Q&A with Professor Ashok Samuel

We are excited to welcome research associate professor Ashok Samuel to the department of bioengineering! To get to know Professor Samuel a little better, we asked him a few questions about his background, his work, and what makes bioengineering so important to him.

Why are you passionate about bioengineering? 

My research is multidisciplinary and combines chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics. Bioengineering allows deriving innovative solutions for a wide range of biomedical needs by translating basic research through intelligent engineering. Further, the research that I have been pursuing will aid fundamental developments in tissue engineering, understanding molecular biology of cancer, regenerative medicine, and help solve real-world issues in medical technology. Such interdisciplinary collaborations have the potential to yield groundbreaking solutions that can have a positive impact on human health and contribute to the betterment of society. 

What made you choose UIUC? 

There are several reasons. The collaborative and supportive academic environment in UIUC is an important factor. UIUC has extensive bioimaging and data science research facilities, which can positively impact the outcome of my research goals. Further, to demonstrate the full potential of a methodological innovation in bioimaging, it needs to be tested across diverse engineered and natural biosystems. I believe this is achievable at UIUC through interdepartmental and departmental collaborations. Our diverse, talented and vibrant student body, community engagement opportunities, and access to clinical resources are also factors that influenced my choice.  

Tell us a little about your academic background and emphasis. 

I have a diverse scientific background. During my PhD training, I investigated physical chemistry in synthetic macromolecules with diverse instrumental techniques: for instance, nano-characterization of mono/bi-layer molecular aggregation and Raman and IR spectral imaging of thin-films. 

After my postdoctoral stint, I took up a position as an assistant research professor in the Research Organization for Nano and Life Innovation, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan. In WU, I was involved in establishing a facility center where we focused on developing applications of the technique to biological systems, and collaborated to integrate other techniques, such as RNA profiling, LCMS, and droplet microfluidics with Raman spectroscopy, a technique that detects molecular vibrations. 

My research underscores the necessity of molecular interpretability of spectroscopic data, and I firmly believe in its importance. It is my dream to convert Raman imaging to a quantitative molecular profiling technique that finds routine applications in medical diagnosis and health monitoring systems. 

What project are you working on currently that you’re excited about? 

My recent research showed simultaneous label-free direct intracellular imaging of 7-10 biomolecules simultaneously with Raman imaging technique. This included DNA and RNA which are believed to be rather impossible to isolate spectrally and image separately without labeling. Importantly, secondary structure of DNA, RNA and proteins were decoded from the spectral information. Biochemical characteristics of subcellular LLPS organelles, lipid droplets etc. in single cells were also revealed in the study. 

High-resolution tissue/organoid imaging revealing subcellular organelles and biophysical characteristics of nucleic acids and proteins using linear and non-linear Raman scattering is the main theme of my research. This technique, in my opinion, provides an unmatched opportunity to investigate tumor microenvironment, extracellular matrix and how it influences stem cell differentiation or cell transformation, chemical exchange communication during cell-cell interaction, classification of cell types etc. The prospect of this technique is really exciting. 

What do you like to do outside of work?

Reading, cycling, cooking, pencil drawing and painting (both digital and paper) are my hobbies. I love reading tales of scientific discoveries, psychological suspense thrillers, biographies, mild comedies (like The Rosie Project) and Harry Potter with my son. I compiled a few of my paintings into a book, which I titled, “Creations of Illusion”. I enjoy long distance (50-100 km) bicycle rides too. I also love meat! Both to cook and to eat.