Health

Today more than ever, it’s clear that everything depends on our health.

Collaborating across all disciplines, NYU Tandon has been working at the intersection of engineering, healthcare, and life sciences for decades, and our researchers have the expertise to create next-generation solutions at every scale. 

petri dish

Meeting health challenges with innovative solutions

We combine far-reaching research geared towards longstanding clinical problems with Apollo 13 mindsets that enable us to create rapid responses to new medical challenges as they emerge. Being Tandon Made means being ready for the future now, because we don’t believe in waiting until a crisis hits to make good health a priority.

bioinformatics bridge

Finding ways to make the world healthier

Our researchers are innovating the future across a range of health challenges — from creating personalized cancer treatments, building advanced wearables to assist the visually impaired, and studying how AI can be used equitably in healthcare

Weiqiang Chen

Weiqiang Chen

Weiqiang Chen is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, and he heads Tandon’s Applied Micro-Bioengineering Lab. His research focuses on Lab-on-a-Chip, biomaterials, mechanobiology, stem cell biology, and applying microfabrication technology to illuminate biological systems at both the molecular and cellular levels, and some of his most recent work includes exploring the power of the small proteins known as cytokines to treat cancer.

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Andreas H. Hielscher

Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the world, so catching it early and monitoring it effectively are crucial to improve health incomes. Professor Andreas H. Hielscher is helping improve both of those key metrics. His lab focuses on using optical tomography to study the way diseases like breast cancer change over time, using advanced imaging that does not have the negative side effects of x-rays. His research also includes work ranging from effective diagnosis of Lupus to advanced brain activity monitoring. As Biomedical Engineering Department Chair, he is the leader of a department working at the cutting edge of medical technology.

Research Labs & Groups

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Human eye with data superimposed on it.

Advanced Ophthalmic Imaging Laboratory (AOIL)

The AOIL consists of a team of ophthalmologists, engineers, software specialists, statisticians, and trainees that focus primarily on the study of glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness in the world. The groups of Profs. Schuman, Wollstein and Ishikawa develop advanced imaging tools to detect this disease, monitor its progression, and investigate its pathogenesis.

close up of neuron synapse

Angelaki Lab

The systems and computational neuroscience laboratory of Professor Dora Angelaki focuses on how the brain generates perception and cognition. Her group studies how multi-sensory signals flow dynamically across brain areas, how causal inference is implemented in the brain, how beliefs propagate through the network, and how internal states modulate this information flow.

Two complex, agile robots compared to the dynamics of a human walking

Applied Dynamics and Optimization Laboratory

We aim to establish mathematical models, quantitative criteria, and algorithmic/computational foundations toward their implementations in robotics (for design and control), biomechanical systems (for prediction and analysis), and their intersections such as lower-body wearable robots. 

Visualization of cells, against a yellow perforated background.

Applied Micro-Bioengineering Laboratory (AMBL)

Taking advantage of state-of-art nanotechnologies and fabricating fascinating functional biomaterials and integrated biosystems, the Professor Weiqiang Chen’s laboratory addresses numerous important problems in fundamental biology as well as clinical applications in disease diagnosis and treatment.

Microscope

Bio-interfacial Engineering and Diagnostics Lab

Levicky Group — The Bio-interfacial Engineering and Diagnostics Group’s research focuses on quantitative characterization of biomolecular interactions, with technological connections to diagnostics for medical and fundamental biology applications. The group seeks to dissect the fundamental equilibrium and kinetic aspects of biomolecular reactions at surfaces and in solution, elucidate the role played by the molecular organization, and apply this understanding to advance bioanalytical technologies.

samples in a petri dish

Boeke Lab

The laboratory of Professor Jef Boeke is well known for foundational work on mechanistic and genomic aspects of retro-transposition in both yeast and mammalian systems. After more than three decades, they continue to scrutinize their favorite genomic parasites. In addition, the Boeke lab is heavily involved in the development of novel technologies in genetics, genomics and synthetic biology.

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Cell Programming and Genome Engineering Lab

David Truong’s lab uses principles from synthetic and systems biology, cell fate reprogramming, epigenetics, and immunology. He and his team perform large-scale genome engineering in human and mouse stem cells towards cell therapies and regenerative medicine. The group currently focuses on developing programmable off-the-shelf dendritic cells from human iPSCs as a cancer immunotherapy platform. They are also building universal “personalized” iPSCs as an off-the-shelf cell for making living therapies.

Brain scans in both color and black and white.

Center for Advanced Imaging Innovation and Research

Professor Dan Sodickson’s research primarily addressed the development of new techniques for biomedical imaging to improve human health. He leads a multidisciplinary team that develops new methods for rapid continuous imaging, taking advantage of recent developments in parallel imaging, compressed sensing, and artificial intelligence. This work extends to clinical applications of MRI, PET and CT.

Chunara Lab

Chunara Lab

The overarching goal of our research is to develop the principles needed to incorporate unstructured, Internet and mobile data into a better understanding of population-level health. We primarily develop computational methods across data mining, natural language processing, and machine learning to generate features for spatio-temporal population-level public health models.

A bean of light aimed at a cell.

Clinical Biophotonics Laboratory

Professor Andreas Hielscher’s team focuses on developing clinically relevant optical tomographic imaging systems. They apply these devices and wearable electronics to the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases, such as breast cancer, arthritis, peripheral artery disease, diabetic foot syndrome, and real-time monitoring of brain activities.

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Computational Medicine Laboratory

Professor Rose Faghih group develops biomedical signal processing and control algorithms for human-technology interactions and monitoring. These state-of-the-art tools are employed for prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment of pathological conditions related to neuro-endocrine and neuro-psychiatric disorders.

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Computational Neuroscience, Neuroengineering, and Neuropsychiatry Laboratory (CN3)

The research in Professor Sage Chen’s lab aims to find solutions for real-time brain-machine interfaces, pain management, and psychiatric disorders. Developing a better understanding of memory and sleep is another goal. To accomplish all this, they advance and integrate the fields of computational neuroscience, neural engineering, and machine learning.

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Craniomaxillofacial Orthopedic Biomaterials Regenerative Applications Lab

Professor Lukasz Witek’s research group performs in vivo and in vitro evaluations of a wide range of (bio)materials that can be used as implants for dental and orthopedic applications. A special focus is on 3D printing of bio-ceramic materials for tissue regeneration.

New York City skyline at dusk

CUSP Urban Observatory (CUSP-UO)

Through the novel use of observational and analytical techniques, the Urban Observatory at the Center for Urban Science + Progress (CUSP-UO) studies the complex interactions between the physical, natural, and human components of the city as a coherent, definable system with the goal of enhancing public well-being, city operations, and future urban plans. 

different colored chromosomes

Davoli Lab

What are the causes and consequences of genomic copy number alterations (i.e. aneuploidy) in cancer and how does this affect patients’ response to therapy, especially immuno-therapy? These are among the main questions Prof. Teresa Davoli’s lab is interested in. To answer these questions, they utilize a variety of experimental and computational approaches, from large- scale genetic screens in human cells, to prediction of survival in cancer patients.

2 students in the lab putting a harness on a mannequin

Dynamical Systems Laboratory (DSL)

Professor Maurizio Porfiri’s group conducts multidisciplinary research in the theory and application of dynamical systems, motivated by the objectives of advancing engineering science and improving society. Their theoretical expertise is in controls, networks, nonlinear dynamics, and time-series, while our application domain is in modeling and analysis of physical, social, and technical systems. 

MRI brain scans

Gerig Lab

Using advances in computer vision and machine learning, Professor Guido Gerig’s team develops image analysis methodologies related to segmentation, registration, atlas building, shape analysis, and image statistics. Collaboratively with clinical research, this work is driven by medical problems covering research in autism, Down's syndrome, eye diseases, Huntington's disease, and musculoskeletal disorders.

Schematic describing the visual system and how its circuits connect.

Hudson Lab

Todd Hudson is a computational neuroscientist whose research focuses on modeling sensory and motor systems, particularly eye and arm movements in healthy and disease states. He received his training at the Clarence Graham Memorial Laboratory of Visual Science at Columbia University, and co-founded Tactile Navigation Tools, LLC, a company that develops navigation aids for the visually impaired.

Transportation Planning

Hybrid Nanomaterials Lab

Sahu Group — Our research investigates the transport phenomena in new and novel classes of nanostructured hybrid materials that have promise for optoelectronic and thermoelectric energy conversion. Our group has expertise in colloidal synthesis, advanced characterization, and device implementation of such materials.

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Integrated BioElectronics Laboratory

Professor Sohmyung Ha’s lab aims at advancing the engineering and applications of silicon integrated technology interfacing with biology. This is approached in a variety of forms, ranging from implantable biomedical devices to unobtrusive wearable sensors.

Scans of tissue in pink and blue.

Kirsch Lab

The ultimate goal of Professor Kirsch’s research is to define novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other joint diseases and injuries. To this end the laboratory studies mechanisms involved in the regulation of cartilage homeostasis, maintenance and pathology. In addition, research is performed on how cells and the joint environment interact.

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Laboratory for Advanced Neuroengineering and Translational Medicine

Professor Khalil Ramadi and his team develop innovative approaches for the modulation of neural activity throughout the body. The goal is to come up with novel therapies for neurologic, metabolic, and immune disorders. They combine mechanical, electrical, materials, and bio-engineering toolkits in the design of minimally invasive technologies.

Tissue in red and grey.

Laboratory for Biomechanics, Mechanobiology & Regenerative Medicine

Professor Alesha Castillo and her team study the interactions between mechanobiological cues and musculoskeletal systems with the long-term goal of developing novel biophysical, pharmaceutical, and stem cell-based interventions to improve musculoskeletal health

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Laboratory for Personalized Immunotherapies

Personalized immunotherapies involving CAR T cells, TCRs and BiTEs,  have revolutionized the treatment of cancer. They provide in cures in subsets of cancer patients, yet remain ineffective for the majority of patients. Prof. Mark Yarmarkovich aims to expand the use of curative immunotherapies. To this end, his group develops and employ technologies at the intersection of genomics, proteomics, immunology, antibody engineering and computational biology.

cell sequencing

Laboratory of Computational Multiomics

Professor Ruggles’ laboratory focuses on understanding human health and biology using data science, data visualization, and predictive modeling. A primary goal of this research is to analyze and integrate diverse data modalities, including bulk and single-cell sequencing, phospho- and global- proteomics, metagenomics, flow cytometry, imaging, and clinical data. These multi-omic methods are used to better understand cancer, heart diseases, and other disorders.

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Laboratory of Computational Proteomics

Prof. David Fenyö’s uses proteomic approaches to develop methods to identify, characterize, and quantify proteins important for various cellular processes. His efforts to integrate data from multiple technologies - including mass spectrometry, sequencing, and microscopy - have provided a wide array of powerful tools to discover and verify biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer.

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Lionnet Lab

To respond to a changing environment, cells have to express the right genes at the right time. Professor Timothy Lionnet’s lab tries to understand how exactly this is achieved and how robust responses emerge from random molecular events. Getting insights into these biomolecular processes will ultimately provide new tools to tackle, for example, wound healing, cancer, and many other diseases.

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Micro- and Nano-scale Bioengineering Lab

The research in the Professor Yong-Ak (Rafael) Song’s group at NYU-AD lies at the interface between biology, physics and engineering. More specifically, their research is focused on applying microfluidics and nanofluidics to broad range of challenges in bioscience and medicine.

montclare lab

Montclare Lab for Protein Engineering and Design

We focus on engineering macromolecules. We aim to predictably design or engineer artificial therapeutics, biocatalysts, scaffolds and cells.

microscopic cellular matter

NanoBioEngineering for tissue reprogramming and regeneration

Our lab designs, develops, and applies nanoscale and bioengineering tools to understand and manipulate cell fate and function. Our ultimate goal is to help the body regenerate better.

close up of microchip device

NanoBioX

The NanoBioX initiative at NYU stimulates fundamental research and technological innovation at the intersection of nanotechnology, biomedical research, and data science.

shiny cleanroom equipment

Nanofabrication Cleanroom

The Nanofabrication Cleanroom provides academic and industry researchers with access to the equipment and expertise needed to leverage cutting-edge nanotechnology and produce the materials necessary to advance their science, regardless of their department, sector, or vision.

Illustration of nanolithographic technology.

Nanooptical Bioengineering Lab

Hoagang Cai’s lab advancec nanotechnology for biological and biomedical applications. Employing nanolithographic technology, his group creates designer biomaterials and metasurfaces with unprecedented precision and functionality. Applications range from studying T-cell activation in cancer treatment to photo-stimulation in optogenetics and brain research.

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Network Dynamics and Synthetic Biology Group

Blending theory with experiments, Professor Andras Gyorgy’s team focuses on the behavior of networks with particular emphasis on synthetic biology applications.

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Neural Circuits and Algorithm Group

The aim of Dr. Chklovskii’s research is to understand how the brain analyzes large and complex datasets streamed by sensory organs. Informed by anatomical and physiological neuroscience data, his group develops algorithms that model brain computation and solve machine learning tasks. The overarching goal it to build artificial neural systems and treating mental illness.

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Neural Interface Engineering Lab

The team of Professor Shy Shoham works at the interface of neuroscience and engineering, developing and applying modern bidirectional neural interfaces for observing and controlling neural population activity patterns. Their goal is to better understand sensory-motor information coding and to advance medical neurotechnology.

MRI brain scan with hindbrain highlighted.

Neuroimaging and Visual Science Laboratory

Kevin Chan and his group are developing and applying new methods for noninvasive imaging of neurodegeneration, neurodevelopment, neuroplasticity, and neuroregeneration in people with vision-related diseases and injuries. They study the structural, metabolic, physiological, and functional relationships between the eyes, brain, and behavior with the mission to improve vision.

3d muscle graphic

NYU Ability Project

An interdisciplinary initiative dedicated to the study of disability and the development of accessible, assistive and rehab technologies.

chip abstract

NYU Nanolab

Our research team studies the physics of electronic materials and their application in building devices and circuits. We are an experimental group with experience in the synthesis of layered materials, nanofabrication of electronic devices, and electrical measurements at both room and cryogenic temperatures.

Visualization of medical data in a grid formation.

NYU Video Lab

Research activities in Professor Yao Wang’s group deal with encoding and distributing videos among a large number of users. Of special interest are diverse network access links and applications to biomedical imaging. The lab collaborates extensively with other research groups in wireless communication and networking at the School of Engineering and NYU’s medical school and hospitals.

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Pain Management Laboratory

The human experience of pain is incredibly complex. Understanding how pain affects patients, and how best to manage it, is Prof. Jing Wang’s goal. His research interest is centered on the role of brain circuits in the regulation of acute and chronic pain. Of particular interest are the cortical mechanisms of pain processing and regulation.

6 brains with various colors indicating brain activity

Perception and Brain Dynamics Laboratory

Every day, our brains cycle through different states of awareness: from the rich conscious experiences during wakefulness to dreamless sleep to the bizarre experiences during dreaming sleep. Understanding the neural basis of conscious awareness is the basic goal of Prof. Biyu He’s team. She is using a combination functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), magneto- encephalography (MEG) and invasive electrophysiology to explore relevant neural mechanisms and characterize various neuropsychiatric illnesses.

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Physical Therapy and Exercise Lab

Professor Smita Rao and her colleagues in the Center of Health and Rehabilitation Research study the effects of exercise in individuals with diabetes, neuropathy, osteoarthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Her research focuses on improving physical therapy and rehabilitation care in these patients.

illustration showing a nanoparticle

Pinkerton Research Group

Focuses on developing responsive soft materials for biomedical applications. The group uses tools from chemical and materials engineering, nanotechnology, chemistry and biology to create functional soft materials via scalable synthetic processes and to understand the material behavior in biological systems.

close up of biomedical chip

Reverse Bioengineering Laboratory

The primary objective of Professor Kenichiro Kamei’s lab is to revolutionize the field of biomedical engineering by reconstructing complete human and animal bodies using cutting-edge engineering techniques. A prime example of their work is the development of the “Body on a Chip” (BoC) system, which simulates physiological and pathological conditions of living organisms in vitro. This work has far-reaching implications for drug discovery and regenerative medicine.

Rizzo displaying a piece of wearable technology.

Rusk Rehabilitation

Advances in miniaturized sensors and actuators, as well as artificial intelligence (AI), have broadened horizons for assistive and rehabilitative technologies. The team of Professor JohnRoss Rizzo, MD, is leveraging these innovations to help patients with conditions such as blindness and stroke, enhancing their ability to interact physically with their environment.

Heat scan of internal tissue

Selesnick Lab

In the laboratory of Professor Ivan Selesnick, PhD, researchers are interested in digital signal processing, sparsity in signal processing, and multi-dimensional wavelet-based signal/image/video processing. They develop new methods for signal filtering, separation, and deconvolution, especially in the area of biomedical imaging.

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Shukti Chakravarti Lab

Professor Chakravarti’s research group tries to understand how the extracellular matrix (ECM) regulates cellular functions and tissue homeostasis. In their work they use cell cultures and mouse models to gain a better understanding of the role of neutrophil, macrophage and dendritic cell functions in bacterial and viral infections. In addition, they explore the ECM changes and the underlying genetic causes in corneal diseases.

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Single Molecule Biophotonics Laboratory

Prof Eli Rothenberg’s team specializes in development of cutting-edge single-molecule fluorescence imaging techniques. They apply these techniques to studying molecular mechanisms relevant to diverse human diseases, including cancer. Adding novel computational methods and assays they aim to discover biomarker, therapeutic targets, and understand drug mechanisms-of-action.

Microscopic image of a cancer cell.

Smilow Comprehensive Prostate Cancer Center (SCPCC)

The work that Professor Samir Taneja and his colleagues are conducting at NYU Langone’s SCPCC and Perlmutter Cancer Center has transformed the field of prostate cancer diagnosis and therapy. Their clinical research focuses on the use of MRI to improve methods of prostate imaging, cancer detection, disease localization, and treatment.

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Social Behavior Neuroscience Lab

Social behaviors such as fighting, defense, and parenting, are innate and ubiquitous across the animal kingdoms. The research in Dr. Lin’s laboratory centers on understanding the neural circuits underlying these behaviors. Various genetic engineering, tracing, functional manipulation, in vivo electrophysiological recording and computational tools are combined to dissect the neural circuits in a great detail.

Brain scan in front of green background.

Speech Language Electrocortiography Laboratory

How is language produced and perceived in the human brain? What are the network dynamics that allow us to fluently communicate? These questions are still poorly understood and collaborations between scientists, clinicians, and engineers are crucial for making progress in this fascinating field. Adeen Flinker and his team are using unique human neurosurgical recordings and advanced data processing algorithms to elucidate these questions.

Tissue Cells

Tissue Maintenance and Regeneration Laboratory

Tissue maintenance and regeneration are crucial for preserving tissue functionality and organismal health. With age and disease, both of these processes can become inefficient. Professor Wosczyna’s laboratory seeks to identify cellular mechanisms that are responsible for pathological phenotypes. They look for molecular targets that can be modified to extend tissue functionality further into age.