on tissue ablation were explored. We explored the mechanisms of pulse modulated ablation through experiments\non phantoms and native kidney stones. We discovered that increased ablation efficiency by pulse modulation is composition\ndependent. Next\, increased ablation efficiency by altering laser spatial shape was explored. We discovered that shaping the\nlaser beam into an annular shape led to an increase in ablation efficiency in both hard and soft tissues. Finally\, we explored\nthe application of spatially shaped laser ablation for laser microbiopsy to harvest sub-microliter (<1 mm3) tissue samples.\nLaser beam shaping\, pulse energy\, and application of cryogen spray cooling were optimized to successfully harvest tissue\nsections with observable histological features. Harvested tissues were imaged with confocal microscopy and “virtual H&E”\nmethods were used to digitally color the images to mimic H&E stained tissue sections. Laser microbiopsy with virtual H&E is\nminimally invasive\, precise\, and provides images in a fraction of the time of the traditional pathology workflow. \n  \nBiography \nDr. Jason King recently graduated with his PhD in biomedical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. His work\nfocuses on optimization of laser ablation for surgery and biopsy through temporal and spatial laser beam shaping. This work\nincludes computational modeling and ablation experiments aimed at understanding light tissue interactions involved in laser\nablation. His other research interests include confocal microscopy and Raman spectroscopy for cancer diagnosis and\nmonitoring. \n  \nREGISTER HERE FOR ZOOM \nREGISTER HERE FOR IN PERSON \n  URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/jason-b-king-ph-d-2/ LOCATION:Zoom Event\, CA\, United States CATEGORIES:LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Jasonbking.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220811T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220811T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20220811T163755Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220811T163919Z UID:30760-1660219200-1660222800@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Olivia L. Lee\, MD DESCRIPTION:  \nConfocal Microscopy for the Evaluation of OcularSurface Disease \nAbstract \nDiagnosis and treatment of ocular surface disease represents a large proportion of the average ophthalmologist’s\npractice. However\, this group of conditions is more heterogeneous and complex than the term “dry eye” conveys.\nFurther investigation of the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying these conditions are underway\, and in vivo\nlaser scanning confocal microscopy (IVCM) has emerged as a suitable\, relatively novel\, minimally invasive tool for\nobtaining high-resolution images of tissues at the cellular level. Using this imaging device\, the in vivo visualization of\nthe human cornea can be employed to study ocular surface disease in a non-invasive manner. The use of IVCM\nprovides a new approach to evaluating the microscopic morphology of the cornea and our group has applied this to\nthe study of a variety of ocular surface diseases including Sjogrens syndrome\, Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid\, drug\ninduced dry eye\, Neurotrophic Keratitis\, Stevens Johnson Syndrome and more. IVCM is a promising technique for\nthe diagnosis\, prognostication\, staging and stratification of ocular surface disease. This talk will highlight the clinical\nand research applicability of this imaging technique as applied to ocular surface diseases. \n  \nBiography \nDr. Olivia L. Lee is a board-certified UCI Health ophthalmologist who specializes in corneal diseases and uveitis. Dr.\nLee received her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston\, Texas\, followed by a residency in\nophthalmology from the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary in New York City\, where she also completed a fellowship in\nuveitis and ocular immunology. She completed a fellowship in cornea\, external disease and refractive surgery at the\nUCLA Stein Eye Institute. Before joining UCI Health\, she served as cornea fellowship director at the Doheny Eye\nCenter UCLA.\nDr. Lee’s research focuses on the use of anterior segment ophthalmic imaging to develop new clinical endpoints to\nobjectively characterize disease severity and guide clinical decision-making. Her clinical interests include\ninflammatory eye disease and complex anterior segment surgery. Dr. Lee has performed all types of corneal and\ncataract surgeries. \n  \nREGISTER HERE FOR ZOOM \nREGISTER HERE FOR IN PERSON \n  URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/olivia-l-lee-md/ LOCATION:Zoom Event\, CA\, United States CATEGORIES:LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Olivia-Lee.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20211216T120000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20211216T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20211208T055702Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211208T055807Z UID:30087-1639656000-1639659600@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Song Hu\, Ph. D. DESCRIPTION:Light + Sound: Peering into Brain Function and Metabolism \nAbstract\nExploiting the optical absorption contrast of blood hemoglobin\, photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) is an emerging technology for label-free imaging of the microvasculature\, which plays an essential role in supplying oxygen to the biological tissue and maintaining the metabolic activity in vivo. The multi-parametric PAM developed in Dr. Hu’s lab enables\, for the first time\, comprehensive and quantitative characterization of the microvascular structure\, function\, and associated tissue oxygen metabolism at the microscopic level. In this seminar\, Dr. Hu will present their latest progress on the development of PAM and the integration of PAM with other intravital light microscopy techniques for studying brain function and energy metabolism. \nBiography\nDr. Hu received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Electronic Engineering from Tsinghua University and Ph.D. degree in Biomedical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis. His research focuses on the development of photoacoustic and optical technologies for high-resolution structural\, functional\, metabolic\, and molecular imaging in vivo. Dr. Hu has published over 70 peer-reviewed articles in journals including Science\, Nature\, Nature Neuroscience\, and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences\, and has delivered over 40 invited talks including a Neurotechnologies plenary talk at Photonics West (2018) and a President’s Symposium keynote talk at Annual Microcirculatory Society Meeting (2018). His publications\, including the 4th and 6th most cited articles in the Journal of Biomedical Optics since 2009 and the 5th most cited article in Optics Letters since 2007\, have accumulated around 9\,000 citations (h-index: 37). Dr. Hu is a recipient of the Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award (2014)\, the National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development (NSF CAREER) Award (2018)\, and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Frontiers of Imaging Award (2020). \nREGISTER HERE \nSponsored by the Michael and Roberta Berns Laser Microbeam Program URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/song-hu-ph-d/ LOCATION:Zoom Event\, CA\, United States CATEGORIES:LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Song-Hu.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20211202T120000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20211202T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20211130T053721Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211130T053721Z UID:30060-1638446400-1638450000@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Wenbin Tan\, Ph. D. DESCRIPTION:Vasculopathy in COVID-19 and Pathogenesis of Cutaneous Vascular Malformations \nAbstract\nSARS-CoV-2-associated vasculopathy under hyperlipidemia and pathological progression of congenital vascular\nabnormalities in Port Wine Stains. In the first part\, we will present our clinical data for the first discovery of dyslipidemia\nin COVID-19 patients which have been substantially recognized. Mechanistically\, we have shown evidence of niche why\nobese subjects are more vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 attack. Using a spike protein–pseudotyped (Spp) lentivirus with the\nproper tropism of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein on the surface\, we have found that Spp lentiviruses preferably attack to\nendothelial cells in heart in obese but not normal weight mice\, leading to exaggerated vasculopathy and cardiomyopathy.\nCells with over-expression of Spike protein have impaired lipid metabolic and autophagy formation pathways\, resulting in\nincreased cell death in response to lipotoxicity. In the second part\, we will discuss the clinical molecular pathology of\ninfantile and early childhood PWS to show that (1) PWS is a disease with pathological alterations involving the entire skin\nphysiological milieu; (2) pluripotent cells with the GNAQ (R183Q) may give rise to multilineages in PWS; and (3) exocytosis\nof extracellular vesicles is enhanced in PWS vasculatures. \nBiography\nDr. Tan received his medical degree and master degree in Molecular Biology from XiangYa School of Medicine\, China. He\nreceived his PhD in neurobiology and neurophysiology from University of California\, Los Angeles. He joined Beckman\nLaser Institute at UC Irvine as an assistant project scientist in 2010 under the mentorship of Dr. Stuart Nelson. In 2018\,\nhe joined the department of cell biology and anatomy at School of Medicine University of South Carolina as an associate\nprofessor. \nREGISTER HERE \nSponsored by the Michael and Roberta Berns Laser Microbeam Program URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/wenbin-tan-ph-d/ LOCATION:Zoom Event\, CA\, United States CATEGORIES:LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Wenbin-Tan.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20211014T120000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20211014T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20211014T005755Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211014T010429Z UID:29834-1634212800-1634216400@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Erin Buckley\, Ph. D. DESCRIPTION:Illuminating Biomarkers of Stroke with Diffuse Optical Spectroscopies \nAbstract\nOur research group specializes in the development and application of diffuse optical spectroscopies to study the brain. These non-invasive\, light-based tools enable real-time bedside monitoring of microvascular hemodynamics. In this seminar\, I will focus on our recent work that uses these tools to identify biomarkers of stroke risk in two high-risk patient populations; subarachnoid hemorrhage and pediatric sickle cell disease. Moreover\, I will talk about how we have advanced the techniques to account for the confounding influences of hematocrit in the sickle cell cohort. \nBiography\nDr. Buckley is an Assistant Professor in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University. She is also an assistant professor at the Department of Pediatrics at Emory University. She received her PhD from the Department of Physics and Astronomy from the University of Pennsylvania in 2011 and completed postdoctoral training at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and at Massachusetts General Hospital. Her research focuses on the development and validation of diffuse optical spectroscopies. \nREGISTER HERE \nSponsored by the Michael and Roberta Berns Laser Microbeam Program URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/erin-buckley-ph-d/ LOCATION:Zoom Event\, CA\, United States CATEGORIES:LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Dr-Buckley-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210819T120000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210819T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20210810T020201Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210810T020417Z UID:29697-1629374400-1629378000@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Stacy Copp\, Ph. D. DESCRIPTION:Fluorophores with a Genome: DNA-Stabilized Silver Clusters as a New Class of Tunable Fluorophores for Microscopy and Biosensing \nAbstract\nBecause near-infrared (NIR) electromagnetic radiation penetrates much farther into biological tissues than visible light\, NIR microscopy allows for noninvasive imaging deep into tissues and even whole organisms. In the second near-infrared window (NIR-II: 1\,000-1\,700 nm)\, biological tissues are transparent up to several centimeters depth. However\, fluorescence microscopy in this spectral window has been limited by the dearth of small\, bright\, and nontoxic NIR-II fluorophores. To address this challenge\, we are investigating a promising class of nanomaterials – DNA-templated silver clusters (Ag-DNAs) – to develop small\, stable\, and modular NIR-II biolabels with broad applicability for deep tissue imaging. Ag-DNAs represent a diverse palette of fluorophores with sequence-encoded sizes of 10-30 atoms and fluorescence emission wavelengths of 400 – 1\,000 nm. I will discuss our growing understanding of the fundamental properties of Ag-DNAs and our development of a high throughput experimental platform coupled with machine learning frameworks to guide discovery of Ag-DNAs within the NIR spectral windows. Using this approach\, we are expanding the color palette of Ag-DNAs well into the NIR\, with exciting future potential to enable deep tissue imaging applications. \nBiography\nStacy Copp is an Assistant Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of California\, Irvine\, where she holds the Samueli Faculty Development Chair and courtesy appointments in the Departments of Physics and Astronomy and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Her research focuses on harnessing information-encoding macromolecules – DNA\, peptides\, and block copolymers – as building blocks for novel optical and electronic materials. Due to the complexity of these molecular materials\, her work incorporates machine learning and data mining for materials study and design. Copp earned a B.S. in physics and mathematics from the University of Arizona (2011) and Ph.D. in physics from UC Santa Barbara. Before joining UCI in 2019\, she was a Hoffman Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Copp’s research has been recognized by awards including the AFOSR Young Investigator (2020)\, L’Oreal USA for Women in Science Fellowship (2018)\, and numerous postdoctoral and graduate fellowships. \nREGISTER HERE \nSponsored by the Michael and Roberta Berns Laser Microbeam Program URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/stacy-copp-ph-d/ LOCATION:Zoom Event\, CA\, United States CATEGORIES:LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/STACY_2-copy-300x300-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210506T090000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210506T100000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20210416T041739Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210416T041739Z UID:29270-1620291600-1620295200@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Dan Cojoc\, Ph. D. DESCRIPTION:Cell Mechanics by Light \nAbstract\nLiving cells are active matter characterized by mechanical properties as stiffness and deformability and morphological parameters as shape and volume. Genetic or pathogenic modifications of these properties can affect cell behavior. Since these transformations are potential indicators in various pathologies\, cell mechanics characterization has progressively gained interest. However\, due to their variability it is difficult to establish absolute values for these properties\, especially when different measurement methods are applied. In the first part\, I will discuss this issue presenting results obtained with Optical Tweezers (OT)\, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Digital Holographic Microscopy (DHM) and showing that using more than one type of cell allows to confront the methods\, confirm the results and cell behavior. Cells can detect and respond to pressure and forces exerted by the cellular environment in various forms. Thus\, mechanosensitive signaling pathways are activated\, inducing cytoskeleton reshaping and force generation as a response to these mechanical stimuli. How big and how much localized is the force inducing a mechanical stimulation\, and what is its time extent? These questions are still to be elucidated. In the second part of the talk\, I will argue on the use of OT as an adequate tool to study cell mechanotransduction. Using a novel OT setup\, mechanical stimuli are applied under controlled conditions\, the force and indentation of which are measured directly and precisely. Neuronal cells are locally stimulated with piconewton forces which trigger Ca2+ transients in the cell and induce cytoskeletal modifications. \nBiography\nDr. Dan Cojoc is a Senior Scientist at the Institute of Materials of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR). With a background in Optical Engineering (M.S.) and Technical Physics (Ph.D.) from the University “Politehnica” of Bucharest\, Romania\, he has contributed to develop microscopy devices and techniques for applications in nanotechnology and biophysics. He has created various optical tweezers setups for sample manipulation and force measurements and integrated them with X-ray diffraction\, holographic microscopy\, laser microsurgery and fluorescence imaging for the study of biological samples. Currently\, Dr. Cojoc’s laboratory applies optical tweezers and digital holographic microscopy techniques to probe cell mechanics of blood\, cancer and neuronal cells. The interaction of light with the matter is exploited to apply tiny forces to cells and measure their local deformations to derive the mechanical properties or examine mechanotransduction mechanisms. Dr. Cojoc has been engaged in several interdisciplinary projects and has been awarded with research grants and fellowships from Italy\, Croatia\, Spain\, Germany\, France\, Romania and China. He published more than 130 papers\, keeps 3 patents\, is co-author of 11 chapter books and reviewer for more than 10 scientific journals. Dr. Cojoc is an adjunct professor at the University of Trieste and at the International School of Advanced Studies (SISSA) Trieste\, lecturing Experimental Biophysics and Advanced Optical Microscopy courses for undergraduates and tutoring PhD students in Nanotechnology and Neurobiology programs. \n  \nREGISTER HERE \nSponsored by the Michael and Roberta Berns Laser Microbeam Program URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/dan-cojoc-ph-d/ LOCATION:Zoom Event\, CA\, United States CATEGORIES:LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dan-Cojoc.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210422T120000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210422T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20210416T014528Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210416T014528Z UID:29266-1619092800-1619096400@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Nozomi Nishimura\, Ph. D. DESCRIPTION:In vivo multiphoton microscopy of microvasculature and inflammation: Lessons from the brain and a look at the heart \nAbstract\nIn vivo multiphoton microscopy enables the visualization of dynamics at the cellular scale and is an ideal tool for studying the interactions of cells in vivo. Such imaging has revealed the importance of maintaining vascular health\, even in the smallest blood vessels and the capillary bed. In an example in the brain\, we found in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD)\, that stalled blood flow in a small number of capillaries caused by neutrophils plugs had a surprisingly large effect on total blood flow. Rescue of blood flow led to rapid improvements in short-term memory. We also used laser-induced lesions to study the effects of small-vessel occlusions on inflammation and on amyloid-beta deposits. We discovered rapid alterations in plaques\, both dissolution and increase in deposits\, that were previously thought to be stable structures. We recently adapted these experimental capabilities to organs with motion including the heart. In models of heart failure\, intravital imaging of cardiac vasculature suggests that leukocyte obstruction of capillaries may play a role in the disease. Intravital vital imaging also enables measurements of calcium dynamics and contraction in cardiomyocytes and concurrent dynamics in inflammatory cells. \nBiography\nNozomi Nishimura is an Associate Professor in the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University and develops optical tools for studying in vivo cell behaviors in disease. Her PhD is in physics from the University of California at San Diego with Prof. David Kleinfeld where she studied blood flow in the brain of rodents and developing laser-based models of small stroke. She came to Biomedical Engineering at Cornell in 2006 to do a postdoc with Prof. Chris Schaffer and later joined the faculty in 2013.To study the complex actions of cells in vivo\, her lab develops intravital multiphoton microscopy imaging methods that reveal how cells function\, move and interact. Injury triggers the recruitment and activation of many immune and inflammatory cell types that\, together with the local cells\, determine the course of the disease progression. The goal is to develop methods to visualize all of these cells at once and quantify cell actions and function. She applies these tools in many systems\, but has particular interests in studying the effects of microvascular dysfunction in the brain. Her lab studies the role of microvascular occlusions in Alzheimer’s disease and neurodegeneration. These methods were recently adapted for the beating mouse heart providing new capabilities to study single cell function and cardiac microvasculature. Recent work expanding into the intestine revealed novel behaviors such as motion and force actuation by stem cells in response to injury.\nSponsored by the Berns Family LAser and Microbeam Program \n  \nREGISTER HERE \nSponsored by the Michael and Roberta Berns Laser Microbeam Program URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/nozomi-nishimura-ph-d/ LOCATION:Zoom Event\, CA\, United States CATEGORIES:LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Nishimura.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210401T120000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210401T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T131642 CREATED:20210225T054811Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210225T055556Z UID:29190-1617278400-1617282000@leadersinlight.com SUMMARY:Ji-Xi Cheng\, Ph. D. DESCRIPTION:Harnessing Photons for Label-free Chemical Imaging\, High-Precision Neuromodulation\, and Killing of Superbugs \nAbstract\nPhotons are unique in that they can directly interact with molecules\, the foundation of life. I will give an overview of our biophotonics research at three levels of interactions. At the weak interaction regime\, I will present label-free chemical microscopy utilizing spectroscopic signals for discovery of molecular signatures related to cancer aggressiveness and antimicrobial resistance. At the moderate interaction regime\, I will present non-genetic high-precision optoacoustic stimulation of nervous system. At the strong interaction regime\, I will show that photolysis of intrinsic chromophores could effectively sensitize resistant pathogens to antibiotics and anti-fungal drugs. \nBiography\nJi-Xin Cheng is currently the Inaugural Theodore Moustakas Chair Professor in Photonics and Optoelectronics at Boston University. Cheng and his team are constantly at the forefront of chemical imaging in innovation\, discovery\, commercialization\, and clinical translation. For his pioneering contributions to the field of vibrational spectroscopic imaging\, Cheng received the 2020 Pittsburg Spectroscopy Award from the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburg\, the 2019 Ellis R. Lippincott Award from OSA\, Society for Applied Spectroscopy\, Coblentz Society\, and the 2015 Craver Award from Coblentz Society. Cheng is authored in over 270 peer-reviewed articles with an h-index of 79 (Google Scholar). His research has been supported by over 30 million ($) fund from federal agencies including NIH\, NSF\, DoD\, DoE and private foundations including the Keck Foundation. Cheng is a Fellow of Optical Society of America\, a Fellow of American Institute of Medicine and Biological Engineering\, and associate editor of Science Advances. \n  \nREGISTER HERE \nSponsored by the Michael and Roberta Berns Laser Microbeam Program URL:https://leadersinlight.com/event/ji-xi-cheng-ph-d/ LOCATION:Zoom Event\, CA\, United States CATEGORIES:LAMP Seminar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://leadersinlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Ji-Xin-Cheng-Headshot.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR