Bio-Optics: Design and Application (BODA)
Events
Bio-Optics: Design and Applications (BODA)
21 – 24 April 2025
Coronado, California, USA
BODA addresses all aspects of developing and applying biomedical optical technologies for the life sciences, including biology, biotechnology, biophysics, and clinical research.
The topical meeting provides an opportunity for researchers and engineers across both academia and industry to discuss developments and challenges in the design, manufacturing and application of biomedical optical instrumentation.
Optica Quantum 2.0 Conference and Exhibition
Topic Categories
Specific topics of interest include:
- Novel Biomedical Optical Technology
- Design and Fabrication of Biomedical Optical Devices
- Ophthalmic Imaging and Sensing
- Biochips and Optofluidics
- Instruments and Systems for Clinical Imaging
- Nanophotonics for Biomedicine
- Signal and Image Processing for Biomedical Optics
- Machine Learning for Image Reconstruction, Interpretation and Optical Design
Committee Members
- Kathy Beaudette, Castor Optics Inc.;Canada, General Chair
- Martin Villiger, Wellman Center for Photomedicine, United States, General Chair
- Kate Grieve, Institut De La Vision Paris, France, Program Chair
- DongKyun Kang, Univ of Arizona, Coll of Opt Sciences, United States, Program Chair
- Steven Adie, Cornell University, United States
- Vanderlei Bagnato, USP Inst de Fisica de Sao Carlos, Brazil
- Michalina Gora, Wyss Center for Bio and Neuro Engineer, Switzerland
- Pilhan Kim, Korea Advanced Inst of Science & Tech, Republic Of Korea
- Kivanc Kose, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, United States
- Hui Leung, Indiana University, Bloomington
- Pedro Mece, Institut Langevin, France
- Jonas Ogien, Damae Medical, France
- Ruben Ramos-Garcia, Inst Nat Astrofisica Optica Electronica, Mexico
- Francisco Robles, Georgia Institute of Technology
- Marcelo Saito Nogueira, Tyndall National Institute, Ireland
- Ali Yanik, University of California Santa Cruz
- Sixian You, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, United States
- Linhui Yu, Apple Inc., United States
Chairs
Kathy Beaudette
Castor Optics Inc., Canada,
General Chair
Martin Villiger
Wellman Center for Photomedicine, United States,
General Chair
Kate Grieve
Institut De La Vision Paris, France,
Program Chair
DongKyun Kang
Univ of Arizona, Coll of Opt Sciences, United States,
Program Chair
Invited Speakers
- Mini Das, University of Houston, United States
X-ray Phase Imaging - Xu Feng, University of Texas at Dallas, United States
Advancing High-resolution, Quantitative Measurement of Corneal and Lens Biomechanics Using Optical Coherence Elastography - Mooseok Jang, Korea Advanced Inst of Science & Tech, Republic Of Korea
Phase Imaging, Holography, Deep Learning - Javier Jo, University of Oklahoma, United States
Photodiagnostics - Léa Krafft, Office Natl d'Etudes Rech Aerospatiales,
High Resolution Camera-based Multimodal Retinal Imaging, Blood Flow Visualization and Neurovascular Coupling - Erin Lamb, Cornell University, United States
Shape Sensing Endoscope Fiber - Rongguang Liang, Univ of Arizona, Coll of Opt Sciences, United States
3D Printing of Glass Micro-Optics: Shaping the Future of Precision Optical Systems for Biomedical Applications - Xinyu Liu, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Retinal PS-OCT - Xinyue Liu, Michigan State University, United States
Towards volumetric Illumination: Hydrogel Fiber Optics for Optogenetics and Photoacoustic - Shalin Mehta, Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, United States
AI in Advanced Microscopy - Hinnerk Schulz-Hildebrandt, Harvard Medical School, United States
Phase-Sensitive Dynamic Micro Optical Coherence Tomography - Fei Xia, University of California Irvine, United States
computational Imaging and Optical Computing - Dvir Yelin, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Israel
Spectrally Encoded Interferometry for Imaging Tympanic Membrane Vibrations - Murat Yildirim, Lerner Research Institute, United States
Innovative Optical and AI-Driven Solutions for Neuroscience: Revolutionizing Disease Research through Advanced Imaging and Behavioral Platforms - Young-Gyu Yoon, KAIST Electrical Engineering Dep Library, Republic Of Korea
Seeing Beyond Limits using AI: Noise and Wavelength - Yide Zhang, University of Colorado at Boulder JILA, United States
Ultrafast Photoacoustic and Optical Imaging for Vascular and Neural Dynamics
Plenary Speakers
Peter Maurer
The University of Chicago, USA
Fluorescent-proteins: New generation of sensing qubits?
Optica Distinguished Lecture Series on Quantum Science and Technology
We demonstrate an optically addressable protein-based spin qubit encoded in the metastable triplet state of fluorescent protein. Our protein-qubit has coherence times rivaling NV centers in nanodiamonds but are roughly 10-times smaller and genetically encodable.
About the Speaker
Peter Maurer is an assistant professor at the University of Chicago. His research focuses on advancing quantum sensing techniques to probe the physical properties of biological processes with nanoscale resolution. Prior to joining the University of Chicago Peter completed his PhD training with Mikhail Lukin at Harvard and Steven Chu at Stanford.
Sophie Hernot
Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
Enhancing Fluorescence Guided Surgery with Nanobodies and Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging
This presentation explores enhancing fluorescence-guided surgery with Nanobodies — targeted agents offering rapid pharmacokinetics and tumor specificity — and demonstrates how fluorescence lifetime imaging adds biological insights and reduces non-specific signals compared to conventional fluorescence methods.
About the Speaker
Sophie Hernot, a bioengineer with a PhD in Medical Sciences, is a leading professor in the Molecular Imaging and Therapy research group at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium. Her research centers on developing, preclinically validating and clinically translating fluorescent and radiolabeled Nanobody-based tracers for image-guided applications. As the academic director of the In vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Core Facility, she also promotes the adoption of innovative imaging techniques across diverse research fields, enhancing in vivo understanding of biological processes.
Jerome Mertz
Boston University, United States
Pushing the Limits of Microscopy
No matter how good microscopes have become, there will always be a need for them to be better. I will describe various strategies to push the limits of microscopes for life science applications.
About the Speaker
Jerome Mertz received an AB in physics from Princeton University and a PhD in quantum optics from UC Santa Barbara and the University of Paris VI. Following postdoctoral studies at the University of Konstanz and at Cornell University, he became a CNRS research director at the Ecole Supérieure de Physique et de Chimie Industrielle in Paris. He is currently a professor of Biomedical Engineering at Boston University. His interests are in the development and applications of novel optical microscopy techniques for biological imaging. He is also author of a textbook titled Introduction to Optical Microscopy, 2nd Ed.
Elizabeth Hillman
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, USA
Maximizing the Impact of Biomedical Imaging and Microscopy
Optical methods are uniquely suited to mapping molecular and functional information across scales. From diffuse-imaging to super-resolution microscopy, how can we ensure that our work will lead to scientific breakthroughs and improvements in patient care?
About the Speaker
Dr. Elizabeth M.C. Hillman’s laboratory develops diverse optical imaging and microscopy techniques and applies them to studying the structure and function of the brain and other living tissues. She completed undergraduate and PhD training in Physics and Medical Physics at University College London. After post-doctoral work at Massachusetts General Hospital, she joined the faculty at Columbia University in 2006, where she is the Herbert and Florence Irving Professor in the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, and the Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Radiology.
Special Events
Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday, 20 April 12:30 - 13:30
Join us for a fun-filled Easter Egg Hunt! Open to kids and conference attendees alike, this festive event promises surprises, sweet treats and springtime cheer for all ages.
Women in Optics Reception
Sunday, 20 April 17:00 - 18:00
This informal networking event brings together women in biophotonics — to meet other women in the field and discuss challenges and opportunities. All are welcome, regardless of gender. Please join Chairs Caroline Boudoux, Daniel Elson and members of the Optica Biophotonics Congress committee. Share your ideas to help ensure our community and this meeting is as welcoming and inclusive as possible.
Lunch & Learn: Mastering Productivity, Time Management & Transferable Skills for PhDs
Monday, 21 April 12:00 - 13:00
PhD students often develop valuable skills that go unrecognized when transitioning to industry. This session will provide practical strategies to maximize productivity, manage time effectively and identify transferable skills that set PhDs apart in the job market. Attendees will gain insights into overcoming academic challenges, applying their expertise beyond academia and leveraging essential tools to thrive in their careers.
Speaker:
Caroline Boudoux
Agenda:
- 12:00 PM – Introduction (5 min): Why mastering Chapter 5 is key to PhD success and career transitions.
- 12:05 PM – Productivity & Time Management (10 min): Eisenhower Matrix, 80/20 Rule, avoiding procrastination, work-life balance and efficient writing.
- 12:15 PM – Transferable Skills (15 min): Problem-solving, project management, data analysis, communication, adaptability and teamwork—how they apply in industry
- 12:30 PM – Productivity Tools (10 min): Notion, Trello, Pomodoro, research documentation and accountability partners.
- 12:40 PM – Q&A & Closing (10 min): Open discussion and career planning resources.
Who Should Attend?
PhD students, postdocs, and researchers looking to improve time management, boost efficiency and confidently transition into industry roles.
Takeaway
Walk away with actionable strategies to enhance productivity, reduce stress and leverage your PhD skills for career success.
Exploring Emerging Topics in Biophotonics: The Role of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
Monday, 21 April 18:45 - 20:30
In the recent decade, machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) have played an increasingly transformative role in biophotonics by enhancing data analysis, interpretation, and optimization of complex imaging and sensing. This event, hosted by Optica Technical Groups, will bring together a diverse group of panelists for an open discussion on the emerging role of ML and AI in advancing technologies across the biomedical field. As an attendee, you will gain insights into ways we can utilize ML and AI in the biomedical field, including recent advances, novel applications, good practices, limitations and opportunities. Following the panel discussion, you will have an opportunity to network with your colleagues.
Panelists:
- Muyinatu Bell, Johns Hopkins University
- Javier Jo, University of Oklahoma
- Shalin Mehta, Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Network
- Kyle Quinn, University of Arkansas
Sunrise Yoga
Tuesday, 22 April 06:00 - 07:30
Begin your day with a revitalizing sunrise yoga session, suitable for all levels. Enjoy light refreshments afterward as you embrace the tranquility of the morning.
Tickets can be purchased when registering for the meeting for USD 50.00.
Express Networking Lunch: 10X Your Connections in Biophotonics
Tuesday, 22 April 12:15 - 13:15
You are invited to join the Optica Technical Groups for this exciting networking session that will help you create new connections in a structured, time-efficient manner. The event starts with a 30-minute speed networking exercise, where you'll engage in 5-minute, rapid fire conversations with a diverse array of attendees. The second part of the program features lightning pitches from select participants. These one or two-minute presentations will showcase unexpected connections that have significantly impacted their careers, inspiring you to think creatively about leveraging your own network.
Congress Reception
Tuesday, 22 April 17:30 - 19:00
Join fellow attendees for the congress reception.
