‘I am a UK Innovator’: Pigman College of Engineering’s Guoqiang Yu

Innovation is most powerful when discoveries move beyond the lab to improve patient care. Research Communications partnered with UK Innovate to spotlight faculty innovators with pioneering ideas at the University of Kentucky. UK Innovate works collaboratively with innovators to strategically assess, protect and license early-stage technologies and co-create new technology startups.

In the final Q&A in this year’s series, Guoqiang Yu, Ph.D., a professor in the F. Joseph Halcomb III, M.D. Department of Biomedical Engineering in the UK Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering, describes his work developing low-cost optical imaging technologies for noninvasive monitoring of the health and function of tissues and organs.

Yu is a highly cited innovator — one of Elsevier’s top 2% of world’s most-cited researchers in 2023. He also holds six patents and was honored as a 2024-25 University Research Professor. Yu’s research has been continually supported by a variety of funding agencies totaling more than $55 million. 

UKNow: What inspired you to pick this specific area of research?

Yu: Kentucky ranks among the least healthy states, with high rates of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and other conditions. Many Appalachian communities face especially severe health challenges. Early diagnosis and continuous monitoring are vital for improving patient outcomes. Traditional imaging methods, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), computerized tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET), are expensive and not suitable for bedside use. My research focuses on developing and translating low-cost optical imaging technologies for real-time monitoring of tissue hemodynamics and metabolism. Over the past decade, my team has created several innovative optical systems, including noncontact 3D brain imagers, wearable fiber-free sensors for preterm infants and wearable fluorescence eye-loupe devices for tumor margin detection. I expect that the functional information obtained from our low-cost optical imaging technologies will ultimately be used nationwide and across Kentucky’s Appalachian regions for early disease diagnosis and continuous assessment of treatment effectiveness.

UKNow: What is the most challenging aspect of your research?

Yu: The most challenging aspect of my research is translating advanced optical imaging technologies from the laboratory to real-world clinical settings. Developing a reliable device in controlled environments is only the first step. Ensuring its accuracy, safety and usability in diverse patient populations is far more complex. Clinical validation demands close collaboration among engineers, physicians and regulatory experts while navigating logistical and financial barriers. Commercialization adds another major challenge, requiring scalable manufacturing, FDA approval and market adoption. Despite these challenges, the potential to transform patient care motivates me to persist through each obstacle.

UKNow: What have been the most fulfilling moments for you regarding your discoveries?

Yu: The most fulfilling moments in my research come when our discoveries move beyond the lab and begin to impact patient care. Seeing our optical imaging systems successfully used by clinicians to monitor brain health in infants or assess tissue viability during surgery is deeply rewarding. These moments confirm that years of engineering, testing and refinement truly make a difference in people’s lives. Equally gratifying is witnessing my students’ excitement when their innovations work for the first time, reminding me that scientific discovery is both a collective effort and a source of hope for improving health care and saving lives.

UKNow: How has your research impacted the way you train students?

Yu: My research has deeply influenced how I train students, emphasizing innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world impact. I encourage students to think beyond theoretical problems and design technologies that address clinical needs. Working on translational optical imaging projects teaches them to integrate engineering, biology and medicine while navigating practical challenges such as data analysis, device calibration and regulatory compliance. I also mentor them to communicate effectively with clinicians and industry partners, fostering teamwork and entrepreneurship. Seeing my students grow into independent researchers who translate ideas into meaningful healthcare solutions is one of the most rewarding outcomes of my career.

UKNow: What drew you to and/or inspires you about the University of Kentucky?

Yu: I am inspired by UK’s strong commitment to interdisciplinary research, innovation and service to the Commonwealth. UK provides an excellent environment that bridges engineering, medicine and entrepreneurship, ideal for translating laboratory discoveries into clinical and commercial applications. The university’s focus on improving health outcomes across Kentucky, particularly in Appalachian regions, aligns perfectly with my mission to develop accessible, low-cost imaging technologies for early diagnosis and treatment. I am also motivated by the collaborative spirit among faculty, clinicians and students, which continually drives new ideas, partnerships and breakthroughs that can truly transform health care and communities.