Our laboratory is focused on developing novel tools for optical molecular imaging within living subjects. Currently the main focus is on advancing whole-body fluorescence lifetime imaging techniques for small animal disease models. Although the ultimate goal of this research is clinical translation, the more immediate goal is geared towards preclinical applications, namely the development of optical technology for high throughout and cost-effective drug discovery in small animal models, and for enabling biologists to better understand disease mechanisms and therapy response in meaningful physiological environments.