Ronald Xu, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Department of Biomedical Engineering

Degree: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Postdoctoral Training: Stanford University, Mark Cutkosky

Contact Information
286 Bevis Hall
1080 Carmack Road
Columbus, OH 43210
PHONE: (614) 688-3635
FAX: (614) 292-7301
E-MAIL: xu.202@osu.edu

Link to NLM PubMed publications list for Ronald Xu (last 10 years)

Research Area:

Medical device design & innovation, biomedical imaging, tissue optics.

Current Research:

Multi-modal, dynamic imaging of biological tissue in vivo
We aim at developing a multi-modal imaging platform that integrates structural modalities (such as ultrasound) and functional modalities (such as near infrared spectroscopy) for real time, dynamic imaging of biological tissue in response to external stimuli (such as mechanical compression and venous/arterial occlusion).

Quantitative assessment of tissue oxygen dynamics and blood perfusion in vivo
Tissue oxygen dynamics and its regulatory mechanisms under normal and abnormal conditions, is critical for effective detection and treatment of various diseases, including cancers, retinopathies and cardiovascular diseases. Recent developments in molecular biology have given us new insight into the cellular pathways of energy metabolism, as well as their integration to tissues and organs. However, existing imaging tools cannot provide a complete picture of tissue and cellular oxygen dynamics in vivo, which makes the quantitative analysis of metabolic pathways particularly challenging. We aim at understanding tissue oxygen dynamics by using multiple imaging modalities, developing macroscopic bioenergetic models, and exploring novel contrast agents.