Optical Solutions to Enable New Discoveries in Biology

Optical imaging techniques such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescence microscopy (FM) have enabled tremendous advances in biological and clinical research. However, the need for enhancing technological innovations to enable a better understanding of biological processes (structural and physiological remodeling) involved in developmental and pathological conditions is still manifest. Dr. Tankam’s lab uses a translational research approach from disease understanding using animal models to disease diagnosis and management on human subjects. The group focuses on developing imaging systems, e.g. combined OCT and FM, that can track the dynamics of cellular processes in vivo and follow-up these processes over time in a single specimen. The group is particularly interested in understanding the structural and physiological remodeling of the cornea and the iridocorneal angle (interplay between the aqueous humor outflow and the trabecular meshwork) in disease conditions such as Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy and primary open angle glaucoma, respectively.

Our research interest lies at the frontier of optics, engineering, and biology, and includes the anterior segment imaging, light interaction with biological tissue, interferometry, optical metrology, optical coherence tomography, fluorescence microscopy, optical system design, and image processing.
In our research group, we strive to give students the opportunity to develop a multidisciplinary skills-set to help them better navigate their future career paths.

Optical Coherence Tomography

Fluorescence Microscopy

Multimodal Imaging System