Research Interests

During my PhD at Caltech, I developed new technologies to visualize cellular function using more penetrant modalities, such as ultrasound and MRI. Currently, most genetically encoded biomolecular tools used to image and control cellular function (e.g. GFP and optogenetics) rely on optical techniques. But light cannot travel very far inside the body, limiting our ability to study biological processes inside living organisms. To address this, I developed a new class of reporter genes for ultrasound and MRI that are based on hollow protein nanostructures called gas vesicles. These acoustic reporter genes enable noninvasive imaging of cellular location and function inside the living, intact animal. This technology has greatly improved our ability to interface with cells deep inside the body and image previously inaccessible biological processes.

I am excited by the potential new tools and sensors that can be developed using acoustic reporter genes as well as the numerous biological insights to be gained with the help of these tools.

During my master’s research at the University of Toronto, I synthesized nanoparticles that used light to kill cancer cells while simultaneously reporting on the therapeutic dose being administered.