We use a multidisciplinary approach to address important biomedical problems and provide interdisciplinary training to students and postdoctoral fellows. We are particularly interested in developing molecular systems and methods to detect diseases at early stages, prevent disease complications, and implement tailored therapeutics regimens. Areas of interest include molecular optical imaging of tumors and angiogenesis and the design and development of new molecular probes and nanomaterials for imaging and expression of aberrant genes, proteins, and other pathophysiologic processes. Specific delivery of imaging agents and drugs to target cell organelles or tissue is another area of interest. In addition, our research program involves the biological evaluation of the new materials to assess ligand trafficking in cells, cytotoxicity, cell proliferation, subcellular distribution, enzyme kinetics, and activation of specific molecular pathways in cells. Small animal molecular imaging of pathologic tissues with state-of-the-art optical imaging systems provides preclinical data before human studies. We are also interested in developing tissue-specific multi-modal imaging molecules that harness the strengths of optical with other imaging methods such as magnetic resonance and radionuclear (positron and single photon emission) imaging systems. 

Finally, we are also developing tumor-specific Type I and II photodynamic therapy drugs that have both diagnostic and therapeutic potential. The lab has a multidisciplinary team of investigators with expertise in a wide range of fields, including chemistry, molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, physics, engineering, veterinary medicine, pathology, and immunology.

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