Liam Christie, a third year PhD electrical engineering student at the University at Buffalo, currently serves as a research assistant in UB’s Sensors and MicroAcutators Learning Lab. He performs cutting-edge research in advanced biometrics, test phantom metrology for medical diagnostics, and microfluidic device manufacturing. His research has resulted in eight scientific publications and several professional presentations. He has also received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for student excellence, honorable mention for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowships Program, and the SUNY Graduate Research Empowering and Accelerating Talent (GREAT) Award.

Liam has declared his thesis topic as “Development and Creation Of Test Phantoms For Medically Based Photoacoustic Applications.” In short, he is applying test phantoms to the photoacoustic (PA) space, allowing for an optimized way to test new applications and troubleshoot photoacoustic sensors. Through this work he has investigated ways to track blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen, blood glucose, and imaging of the bodies vasculature using PA. This project has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare field by making medical technology more affordable and available to the public. He works in conjunction with industry partners, like Qualcomm, to develop and commercialize this technology. Liam seeks to contribute to the resurgence of medical industry in Western New York through his research and future company in the medical field.

Liam works to mentor new PhD, master’s, and undergraduate students in engineering providing technical training and guidance in pursuing graduate degrees and entrepreneurial endeavors. Liam is also involved through Blackstone LaunchPad, where he works to mentor graduate students through the 3MT thesis pitch competition.