Assistant Professor, Bioengineering Northeastern University
Prof. Tao Sun is an Assistant Professor of Bioengineering and a core member of Institute of Chemical Imaging of Living Systems (CILS) at Northeastern University. He joined Northeastern in January 2023 after postdoctoral trainings from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Engineering School (Bioengineering), and an Instructor role with Harvard Medical School. His group works at the intersection of focused ultrasound (FUS), neuroimaging and immunoengineering with expertise in developing ultrasound devices, imaging methods and engineered cell systems to modulate the neuro-immune interface and their applications in immunomodulation, drug delivery, and cell-based theranostic systems.
The goal of his research program is to unveil how FUS modulates the neuroimmune disease/aging environment and to develop ultrasound-based techniques for treating and monitoring neurological disorders, such as glioblastoma and Alzheimer's disease, and beyond. Tao has received many recognitions for his scientific contributions to the fields of FUS, drug delivery, cancer immunoengineering, and neuroimaging. He is a recipient of the Young Investigator Awards from Focused Ultrasound Foundation and Acoustical Society of America. Many of his works were featured in mainstream science and technology media including WIRED (https://www.wired.com/story/the-second-coming-of-ultrasound/), Science Daily, and Medical Xpress.
Max serves as the Chief Feline Officer in Dr. Tao Sun’s lab, bringing invaluable charm and stress relief. His strategic purring and expert napping enhance the lab's atmosphere, ensuring a collaborative and productive environment. Max’s discerning gaze often offers unexpected insights into research activities. Beyond his official duties, he enjoys lounging in sunbeams and playfully interacting with lab equipment. His presence not only uplifts team morale but also adds a unique touch to the daily lab routine.
Lab Contribution: I have spent most of my career in the ultrasound and microbubbles research labs, with many years of hands-on animal research experience in both academic and industry settings, culturing tumor cell lines, keeping labs organized, and managing inventory so every project moves forward. I have been fortunate to work alongside Dr. Sun since his days as a PhD student at the Focused Ultrasound Lab at Brigham and Womens Hospital, and now I am proud to be part of his growing lab.
Beyond the Lab: Family hiking and ski trips are always the most fun! Watching movies or Korean dramas, and I also love the process of making sourdough (which my family eat as soon as it is ready).
Lab Contribution: Develop and characterize a nanoparticle formulation that is designed to encapsulate a hydrophobic drug and an ultrasound-sensitive contrast agent to achieve targeted drug delivery. Perform focused ultrasound and microbubble mediated BBB opening, and record confirmatory observation and measurements through MRI, flow cytometry and histology.
Beyond the Lab: Avid coffee drinker!! I also love being outdoors and enjoy trying new hobbies every few months.
Lab Contribution: I’m PhD student in the Bioengineering department at Northeastern University. My research revolves around algorithm development for Passive Acoustic Detection and parallelism, specifically in the fascinating field of immunomodulation.
Beyond the Lab: I’m a big fan of long-distance running, especially in the serene Middlesex Fells reservation just north of Boston.
Lab Contribution: I am investigating the immunomodulatory effects of Focused ultrasound paired up with microbubbles to open the blood-brain barrier. I am particularly interested in how this method influences the brain's immune cells, like macrophages and microglia, aiming to unlock the answers on the mechanism of how these cellular machines can defeat Glioblastoma. This approach bridges tissue engineering, neurology, and immunology, offering potential breakthroughs in combating brain cancer.
Beyond the Lab: I am a fan of extreme sports like rock climbing and mountain biking, and sometimes when I want to wind down from the extreme adrenaline rush, I play flute.
Lab Contribution: My research focuses on utilizing cells as biological carriers for the targeted delivery of microbubbles. By loading these microbubbles into engineered cells, I can guide them to precise locations within the body. My goal with this cell-mediated approach is to significantly enhance the efficacy of both diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound.
Beyond the Lab: I am happiest on a long hike, a fast ski run, a quiet horseback ride, or in the middle of a challenging video game.
Lab Contribution: I study how external mechanical forces generated by FUS and microbubbles on immune cells affect their responses in disease models. I also generate simulation models on microbubble physics under FUS.
Beyond the Lab: Coffee drinker, bartender, poker player, trader.
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Lab Contribution: Work closely with lab members to learn more about the lab's work with microphages, microbubbles, and the BBB. Previous lab experience revolved heavily around Glioblastoma Multiforme, platelets, and thrombin formation in the TME.
Beyond the Lab: Love watching/playing soccer and golf, cooking, and traveling.
Bailin Ren
Anthony Lin
Deepsundar
Sagi
Srujana Yellapragada
Tristan Rans
Wendao Li
Mary Morris
Johanna Zawada
Eli Wirth-Apley
Mohammad Albuhssin