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Irene Georgakoudi
Born 7 June 1971
Thessaloniki, Greece
Nationality Greek
Alma mater Dartmouth College
University of Rochester
Awards Claflin Distinguished Scholar
Scientific career
Fields Photonics, Medical imaging, Biomedical engineering, Biophysics
Institutions Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Tufts University
Thesis Effects of photosensitizer bleaching and localization on photodynamic oxygen consumption and dosimetry (1999)
Doctoral advisors Prof Thomas H Foster

Irene Georgakoudi (born June 7, 1971) is a scientist from Greece. She is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Tufts University. Her work involves creating new ways to see inside the body without surgery. She uses light to help doctors find and treat diseases.

Early Life and Learning

Irene Georgakoudi was born in Thessaloniki, Greece. In 1989, she moved to the United States. She studied physics at Dartmouth College. She earned her Bachelor's degree with high honors in 1993.

She then went to the University of Rochester. There, she earned her master's degree in biophysics in 1996. She continued her studies at Rochester for her doctorate. She finished her PhD in 1999.

During her studies, Irene Georgakoudi won several awards. These included fellowships and a leadership award.

Research and Career

Irene Georgakoudi's research focuses on new ways to use light. These methods help doctors see inside the body. They also help find and treat different diseases. This field is called optical spectroscopy.

Early Research in Cancer Detection

In 1999, she joined the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She worked there as a postdoctoral fellow. Her research looked at how fluorescence spectroscopy could help. This method uses light to make cells glow. It helps doctors find cancer early.

In 2003, she moved to Massachusetts General Hospital. This hospital is part of Harvard Medical School. She received a special award there. It was called the Claflin Distinguished Scholar Award.

Work at Tufts University

In 2004, she joined Tufts University. She is now a Professor of Biomedical Engineering. Her current research uses optical techniques. These techniques help image human tissue.

Her work provides ways to check changes in cells. This can help diagnose diseases. These diseases include diabetes, cancer, and brain disorders. Her methods are non-invasive, meaning they don't require surgery.

Awards and Honors

Irene Georgakoudi has received many important awards. These awards recognize her work in science.

  • Fellow of the International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE), 2020
  • Fellow of the Optical Society of America, 2016
  • Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, 2015
  • NSF Career Award for her work on imaging tissues, 2006-2011
  • Claflin Distinguished Scholar Award, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 2004
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