Associate Professor Tom O'Sullivan was the faculty presenter at the October networking luncheon for Notre Dame Nanoscience and Technology. His presentation, entitled "Noninvasive measurements of tissue blood flow using diffuse correlation spectroscopy," summarized progress on a 2020 NDnano Seed Grant project. Collaborators on this project include Assistant Professor Joshua Koen from the Department of Psychology and Associate Professor Anthony Hoffman, Department of Electrical Engineering. 

Dr. O’Sullivan provided background to the audience on diffuse correlation spectroscopy, its application to physiological monitoring, and the need for this type of non-invasive technology. He also discussed results from the project and initial applications to monitor blood circulation. This research has already led to a grant from the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute. Notre Dame researchers are partnering with Indiana University and Riley Children’s Hospital to see if this technology can aid in monitoring babies born with a dependency on opioids.

Overall, this collaborative project aims to develop a method for imaging cerebral blood flow (CBF) to allow neuroscientists and neurologists to more clearly understand the complex link between neural activity and CBF. The team's work addresses current deficiencies in optical-based diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS): constrained imaging capabilities, reduced spatial and temporal resolution, limited signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and depth penetration, and increased system footprint and cost.

NDnano sponsors monthly networking meetings to provide a forum for faculty and staff to discuss recent research, probe new ideas, and connect with new collaborators. Visit the NDnano Events page to learn about future networking sessions.