Graduate Programs in the Life Sciences

Research Focus

The Schaffer lab uses advanced optical techniques for in vivo studies of physiological processes in both normal and diseased states. The cell constitutes the basic unit of life, but many living systems depend on interactions that can only be studied in intact animals, such as the coupling between local blood flow and neural activity in the brain. Optical techniques provide one way to overcome the ensuing challenge of characterizing physiology with single cell resolution in intact biological systems. The group exploits nonlinear interactions between femtosecond duration laser pulses and biological materials to provide a means to:

• Take three-dimensional images of fluorescently-labeled tissue with micrometer resolution as well as quantitatively measure physiological variables such as blood flow or neural activity, and
  
• Produce three-dimensionally localized damage to specifically targeted biological structures as a means to elucidate function and model disease.

Educational Background

• Ph.D., Harvard University, Physics, 2001
• B.S., University of Florida, Physics, 1995