Tkaczyk named SPIE fellow

Tomasz Tkaczyk

Rice University’s Tomasz Tkaczyk has been elected a fellow of SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics. He was chosen for his achievements in optical instrumentation for bioimaging and for his service to the optics community and SPIE.

Tkaczyk, an associate professor of bioengineering and of electrical and computer engineering, joined Rice in 2007. His research focuses on the development and clinical translation of instruments that combine miniature optics, opto-mechanics, electronics and software, and snapshot hyperspectral microscopy for rapid medical diagnostics and treatment at the point of care.

He has optimized several imaging platforms and systems for biomedical applications, including in-vivo cancer imaging, retinal imaging and cell signaling. The compact size and high-performance capabilities of many optical devices developed in his laboratory at Rice’s BioScience Research Collaborative (BRC) make them ideal for use in various clinical settings around the world. A new project in Tkaczyk’s laboratory involves customizing miniature optics and integrated digital microscopy for the early screening and treatment of tuberculosis.

Tkaczyk has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and two book chapters. He has served on and chaired SPIE committees and has authored more than 40 SPIE publications, including journal and conference papers, along with the Field Guide to Microscopy, among the top five best-selling books by SPIE in 2010.

Last May, Tkaczyk was the chair and organizer of the inaugural SPIE conference in translational biophotonics, held at the BRC. He will host the forum again in 2016. SPIE will recognize the 58 new fellows selected in 2015 at meetings throughout the year.