Optical Coherence Tomography
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a high-resolution, depth-resolved imaging technique that uses low-coherence interferometry and near-infrared light to generate real-time cross-sectional images of tissue. Known for its precision and label-free contrast, OCT has been widely adopted in ophthalmology, oncology, and image-guided surgery. Its ability to resolve microstructure noninvasively has expanded its use in intraoperative assessment, tissue staging, and diagnostic triage. The field continues to evolve through miniaturized systems, functional extensions, and targeted contrast strategies. Research has supported the development of real-time OCT platforms designed for surgical settings and the use of magnetically and optically active protein microspheres for enhanced imaging. These systems have been applied to tumor margin and lymph node assessment, demonstrating OCT’s potential as a tool for intraoperative diagnostics and rapid decision-making.
Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Fluorescence spectroscopy is an optical method used to detect and quantify molecules based on their light emission following excitation. It offers high sensitivity, real-time feedback, and molecular specificity, making it foundational to applications in genomics, diagnostics, biosensing, and imaging. From four-color DNA sequencing to targeted theranostics, fluorescence has been widely adopted for both basic research and clinical workflows. The technique has been adapted for use in multimodal diagnostic platforms and embedded within contrast agents for high-resolution imaging. It also plays a role in environmental monitoring and implantable sensors. Work in this area has supported innovations in spectral discrimination, integrated fluorescence into protein-based imaging agents, and extended its use into in vivo physiological monitoring through carbon nanotube–based nanosensors and a fiber-optic benchtop platform for scalable fluorescence detection.
Raman Spectroscopy
Raman spectroscopy is a vibrational imaging technique that captures inelastic scattering of light to provide chemically specific, label-free analysis of molecular composition. It enables real-time, noninvasive characterization of cells, tissues, and materials at subcellular resolution. Its applications span drug response profiling, biosensing, live-cell imaging, and surgical margin assessment. Enhancements such as confocal architectures and SERS have extended its speed, sensitivity, and specificity in complex biological environments. Within this expanding landscape, Raman has been applied to visualize nanoparticle uptake in live cells, characterize spectral markers of drug-induced apoptosis, and support in vivo biosensing in cancer models. DNA-functionalized carbon nanotube Raman sensors have enabled longitudinal monitoring of oxidative stress, illustrating the platform’s utility in capturing dynamic molecular processes in translational research and preclinical therapeutic evaluation.
Carbon Nanotubes
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are nanomaterials with distinctive optical, electronic, and vibrational properties that enable their use in molecular imaging, biosensing, and diagnostics. Their near-infrared fluorescence and Raman activity support sensitive, real-time detection in complex biological environments, while their surfaces can be tailored for selective molecular recognition. Work in this space has included computational modeling of transition metal doping and hybrid porphyrin–nanotube systems, the design of corona phase–functionalized sensors for detecting chemotherapeutics and vitamins, and Raman imaging of intracellular uptake dynamics. These technologies have been applied in cancer pharmacodynamic monitoring and physiologic biologging in marine animals. To support clinical translation, nanotube sensors have been integrated into a fiber-optic benchtop reader and paired with wavelength-induced frequency filtering to enhance in vivo signal fidelity. Carbon nanotubes remain a versatile platform for bridging nanoscience and biomedicine.
Contrast Agents
Contrast agents are materials that enhance the visibility of biological structures and processes in biomedical imaging by improving sensitivity, resolution, and functional specificity. They play a central role in modalities such as MRI, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescence imaging, enabling detection of molecular targets and dynamic tissue properties. Increasingly, contrast agents are being engineered to provide multimodal signals and targeted biological interaction. In this context, protein microspheres have been developed as versatile agents combining magnetic, optical, and biochemical functionalities. This work has included the design of RGD-functionalized microspheres for tumor targeting, the integration of these agents into magnetomotive OCT and fluorescence imaging workflows, and the optimization of their mechanical and molecular properties. Applied in preclinical cancer models, these platforms have supported image-guided diagnostics, molecular mapping, and intraoperative tissue assessment.
Cancer
Cancer research increasingly relies on optical and molecular technologies to enable earlier detection, more precise surgical intervention, and real-time monitoring of therapeutic response. Techniques such as fluorescence spectroscopy, Raman scattering, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) provide noninvasive access to structural, biochemical, and functional information at cellular and molecular scales. Within this space, research efforts have focused on integrating these modalities into translational platforms for oncology. Contributions include the development of spectroscopic systems for detecting epithelial precancers, intraoperative OCT technologies for margin and lymph node assessment, and multimodal contrast agents for molecular imaging. More recently, implantable carbon nanotube–based nanosensors have been used to monitor chemotherapeutic delivery and tumor microenvironment dynamics in vivo. These multidisciplinary innovations span breast, brain, pancreatic, cervical, oral, and gastrointestinal cancers, with broad applicability across both solid and hematologic malignancies.
Transfusion Medicine
Transfusion medicine is a clinical and laboratory discipline focused on the safe administration of blood and its components, encompassing immunohematology, product selection, transfusion reactions, and data-driven stewardship. Its role expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic with the emergence of convalescent plasma (CCP) as a potential therapy. Investigations characterized neutralizing antibody responses in donor plasma and evaluated CCP efficacy through propensity-matched trials in severe COVID-19. Additional research quantified adverse event rates following CCP transfusion, informing risk-benefit frameworks and institutional practice. Studies also examined pediatric O-negative red cell utilization across hospitals, revealing variation and opportunities for improved allocation. These contributions—conducted in collaboration with Mount Sinai and the New York State Department of Health—highlight the integration of immunologic profiling, transfusion safety surveillance, and clinical informatics to optimize transfusion practices and support pandemic response.
MIT Healthcare Innovation
Healthcare innovation ecosystem at MIT and the Greater Boston Area
Nine Diagnostics
Determining treatment effectiveness, discovering new biology using AI enabled nanosensor technology.
A faster path to the most effective treatment with better outcomes. We develop holistic profiles based on a patient’s personal health data, demographics, social determinants of health, and other relevant factors pertinent to the ultimate outcomes.
Multidimensional datasets are acquired from fluorescent emissions using an array of nanoscale sensing elements that detect health abnormalities and signals of treatment effectiveness in small patient samples.
Role: Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder
Prevented Health
Delivering immersive digital care journeys for addiction prevention for people being treated for ADHD, anxiety, or pain. We help improve mental health, track wellbeing, and connect with care teams and peers starting with our AI-driven Prescription Companion to reduce the risk of addictive medicines.
Role: Chief Operating Officer, Co-Founder
MIT Hacking Medicine
The mission of MIT Hacking Medicine is to infect, energize, and empower a diverse, global community in healthcare entrepreneurship and innovation to scale medicine to attack and solve healthcare problems.
Role: Co-Director (2018-2020), Research Group Lead (2018-Present)
Project Prana Foundation
Project Prana Foundation was born with the mission to innovate with a holistic approach that was cost-effective and patient-centered.
The iSAVE (Individualized System for Augmenting Ventilator Efficacy) represented more than a collaborative effort to solve the immeidate challenge at hand. This innovation represents a deeper motivation to address inequities and inadequacies in healthcare.
Role: Advisor