Light has become an increasingly powerful and versatile tool in biomedical research and clinical applications due to its non-invasive nature and diverse interactions with tissues and matter. Understanding and controlling light propagation through tissue is crucial for a wide range of biomedical applications, from diagnostic imaging to therapeutic interventions. At RPI, we are leading the development of next-generation light modeling tools, particularly for tomographic imaging.

The intrinsic properties of soft tissue alone may not reliably distinguish diseased tissues with subtly altered characteristics, especially when the changes are insufficient to provide adequate contrast with surrounding tissues. For instance, ultrasound elastography often fails to detect malignancies like lymphoma that do not significantly increase lymph node stiffness compared to adjacent tissues.

Understanding the complex mechanics of biological systems is essential for advancing both clinical treatments and medical device design. We combine advanced computational modeling to address two critical areas: voice production and stent optimization. For voice production, we simulate the interaction between airflow and vocal folds to gain deeper insights into the biomechanics of sound generation, enabling more effective treatments for voice disorders.