  {"id":5171,"date":"2017-02-16T11:56:49","date_gmt":"2017-02-16T16:56:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vanderbilt.edu\/vise\/?page_id=5171"},"modified":"2026-04-03T09:20:49","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T14:20:49","slug":"vise-affiliated-labs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vanderbilt.edu\/vise\/vise-affiliated-labs\/","title":{"rendered":"Labs"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>VISE Affiliated Labs<\/h3>\n<p><em>The Vanderbilt Institute for Surgery and Engineering (VISE) is an interdisciplinary, trans-institutional entity designed to facilitate these interactions and exchanges. Its mission is the creation, development, implementation, clinical evaluation and commercialization of methods, devices, algorithms, and systems designed to facilitate interventional processes and their outcome. Its goal is to become the premier center for the training of the next generation of surgeons, engineers, and computer scientists capable of working synergistically on new solutions to complex interventional problems, ultimately resulting in improved patient care. VISE includes ten technical laboratories spanning three engineering departments (Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science) and the Otolaryngology department as well as clinical departments that include Surgery, Neurological Surgery, Radiology, Otolaryngology, Hearing and Speech, Oncology, Gastroenterology, Surgical and Radiological Oncology, Ophthalmology, Urology, and Thoracic Surgery.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"arma\"><strong>Advanced Robotics and Mechanism Applications (ARMA) Laboratory<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-4995\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/03\/19170933\/Nabil-Simaan-166x250-e1487100978658.jpg\" alt=\"Nabil Simaan &amp; bladder surgery robot - Mechanical Engineering - Would like really striking photo of the system, if possible, plus good lab shots of Simaan plus students.. Photos by Joe Howell\" width=\"100\" height=\"147\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>PI: Nabil Simaan, Professor of Mechanical Engineering &amp; Otolaryngology<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/arma.vuse.vanderbilt.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ARMA <\/a>is focused on advanced robotics research including robotics, mechanism design, control, and telemanipulation for medical applications. We focus on enabling technologies that necessitate novel design solutions that require contributions in design modeling and control. ARMA has lead the way in advancing several robotics technologies for medical applications including high dexterity snake-like robots for surgery, steerable electrode arrays for cochlear implant surgery, robotics for single port access surgery and natural orifice surgery. Current and past funded research includes transurethral bladder cancer resection (NIH), trans-oral minimally invasive surgery of the upper airways (NIH), single port access surgery (NIH), technologies for robot surgical situational awareness (National Robotics Initiative), Micro-vascular surgery and micro surgery of the retina (VU Discovery Grant), Robotics for cochlear implant surgery (Cochlear Corporation). We collaborate closely with industry on translation our research. Examples include technologies for snake robots licensed to Intuitive Surgical, technologies for micro-surgery of the retina which lead to the formation of AURIS surgical robotics Inc., the IREP single port surgery robot which has been licensed to Titan Medical Inc. and serves as the research prototype behind the Titan Medial Inc. SPORT (Single Port Orifice Robotic Technology). Contact <a href=\"mailto:nabil.simaan@vanderbilt.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nabil\u00a0Simaan<\/a><br \/>\nView ARMA lab video here:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/0_Jkt2bgGSc?list=PLB1EPeYUwa4lAZTULKKdQxrPStTO7obhT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5673\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/vu-wp0\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2017\/02\/06085909\/YouTube-icon-full_color-300x211.png\" alt=\"Click here to view VISE affilate lab video\" width=\"42\" height=\"28\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"beam\"><strong>Biomedical Elasticity and Acoustic Measurement (BEAM) Laboratory<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-5189 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/03\/19170926\/Byram.jpg\" alt=\"Professor Brett Byram Biomedical Engineering Professors interacting with students in their labs. Shot for School of Engineering Comms Dept. (Daniel Dubois \/ 五一茶馆儿)\" width=\"100\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/03\/19170926\/Byram.jpg 100w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/03\/19170926\/Byram-67x100.jpg 67w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>PI: Brett Byram, Hoy Family Faculty Fellow, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The biomedical elasticity and acoustic measurement (<a href=\"http:\/\/research.vuse.vanderbilt.edu\/beamlab\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BEAM<\/a>) lab is interested in pursuing ultrasonic solutions to clinical problems. Brett Byram and the BEAM lab\u2019s members have experience with most aspects of systems level ultrasound research, but our current efforts focus on advanced pulse sequencing and algorithm development for motion estimation and beamforming.\u00a0 The goal of our beamforming work is to make normal ultrasound images as clear as intraoperative ultrasound, the gold-standard for many applications.\u00a0 We have recently demonstrated non-contrast tissue perfusion imaging with ultrasound at clinical frequencies, and we are developing novel ultrasound transducers to enhance guidance for percutaneous procedures.<\/p>\n<p>Contact <a href=\"mailto:brett.c.byram@vanderbilt.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brett Byram<\/a><\/p>\n<p>View the BEAM lab video here: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/80Oaf14RI7k\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5673\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2017\/02\/19170902\/YouTube-icon-full_color-e1496757605533-300x211.png\" alt=\"Click here to view VISE affilate lab video\" width=\"42\" height=\"30\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"bagl\"><strong>Biomedical Image Analysis for Image Guided Interventions (BAGL) Laboratory<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h3><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-6165\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2013\/06\/19170849\/Noble-2-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"https:\/\/www.vanderbilt.edu\/vise\/visepeople\/jack-noble\/\" width=\"98\" height=\"145\" \/><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>PI: Jack H. Noble, Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Biomedical image analysis techniques are transforming the way many clinical interventions are performed and enabling the creation of new computer-assisted interventions and surgical procedures. The <a href=\"https:\/\/my.vanderbilt.edu\/bagl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Biomedical Image Analysis for Image-Guided Interventions Lab<\/a> (BAGL) investigates novel medical image processing and analysis techniques with emphasis on creating image analysis-based solutions to clinical problems. The lab explores state-of-the-art image analysis techniques, such as machine learning, statistical shape models, graph search methods, level set techniques, image registration techniques, and image-based bio-models. The lab is currently developing novel systems for cochlear implant procedures including systems that use image analysis techniques for (1) comprehensive pre-operative surgery planning and intra-operative guidance and (2) post-operative informatics to optimize hearing outcomes. Contact J<a href=\"mailto:jack.noble@vanderbilt.edu\">ack Noble<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"bml\" style=\"text-align: left\"><strong>Biomedical Modeling Laboratory (BML)<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-9516 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2023\/05\/19203322\/Miga-March-2022-206x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"106\" height=\"155\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2023\/05\/19203322\/Miga-March-2022-206x300.jpg 206w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2023\/05\/19203322\/Miga-March-2022-446x650.jpg 446w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2023\/05\/19203322\/Miga-March-2022-768x1119.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2023\/05\/19203322\/Miga-March-2022-69x100.jpg 69w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2023\/05\/19203322\/Miga-March-2022-1054x1536.jpg 1054w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2023\/05\/19203322\/Miga-March-2022-1406x2048.jpg 1406w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2023\/05\/19203322\/Miga-March-2022-scaled.jpg 1757w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 106px) 100vw, 106px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>PI: Michael I. Miga, Chair of Biomedical Engineering, Harvie Branscomb Professor, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Director of VISE<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">While research in diagnostic imaging, therapeutics, and drug delivery is quite extensive, advances in procedural medicine have lagged, largely due to the complexity and constraints associated with surgical and interventional research.\u00a0 However, with the recent breakthroughs in medical robotics, computer vision, artificial intelligence, and device fabrication, new opportunities are on the horizon for creating platform technologies characterized by an intentional design toward the dual purpose of treatment and discovery. Projects in the <strong>Biomedical Modeling Laboratory (BML, <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmigalab.org%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cmichelle.bukowski%40Vanderbilt.Edu%7C3bd9ff2574f94005f39008dd4a14e87b%7Cba5a7f39e3be4ab3b45067fa80faecad%7C0%7C0%7C638748175838726107%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=mKI5UAhJLKsnF6KUIlzKYohkY0n14ZGjbePuY764bC4%3D&amp;reserved=0\"><strong>https:\/\/migalab.org\/<\/strong><\/a><strong>)<\/strong>\u00a0center on complex biophysical models, methods of automation and procedural field surveillance, efforts toward data-driven procedures and therapy forecasting, and approaches integrating disease information associated with digital twins.\u00a0\u00a0 While it is difficult to be prescient on the forms that these forward-thinking platforms will take in precision medicine, it is clear that new requirements associated with data integration\/acquisition, automation, real-time computation, novel device development, and cost will likely be critical factors. Technologies will need to be enabling, efficient, and cost-effective and for medical systems that do not adapt precision care models, they will be left behind.\u00a0 Similarly, immersive training environments will be critical for working at the cutting-edge.\u00a0 To achieve, BML PI Dr. Mike Miga has pioneered one of those most innovative <a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s43683-021-00051-2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">immersive educational environments<\/a> in the world for engineering researchers working in the fields of surgery and intervention. Contact <a href=\"mailto:michael.i.miga@Vanderbilt.Edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Michael Miga <\/a><br \/>\nView BML lab video here: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/wrKTfxEIcAE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5673\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/vu-wp0\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2017\/02\/06085909\/YouTube-icon-full_color-300x211.png\" alt=\"Click here to view VISE affilate lab video\" width=\"42\" height=\"28\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"bbol\"><strong>Bowden Biomedical Optics (BBOL) <\/strong><strong>Laboratory<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-9744 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2022\/08\/19203230\/Bowden_Audrey-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"98\" height=\"147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2022\/08\/19203230\/Bowden_Audrey-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2022\/08\/19203230\/Bowden_Audrey-433x650.jpg 433w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2022\/08\/19203230\/Bowden_Audrey-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2022\/08\/19203230\/Bowden_Audrey-67x100.jpg 67w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2022\/08\/19203230\/Bowden_Audrey-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2022\/08\/19203230\/Bowden_Audrey-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2022\/08\/19203230\/Bowden_Audrey-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 98px) 100vw, 98px\" \/>PI: Audrey Bowden, Dorothy J Wingfield Phillips Chancellor Faculty Fellow<em>, <\/em>Associate Professor, Biomedical Engineering, Associate Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The primary aim of the <a href=\"https:\/\/lab.vanderbilt.edu\/bowdenlab\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bowden Biomedical Optics Laboratory (BBOL)<\/a> is to develop and deploy novel imaging and sensing technologies to address unmet clinical needs in medicine and biology.<br \/>\nWe blend knowledge and experience from diverse fields such as optics, microfluidics, signal processing and computer science to develop software- and hardware-based tools for the healthcare provider that advance the state of the art and aid in scientific discovery. While the majority of our solutions are relevant to optics, as engineers, we are committed to taking a \u201cwhatever means necessary\u201d approach to solving the clinical problem. We are also committed to developing novel solutions to improve delivery and affordability of healthcare in low-resource and resource-constrained environments. Our technologies and projects have found application in various clinical departments, including urology, dermatology, otolaryngology and women\u2019s health. Contact <a href=\"mailto:a.bowden@vanderbilt.edu\">Audrey Bowen<\/a><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"bien\"><strong>Brain Imaging and Electrophysiology Network (BIEN) Laboratory<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-5149 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/03\/19170928\/Englot_Dario-J-200x300.jpg\" width=\"103\" height=\"155\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/03\/19170928\/Englot_Dario-J-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/03\/19170928\/Englot_Dario-J-433x650.jpg 433w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/03\/19170928\/Englot_Dario-J-67x100.jpg 67w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/03\/19170928\/Englot_Dario-J.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 103px) 100vw, 103px\" \/><br \/>\n<strong>PI: Dario Englot, Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery, Radiology and Radiological Sciences, and Biomedical Engineering<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/my.vanderbilt.edu\/bien\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BIEN<\/a> lab integrates human neuroimaging and electrophysiology techniques to study brain networks in both neurological diseases and normal brain states. The lab is led by Dario Englot, a functional neurosurgeon at Vanderbilt. One major focus of the lab is to understand the complex network perturbations in patients with epilepsy, by relating network changes to neurocognitive problems, disease parameters, and changes in vigilance in this disabling disease. Multimodal data from human intracranial EEG, functional MRI, diffusion tensor imaging, and other tools are utilized to evaluate resting-state, seizure-related, and task-based paradigms. Other interests of the lab include the effects of brain surgery and neurostimulation on brain networks in epilepsy patients, and whether functional and structural connectivity patterns may change in patients after neurosurgical intervention. Through studying disease-based models, the group also hopes to achieve a better understanding of normal human brain network physiology related to consciousness, cognition, and arousal. Finally, surgical outcomes in functional neurosurgery, including deep brain stimulation, procedures for pain disorders, and epilepsy, are also being investigated. Contact <a href=\"mailto:dario.englot@vumc.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dario Englot<\/a><\/p>\n<p>View BIEN Lab video: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/YsLkJ-45-1w\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5673\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2017\/02\/19170902\/YouTube-icon-full_color-e1496757605533-300x211.png\" alt=\"Click here to view VISE affilate lab video\" width=\"42\" height=\"30\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"cstar\"><strong>C-Star Controls Laboratory<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-4167 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/03\/19171006\/Barth_21051-211x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"111\" height=\"158\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/03\/19171006\/Barth_21051-211x300.jpg 211w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/03\/19171006\/Barth_21051-457x650.jpg 457w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/03\/19171006\/Barth_21051-70x100.jpg 70w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/03\/19171006\/Barth_21051.jpg 639w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 111px) 100vw, 111px\" \/><strong>PI: Eric Barth, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Professor of Neurological Surgery<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Our lab seeks to develop and experimentally apply a system-dynamics and control perspective to problems involving the control and transduction of energy. This is typically applied to problems in the fluid power domain (pneumatics and hydraulics) mixed with other energy domains (mechanical, thermal, etc). Our specific expertise in precision pneumatic control and mechanical design has enabled the realization of MRI compatible, pneumatically actuated, robotic platforms capable of accurate manipulation and force control for surgical tasks. Our lab is one of a handful in the world that have experimentally achieved control of pneumatic systems at the submillimetric accuracies needed for MRI compatible surgical systems. Pneumatic systems are highly nonlinear, high order dynamic systems and require sophisticated model-based nonlinear control for stability robustness, desirable dynamic response, and high accuracy positioning. Our lab also has an interest in designing and controlling pneumatic and hydraulic-powered soft robots for clinical and non-clinical applications. Most recent research efforts have focused on MRI compatible pneumatically actuated robotics, mechanical circulatory support devices including artificial hearts, and soft robotics, a new class of robot. Contact <a href=\"mailto:eric.j.barth@Vanderbilt.Edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eric Barth<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"diigi\" class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>Diagnostic Imaging and Image-Guided Interventions (DIIGI) Laboratory<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-5214 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/03\/19170926\/tao-kenny.jpg\" alt=\"photo of Kenny Tao\" width=\"100\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/03\/19170926\/tao-kenny.jpg 100w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/03\/19170926\/tao-kenny-67x100.jpg 67w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px\" \/>PI: Yuankai (Kenny) Tao, <span style=\"font-size: 1.2rem\">Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, <\/span>SPIE Faculty Fellow in Engineering, Director of Graduate Studies in Biomedical Engineering<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Diagnostic Imaging and Image-Guided Interventions (<a href=\"https:\/\/diigi-lab.mystrikingly.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DIIGI<\/a>)\u00a0Laboratory develops novel optical imaging systems for clinical diagnostics and therapeutic monitoring in ophthalmology and oncology. Biomedical optics enable non-invasive subcellular visualization of tissue morphology, biological dynamics, and disease pathogenesis. Our ongoing research primarily focuses on clinical translation of therapeutic tools for image-guided intraoperative feedback using modalities including optical coherence tomography (OCT), which provides high-resolution volumetric imaging of weakly scattering tissue; and nonlinear microscopy, which has improved molecular-specificity, imaging depth, and contrast over conventional white-light and fluorescence microscopy. Additionally, we have developed optical imaging techniques that exploit intrinsic functional contrast for <em>in vivo<\/em> monitoring of blood flow and oxygenation as surrogate biomarkers of cellular metabolism and early indicators of disease. The majority of our research projects are multidisciplinary collaborations between investigators in engineering, basic sciences, and medicine. Contact <a href=\"mailto:yuankai.tao@vanderbilt.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Yuankai (Kenny) Tao<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0View DIIGI\u00a0lab video here:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/sVEMPOEC72E?list=PLB1EPeYUwa4lAZTULKKdQxrPStTO7obhT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5673\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/vu-wp0\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2017\/02\/06085909\/YouTube-icon-full_color-300x211.png\" alt=\"Click here to view VISE affilate lab video\" width=\"42\" height=\"28\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"hrlb\"><strong>tHe biomedical data Representation and Learning laB<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-4928\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2021\/11\/19203417\/YuankaiHuo.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"125\" height=\"148\" \/><strong>PI: Yuankai Huo, Assistant Professor in Computer Science<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/my.vanderbilt.edu\/huolab\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">HRLB<\/a> lab aims to facilitate data-driven healthcare and improve patient outcomes through innovations in medical image analysis as well as multi-modal data representation and learning. Our current focus efforts on quantifying high-resolution and spatial-temporal data from microscopy imaging techniques, including renal pathology, cancer pathology, cytology, computational biology.\u00a0 The quantitative imaging information is associated with molecular, genetic, and clinical features for precise diagnosis and treatment. Contact <a href=\"mailto:yuankai.huo@vanderbilt.edu\">Yuankai Huo<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"iomt\"><strong>Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) Lab<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-9877 \" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2022\/09\/19203153\/James_Weimer-150x150.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"135\" height=\"135\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2022\/09\/19203153\/James_Weimer-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2022\/09\/19203153\/James_Weimer-80x80.jpeg 80w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2022\/09\/19203153\/James_Weimer-100x100.jpeg 100w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2022\/09\/19203153\/James_Weimer-190x190.jpeg 190w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2022\/09\/19203153\/James_Weimer.jpeg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 135px) 100vw, 135px\" \/>PI: James Weimer, Assistant Professor of Computer Science<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The internet of medical things (IoMT) consists of devices, infrastructure, and software connected through communication networks (e.g., the internet or hospital intranet).\u00a0 Consequently, in the past decade, the IoMT has grown to incorporate most commercial medical devices and consumer health products.\u00a0 In the IoMT lab, we seek to push the boundaries of how the IoMT can impact clinical care and patient health.\u00a0 The IoMT lab connects clinicians and engineers with the IoMT to create new inter-operable learning-enabled medical systems.\u00a0 Through collaborative interdisciplinary use-inspired research, we seek to address three foundational challenges facing the IoMT.\u00a0 First, the IoMT requires systems and protocols for identifying and collecting the right data in a timely manner. Second, the IoMT data must be processed to provide actionable feedback to clinicians and caregivers.\u00a0 Third, the IoMT should safely automate some aspects of care to reduce clinician and caregiver workload. To maximize the real-world IoMT lab impact, we go beyond traditional academic research and innovate &#8212; often developing intellectual property that is licensed to commercial entities. Through licensing and research, the IoMT lab has partnered with startup companies such as Neuralert and Vasowatch, as well as larger companies including Hill-Rom. Graduate and undergraduate students in the IoMT Lab have a unique educational experience that includes working side-by-side with clinicians.\u00a0 In the IoMT lab, students are encouraged to not only work on lab projects, but to pursue their own ideas as they learn to be both researchers and innovators in medical devices and health technologies. Contact <a href=\"mailto:james.weimer@Vanderbilt.Edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">James Weimer<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"kuntz-lab\"><strong>Kuntz Lab<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-7783 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/09\/19170743\/AlanKuntz-297x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"126\" height=\"127\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/09\/19170743\/AlanKuntz-297x300.jpg 297w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/09\/19170743\/AlanKuntz-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/09\/19170743\/AlanKuntz-768x776.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/09\/19170743\/AlanKuntz-643x650.jpg 643w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/09\/19170743\/AlanKuntz-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/09\/19170743\/AlanKuntz-99x100.jpg 99w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/09\/19170743\/AlanKuntz-190x190.jpg 190w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 126px) 100vw, 126px\" \/><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>PI: Alan Kuntz, Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Computer Science<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/kuntz-lab.github.io\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kuntz Lab<\/a> is an interdisciplinary robotics research group at 五一茶馆儿 focused on autonomous surgery, continuum robotics, and microsurgical systems. We develop computational methods and robotic systems that bring intelligent autonomy to medical procedures \u2014 making surgery safer, less invasive, and more precise.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3\">Our work spans the full stack of medical robotics: from foundational motion planning algorithms to in vivo robotic systems demonstrated in living subjects. Notable highlights include the first demonstration of\u00a0<strong>autonomous medical needle steering in vivo<\/strong>, published in\u00a0<em>Science Robotics<\/em>\u00a0and featured in Forbes.<br \/>\nContact <a href=\"mailto:alan.kuntz@vanderbilt.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alan Kuntz<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Laboratory for Organ Recovery, Regeneration and Replacement (LOR3)<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-7367 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/01\/19170803\/Bacchetta_Matthew1-214x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"126\" height=\"176\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/01\/19170803\/Bacchetta_Matthew1-214x300.jpg 214w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/01\/19170803\/Bacchetta_Matthew1-768x1075.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/01\/19170803\/Bacchetta_Matthew1-464x650.jpg 464w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/01\/19170803\/Bacchetta_Matthew1-71x100.jpg 71w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 126px) 100vw, 126px\" \/><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>PI: Matthew Bacchetta, H. William Scott, Jr. Chair in Surgery, Associate Professor of Surgery<\/strong><br \/>\nThe LOR3 is focused on creating organ support systems that provide extended physiologic support for injured organs, bioengineering platforms for organ recovery and regeneration as well as developing artificial pulmonary assist devices. The lab maintains a full complement of devices used for extracorporeal life support and has developed durable support systems for lung and liver with translational potential. It works in partnerships with programs at VUMC, Carnegie Mellon University and Columbia University. The LOR3 is dedicated to translating basic science research into clinical platforms for patients with end organ failure.<\/p>\n<p>Contact <a href=\"mailto:matthew.bacchetta@vumc.org\">Matthew Bacchetta<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"maple\"><strong>Machine Automation, Perception, and Learning (MAPLE) Laboratory<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-9381 \" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2022\/01\/19203407\/Jie-Ying-Wu-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"120\" height=\"120\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2022\/01\/19203407\/Jie-Ying-Wu-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2022\/01\/19203407\/Jie-Ying-Wu-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2022\/01\/19203407\/Jie-Ying-Wu-190x190.jpg 190w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 120px) 100vw, 120px\" \/>PI: Jie Ying Wu, Assistant Professor, Computer Science<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>At the <a href=\"https:\/\/vu-maple-lab.github.io\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MAPLE lab<\/a>, our goal is to build intelligent surgical robots that can assist surgeons in the operation room. While surgical robots have changed many procedures by providing higher dexterity, motion scaling, and other innovations, they are still only extensions of the surgeon\u2019s arms. By modeling different aspects of surgery and how they interact, we aim to make the robots more capable. We use machine learning to augment traditional modeling techniques, such as correcting physics-based soft-tissue models with observations of tissue interactions. We work with clinicians to use accurate soft-tissue models to provide guidance during surgeries based on preoperative imaging. Another project looks at modeling how expert surgeons move surgical instruments and the endoscope during procedures, which can help us develop better ways to train novice surgeons. At the same time, we are building models of the trainee\u2019s actions, eye-gaze, and pupillometry to obtain insight into their cognitive load. We use this to develop a personalized curriculum and feedback. Contact <a href=\"mailto:JieYing.Wu@vanderbilt.edu\">Jie Ying Wu<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mint\"><strong>Machine Intelligence and Neural Technologies (MINT) Laboratory<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-9211\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2021\/09\/19203434\/SKolouri-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"137\" height=\"137\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2021\/09\/19203434\/SKolouri-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2021\/09\/19203434\/SKolouri-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2021\/09\/19203434\/SKolouri-650x650.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2021\/09\/19203434\/SKolouri-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2021\/09\/19203434\/SKolouri-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2021\/09\/19203434\/SKolouri-190x190.jpg 190w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2021\/09\/19203434\/SKolouri.jpg 704w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 137px) 100vw, 137px\" \/>PI: Soheil Kolouri, Assistant Professor of Computer Science<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>At the <a title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/lab.vanderbilt.edu\/mint-lab\/ Click to follow link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flab.vanderbilt.edu%2Fmint-lab%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7Cmichelle.bukowski%40vanderbilt.edu%7C542f547b5b46498a541b08da1918cc58%7Cba5a7f39e3be4ab3b45067fa80faecad%7C0%7C0%7C637849891536596852%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=dIDn7GKRfJu%2FyJNiS1a18BJpuWSCMLfV8UQBciGvs%2Bs%3D&amp;reserved=0\">Machine Intelligence and Neural Technologies (MINT) Lab<\/a>, we develop next-generation core Machine Learning (ML) solutions for practical problems in medicine and strive to advance healthcare. Our interdisciplinary team at MINT Lab uses biological inspirations together with mathematical and geometrical tools to innovate theoretically grounded algorithms that address the current deficiencies in ML technologies regarding lifelong\/continual learning, sample\/label efficiency, explainability, and brittleness. In one of our main research thrusts, we develop brain-inspired, robust machine intelligence that can continually learn and adapt to the input stream of nonstationary multimodal data. Continual learning is specifically relevant to medical applications where: 1) the data is continually accumulated from new patients, and 2) diseases constantly mutate and new variants emerge. We are developing next-generation computational models that adapt to these constant variations, learn from the past to solve future problems and leverage new knowledge to improve the previous solutions. Our research is highly interdisciplinary, and we have collaborations across fields including computer science, biomedical engineering, cognitive science, electrical engineering, and neuroscience. Contact <a href=\"mailto:soheil.kolouri@Vanderbilt.Edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Soheil Kolouri<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"med\"><strong>Medical Engineering and Discovery (MED) Laboratory<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-5221 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/03\/19170926\/bob-webster.jpg\" alt=\"photo of Robert Webster\" width=\"100\" height=\"118\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/03\/19170926\/bob-webster.jpg 100w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2019\/03\/19170926\/bob-webster-85x100.jpg 85w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px\" \/>PI: Robert J. Webster III, Senior Associate Provost for Commercialization and Technology Transfer, Richard A. Schroeder Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Professor of Mechanical Engineering<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Vanderbilt School of Engineering&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalengineeringlab.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Medical Engineering and Discovery (MED) Laboratory <\/a>pursues research at the interface of surgery and engineering.\u00a0\u00a0Our mission is to enhance the lives of patients by engineering better devices and tools to assist physicians. Much of our current research involves designing and constructing the next generation of surgical robotic systems that are less invasive, more intelligent, and more accurate. These devices typically work collaboratively with surgeons, assisting them with image guidance and dexterity in small spaces. Creating these devices involves research in design, modeling, control, and human interfaces for novel robots. Specific current projects include needle-sized tentacle-like robots, advanced manual laparoscopic instruments with wrists and elbows, image guidance for high-accuracy inner ear surgery and abdominal soft tissue procedures, and swallowable pill-sized robots for interventions in the gastrointestinal tract. Contact <a href=\"mailto:robert.webster@vanderbilt.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Robert Webster<\/a>\u00a0.<br \/>\nView MED\u00a0lab video here:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/rhr0MktSGX8?list=PLB1EPeYUwa4lAZTULKKdQxrPStTO7obhT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5673\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/vu-wp0\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2017\/02\/06085909\/YouTube-icon-full_color-300x211.png\" alt=\"Click here to view VISE affilate lab video\" width=\"42\" height=\"28\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"masi\"><strong>Medical-image Analysis and Statistical Interpretation (MASI) Laboratory<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-6158\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2013\/06\/19170849\/Landman-web-image-209x300.jpg\" width=\"119\" height=\"167\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>PI: Bennett Landman, Director, Vanderbilt Lab for Immersive AI Translation (VALIANT), Stevenson Chair, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Three-dimensional medical images are changing the way we understand our minds, describe our bodies, and care for ourselves. In the <a href=\"https:\/\/my.vanderbilt.edu\/masi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">MASI lab<\/a>, we believe that only a small fraction of this potential has been tapped. We are applying medical image processing to capture the richness of human variation at the population level to learn about complex factors impacting individuals. Our focus is on innovations in robust content analysis, modern statistical methods, and imaging informatics. We partner broadly with clinical and basic science researchers to recognize and resolve technical, practical, and theoretical challenges to translating medical image computing techniques for the benefit of patient care. Contact <a href=\"mailto:bennett.landman@vanderbilt.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bennett Landman<\/a><br \/>\nView MASI lab video here:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/qDyNS-nHF9Q?list=PLB1EPeYUwa4lAZTULKKdQxrPStTO7obhT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5673\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/vu-wp0\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2017\/02\/06085909\/YouTube-icon-full_color-300x211.png\" alt=\"Click here to view VISE affilate lab video\" width=\"42\" height=\"28\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"medicl\"><strong>Medical Image Computing Laboratory (MedICL)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-7108\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2018\/08\/19170814\/I-Oguz-194x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"105\" height=\"162\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2018\/08\/19170814\/I-Oguz-194x300.jpg 194w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2018\/08\/19170814\/I-Oguz-768x1185.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2018\/08\/19170814\/I-Oguz-421x650.jpg 421w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2018\/08\/19170814\/I-Oguz-65x100.jpg 65w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2018\/08\/19170814\/I-Oguz.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 105px) 100vw, 105px\" \/>PI: Ipek Oguz, Associate Professor of Computer Science<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The goal of the Medical Image Computing Lab is to develop novel algorithms for better leveraging the wealth of data available in medical imagery. We are interested in a wide variety of methods including image segmentation, image registration, image prediction\/synthesis, and machine learning. One of our current clinical applications is Huntington\u2019s disease, where we are interested in improving the prediction of clinical disease onset through longitudinal segmentation of subcortical and cortical anatomy from brain MRI\u2019s. We are also interested in multiple sclerosis, where we work on improving our understanding of both the inflammatory disease process through lesion quantification and a potential complementary neurodegenerative component through cortical thickness studies. Additional application areas include retinal OCTs and diffusion MRI in Aicardi-Gouti\u00e8res syndrome.<\/p>\n<p>Contact: <a href=\"ipek.oguz@Vanderbilt.Edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ipek Oguz<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mip\"><strong>Medical Image Processing (MIP) Laboratory<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-5222 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2025\/02\/21121826\/Dawant-crop-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of Benoit Dawant\" width=\"100\" height=\"118\" \/>PI: Benoit Dawant, Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Engineering, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The medical image processing (MIP) laboratory of the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) Department conducts research in the area of medical image processing and analysis. The core algorithmic expertise of the laboratory is image segmentation and registration. The laboratory is involved in a number of collaborative projects both with others in the engineering school and with investigators in the medical school.\u00a0 Ongoing research projects include developing and testing image processing algorithms to (1) automatically localize radiosensitive structures to facilitate radiotherapy planning, (2) assist in the placement and programming of Deep Brain Stimulators used to treat Parkinson&#8217;s disease, (3) localize automatically structures that need to be avoided while placing cochlear implants, (4) develop methods for cochlear implant programming or (5) track brain shift during surgery. The laboratory expertise spans the entire spectrum between algorithmic development and clinical deployment. Several projects that have been initiated in the laboratory have been translated to clinical use or have reached the stage of clinical prototype at Vanderbilt and at other collaborative institutions. Components of these systems have been commercialized. Contact <a href=\"mailto:benoit.dawant@vanderbilt.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Benoit Dawant<\/a><br \/>\nView MIP lab video here:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/z27hU51f9EE?list=PLB1EPeYUwa4lAZTULKKdQxrPStTO7obhT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5673\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/vu-wp0\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2017\/02\/06085909\/YouTube-icon-full_color-300x211.png\" alt=\"Click here to view VISE affilate lab video\" width=\"42\" height=\"28\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"dong\"><strong>Miniature Robotics Laboratory (Dong Lab)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-9469\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2017\/02\/19203340\/Dong_Xiaoguang-1-e1648038748189.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"109\" height=\"154\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2017\/02\/19203340\/Dong_Xiaoguang-1-e1648038748189.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2017\/02\/19203340\/Dong_Xiaoguang-1-e1648038748189-71x100.jpeg 71w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 109px) 100vw, 109px\" \/>PI: Xiaoguang Dong, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/xgdongcmu.github.io\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Miniature Robotics Laboratory<\/strong><\/a> is focusing on the design and control of the shape-morphing behaviors (single-body deformation and collective formations) in various soft matter to create functional miniature soft machines and minimally invasive medical devices. These miniature soft machines and medical devices are further integrated with their wireless actuation (e.g. magnetic), control and sensing systems, to resolve challenging problems in minimally invasive medical procedures. Ongoing research highlight includes developing novel minimally invasive medical functions of soft miniature robots, such as biofluid pumping, local drug delivery, and targeted biopsy. The long-term research of Dong Lab focuses on three aspects: 1) The design, manufacture and control of miniature soft robots, and their applications in minimally invasive medicine, microfluidics and biomechanics. 2) The design, manufacture and control of miniature swarm robots, and their applications in biomedicine and biomechanics. 3) The modeling, design, manufacture and control of intelligent soft materials and devices based on mechanics model and machine learning. <strong>Contact<\/strong>: <a href=\"mailto:xiaoguang.dong@Vanderbilt.Edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Xiaoguang Dong<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"morgan\"><strong>Morgan Lab: Engineering and Imaging in Epilepsy<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-7291\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2018\/11\/19170807\/Morgan_Victoria_small.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"100\" height=\"140\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2018\/11\/19170807\/Morgan_Victoria_small.jpg 206w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2018\/11\/19170807\/Morgan_Victoria_small-71x100.jpg 71w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px\" \/>PI: Vicky Morgan, Professor of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Professor of Neurology, Professor of Neurological Surgery<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Morgan <a href=\"https:\/\/my.vanderbilt.edu\/vlmorgan\/217-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Engineering and Imaging in Epilepsy Lab<\/a> works closely with the departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery to develop Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) methods to improve neurosurgical outcomes, particularly for patients with epilepsy. We directly support clinical care by developing and providing functional MRI to localize eloquent cortex in the brain to aid in surgical planning to minimize functional and cognitive deficits post surgery. Our research focuses on mapping functional and structural brain networks in epilepsy before and after surgical treatment. Ultimately, we aim to use MRI to fully characterize the spatial and temporal impacts of seizures across the brain to optimize management of epilepsy patients. The Morgan lab has on-going research collaborations with the BIEN (Englot) Lab, the Medical Imaging Processing Laboratory (Dawant), the MASI Lab (Landman) and researchers throughout the Vanderbilt Institute of Imaging Science (VUIIS). Contact <a href=\"mailto:victoria.morgan@Vanderbilt.Edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vicky Morgan<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"chang\"><strong>Neuroimaging and Brain Dynamics (NEURDY) Laboratory<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-7098\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2018\/08\/19170814\/Catie-Chang-209x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"100\" height=\"143\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2018\/08\/19170814\/Catie-Chang-209x300.jpg 209w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2018\/08\/19170814\/Catie-Chang-768x1101.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2018\/08\/19170814\/Catie-Chang-454x650.jpg 454w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2018\/08\/19170814\/Catie-Chang-70x100.jpg 70w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2018\/08\/19170814\/Catie-Chang.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px\" \/>PI: Catie Chang, Sally and Dave Hopkins Faculty Fellow, Assistant Professor of Computer Science<em>, <\/em>Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The goal of our research is to advance understanding of brain function in health and disease. We develop approaches for studying human brain activity by integrating functional neuroimaging (fMRI, EEG) and computational analysis techniques. In one avenue, we are examining the dynamics of large-scale brain networks and translating this information into novel fMRI biomarkers. To enable clearer inferences about brain function with fMRI, we also work toward resolving the complex neural and physiological underpinnings of fMRI signals. Our research is highly interdisciplinary and collaborative, bridging fields such as engineering, computer science, neuroscience, psychology, and medicine. Contact <a href=\"mailto:catie.chang@vanderbilt.edu\">Catie Chang<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cchanglab.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">NEURDY Lab<\/a><br \/>\nView <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/Q2rxX6L8RJQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">N<\/a>EURDY lab video <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/Q2rxX6L8RJQ\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5673\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2017\/02\/19170902\/YouTube-icon-full_color-e1496757605533-300x211.png\" alt=\"Click here to view VISE affilate lab video\" width=\"50\" height=\"35\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"storm\"><strong>Science and Technology for Robotics in Medicine (STORM) Laboratory<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-9462 \" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2017\/02\/19203341\/Obstein_Keith_-1-150x150.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2017\/02\/19203341\/Obstein_Keith_-1-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2017\/02\/19203341\/Obstein_Keith_-1-80x80.jpeg 80w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2017\/02\/19203341\/Obstein_Keith_-1-190x190.jpeg 190w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Director STORM Lab USA and PI: Keith L. Obstein, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition; Department of Mechanical Engineering\u2014五一茶馆儿<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Director STORM Lab UK and PI: Pietro Valdastri, School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering\u2014University of Leeds; Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Divisions of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition\u2014五一茶馆儿<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>At the <a href=\"https:\/\/my.vanderbilt.edu\/stormlab\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">STORM Lab<\/a> we strive to improve the quality of life for people undergoing endoscopy and abdominal surgery by creating miniature and non-invasive capsule robots.<\/p>\n<p>The continuous quest for miniaturization has made the science fiction vision of miniature capsule robots working inside the human body a reality.\u00a0 At the STORM Lab, we are designing and creating mechatronic and self-contained devices to be used inside specific districts of the human body to detect and cure diseases in a non-invasive and minimally invasive manner.<\/p>\n<p>Capsule robots represent a challenging paradigm for both research and learning.\u00a0 They embed sensors, actuators, digital intelligence, miniature mechanisms, communication systems, and power supply, all in a very small volume.\u00a0 Capsule robots may be autonomous or teleoperated, they can work alone or as a team, and they can be customized to fulfill specific functions.\u00a0 We are currently applying capsule robot technologies to early detection and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers (i.e. colorectal cancer, gastric cancer) and are developing a new generation of surgical robots that can enter the patient\u2019s abdomen by a single tiny incision. Building upon these competences, we are always ready to face new challenges by modifying our capsule robots to emerging medical needs. Contact <a href=\"mailto:keith.obstein@vanderbilt.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Keith Obstein<br \/>\n<\/a>View STORM Lab video <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/uMXeAIXmklw\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5673\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2017\/02\/19170902\/YouTube-icon-full_color-e1496757605533-300x211.png\" alt=\"Click here to view VISE affilate lab video\" width=\"42\" height=\"30\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"symbio\"><strong>SYMBIO &#8211; X Lab<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-11115 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2025\/01\/17140942\/YayunDu-portrait-226x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"125\" height=\"166\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2025\/01\/17140942\/YayunDu-portrait-226x300.jpg 226w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2025\/01\/17140942\/YayunDu-portrait-490x650.jpg 490w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2025\/01\/17140942\/YayunDu-portrait-75x100.jpg 75w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2025\/01\/17140942\/YayunDu-portrait.jpg 683w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 125px) 100vw, 125px\" \/><strong>PI: Yayun Du, Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 1.2rem\">The <\/span><a style=\"font-size: 1.2rem;background-color: #ffffff\" href=\"https:\/\/duyayun.github.io\/research\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">lab<\/a><span style=\"font-size: 1.2rem\"> focuses on advancing bioelectronics and intelligent systems through three key areas:<br \/>\n<\/span><b>Wearable and Implantable Bioelectronic Sensors<\/b>: We design, fabricate, and develop signal processing for multimodal, multi-point bioelectronic systems, with applications in intelligent health monitoring, disease diagnosis, and prevention, particularly in brain and cardiovascular science.<br \/>\n<b>Human-in-the-Loop Interaction<\/b>: We create safe and efficient systems for human-robot\/computer interaction, leveraging bioelectronics and brain-computer interfaces to enhance functionality and user experience.<br \/>\n<b>Adaptive Robotics and Automation<\/b>: We integrate sensing, control, and machine learning (including reinforcement learning) to develop adaptive robotics for challenging medical environments, such as hospital wards and ICUs.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"vine\"><strong>Visual Informatics and Engineering (VINE) Laboratory<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-9779 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2022\/08\/19203217\/Daniel-Moyer-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"103\" height=\"103\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2022\/08\/19203217\/Daniel-Moyer-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2022\/08\/19203217\/Daniel-Moyer-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2022\/08\/19203217\/Daniel-Moyer-650x650.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2022\/08\/19203217\/Daniel-Moyer-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2022\/08\/19203217\/Daniel-Moyer-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2022\/08\/19203217\/Daniel-Moyer-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2022\/08\/19203217\/Daniel-Moyer-190x190.jpg 190w, https:\/\/cdn.vanderbilt.edu\/vu-URL\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/193\/2022\/08\/19203217\/Daniel-Moyer.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 103px) 100vw, 103px\" \/><strong>PI: Daniel Moyer, Assistant Professor, Computer Science<\/strong><br \/>\nProfessor Moyer&#8217;s group is working to bridge the gap between Machine Learning, and Medical Imaging. We work directly with clinicians and researchers to translate advances in computer vision to better outcomes for patients, and new discoveries in imaging-based scientific fields. While we&#8217;re most used to MRI and CT, we&#8217;re not afraid to look into new domains, and we&#8217;re always happy to meet with new potential collaborators to discuss what might be possible. Contact <a href=\"mailto:daniel.moyer@Vanderbilt.Edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Daniel Moyer<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>VISE Affiliated Labs The Vanderbilt Institute for Surgery and Engineering (VISE) is an interdisciplinary, trans-institutional entity designed to facilitate these interactions and exchanges. Its mission is the creation, development, implementation, clinical evaluation and commercialization of methods, devices, algorithms, and systems designed to facilitate interventional processes and their outcome. Its goal is to become the premier&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":717,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-vise-affiliated-labs.php","meta":{"spay_email":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"tags":[],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/P98pzF-1lp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vanderbilt.edu\/vise\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5171"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vanderbilt.edu\/vise\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vanderbilt.edu\/vise\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vanderbilt.edu\/vise\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/717"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vanderbilt.edu\/vise\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5171"}],"version-history":[{"count":169,"href":"https:\/\/www.vanderbilt.edu\/vise\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5171\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6154,"href":"https:\/\/www.vanderbilt.edu\/vise\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5171\/revisions\/6154"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vanderbilt.edu\/vise\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5171"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vanderbilt.edu\/vise\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5171"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}