Hak Soo Choi, PhD

Our research at the Bioengineering and Nanomedicine (BENMD) Program focuses on developing innovative theranostic agents for the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of human diseases, particularly cancer and inflammatory conditions, through cutting-edge molecular imaging technology. To achieve this, we have assembled a multidisciplinary team of chemists, engineers, biologists, physicists, and surgeons, fostering a truly unique environment where experts from diverse fields collaborate toward a shared goal.

At the Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, we are pioneering the integration of optical imaging technology with nuclear medicine, enabling precise anatomical and functional imaging for both diagnostics and treatment. By combining our image-guided surgery system with targeted contrast agents, we have the potential to revolutionize cancer surgery and treatment.

Our research is centered around six key areas:

1. Bioimaging Devices: Developing real-time functional intraoperative imaging tools to enhance surgical precision.
2. Targeted Contrast Agents: Designing tissue- and organ-specific agents for improved diagnosis and treatment.
3. Image-Guided Drug Delivery: Advancing systems for precise, image-guided therapeutic interventions.
4. Immuno-Oncology Imaging: Investigating immune and oncological mechanisms to improve treatment strategies.
5. Space Medicine: Enabling real-time monitoring of physiological changes in astronauts.
6. Clinical Translation: Bringing tissue engineering and image-guided surgery innovations from the lab to patient care.

Through these initiatives, our program is shaping the future of medical imaging and therapeutics, driving breakthroughs that have the potential to transform patient outcomes.