Biography

Development of novel retinal imaging systems and therapeutic techniques and technologies, including photoacoustic imaging, molecular imaging, restorative retinal laser therapy, and surgical techniques. The goal of my research is to allow physicians in real time to determine cellular markers for earlier diagnosis, improved treatment monitoring, and more individualized precision medicine tailored to each patient’s unique molecular markers.

My research seeks to allow physicians to diagnose diseases earlier, improve treatment monitoring, and practice more individualized precision medicine tailored to each patient through molecular imaging. My interest is in applying physics, bioengineering, and mathematical modeling to develop novel retinal imaging systems and laser therapies.

I have co-developed a novel, inexpensive system for providing tele-ultrasound, co-founded a retinal imaging company, and investigate pattern scanning laser photocoagulation (PASCAL), laser-tissue interactions, and restorative retinal laser therapy to create minimally traumatic retinal laser therapy. I am interested in developing more targeted laser therapy through modulation of pulse duration, wavelength, beam characteristics, and physical modulators.

I study photoacoustic and molecular imaging of the retina and choroid for retinal ischemic diseases, including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, vein occlusions, and sickle cell retinopathy. The photoacoustic effect uses light absorption to induce slight local temperature changes, producing ultrasound waves. The imaging device detects these ultrasound waves to create a high-resolution, 3-D image of the retina, choroid, and optic nerve. This allows for non-invasive functional imaging including tissue oxygenation and blood distribution. Through the use of contrast agents targeting neovascularization, I can achieve molecular imaging of the eye for early diagnosis of macular degeneration, prognostication, and determination of response to therapy.

Clinical Interests

Diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal vascular disease, retinal detachments, ocular trauma, ocular inflammation, macular and submacular surgery, and surgical management of complex retinal detachment

Subspecialty: Retina

Honors & Awards

2018
Grant, Real-time In Vivo Visualization of the Molecular Processes in Choroidal Neovascularization, NIH/NEI K08 Grant, Precisely Removing Microvessels by Photo-Mediated Ultrasound Therapy, NIH/NEI R01 Grant, Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography, University of Michigan Office of Research

2017

Grant reviewer, Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, United Kingdom Credentials Undergraduate, Chemistry and Physics, Harvard University, 2005 Medical School - Stanford University School of Medicine, 2009 Internship - Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 2010 Residency - Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine,

2013

Fellowship - Surgical and Medical Retina, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University,

2015

Board Certification - American Board of Ophthalmology