Our laboratory is focused on developing and translating novel tools for quantitative optical molecular imaging of living subjects. The central technological focus of our lab is on developing time resolved imaging techniques for exploiting fluorescence lifetime contrast using disease targeted fluorescent contrast agents. We are developing and evaluating this technology in clinical and preclinical settings for cancer, cardiac disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. We are also working with biochemists to evaluate new imaging agents and to further understand the photo-physical mechanisms underlying spectral and lifetime changes in "smart" or "activatable" molecular probes. The ultimate goal of these efforts is to optimize compounds that rapidly shift their optical spectra and fluorescence lifetimes upon binding to disease. The tools developed in our laboratory can potentially improve disease diagnosis, and can enable biologists and pharmaceutical scientists evaluate new therapeutic interventions in longitudinal studies. 

Article from the Martinos Center newsletter related to our paper in Cancer Research:  
Development of cancer therapeutics could benefit from new fluorescence imaging technique
 
Press coverage of Natue BME article (2023): https://www.nature.com/articles/s41551-023-01105-2
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1004603
https://scienmag.com/researchers-develop-innovative-technique-for-distin...
https://www.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk/news/researchers-develop-innovati...

Multiple positions available for Research Fellows with training in physics/chemistry/biology/biochemistry/molecular imaging/optical imaging

Please contact: anand_kumar@meei.harvard.edu