Student Profiles

elsie

Jingxuan Ren

Hometown: Suqian, Jiangsu (China)

Anticipated Graduation Year: 2020

Degree: PhD

Program: Biomedical Engineering

Research Group:Choe Lab

Why did you pick the University of Rochester?

I chose the University of Rochester because I'm interested in biomedical optics and the UR is famous in optical society. 

Why did you choose biomedical engineering?

There is a tremendous amount of work to be done in biomedical research. The development of engineering techniques not only promotes the understanding of the biological process, but is also critical in turning such knowledge into biomedical applications. 

What lab did you choose and why?

Choe lab because I'm interested in diffuse optics. Diffuse optics is to use near-infrared light to probe absorption and scattering properties of scattering media such as biological tissues. It is interesting for its unique advantages, such as non-invasiveness, sensitivity to hemodynamic parameters and low-cost. These are important features in diagnosis and frequent monitoring. 

What is your research project?

My research focuses on diffuse optics for bone injury healing monitoring in a mouse femoral model. We apply diffuse optical techniques to monitor hemoglobin concentration and blood flow changes non-invasively during mouse bone healing. 

What have you enjoyed most about your training so far?

The opportunities to be exposed to various techniques, such as instrumentation development, image reconstruction, surgical techniques, programming and statistics. 

What are your plans for the future? Where would you like to be in 5-10 years?

I would like to eventually apply my skills and knowledge in industry. I would like to see the advanced technology in labs today widely spread so that more people can benefit. 

Advice for future UR BME grad students?

Find something you really like and make it meaningful for others.