Freddy N
- Research Program Mentor
MD/PhD at University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (UIUC)
Expertise
Cancer, optics, imaging, nanotechnology, engineering, chemistry, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, pathology, laboratory medicine, transfusion medicine
Bio
I’m a physician-scientist and Research Fellow at MIT, where I work at the intersection of science, engineering, and medicine. My research focuses on developing and translating cutting-edge nanotechnologies and biomedical optical tools into real-world clinical solutions, with applications in genetics, oncology, and cardiovascular disease. Trained in both clinical medicine and research, I’ve worked across academic labs, hospitals, and early-stage innovation settings. I’ve also held leadership roles in national and institutional communities focused on healthcare innovation, medical research, and supporting the physician-scientist workforce. Beyond my core research, I’m passionate about mentoring students and helping them discover the power of science and innovation to create meaningful impact in the world around them. Outside of research, I love to travel and explore new cities and cultures—and I’m just as excited to revisit familiar places with fresh eyes. Along the way, I’ve developed a growing passion for photography, especially of cityscapes, skies, and moments from my journeys. I also enjoy building communities, whether through professional networks or personal projects, and am energized by helping others find their path. A few fun facts about me: I grew up in Paris, France, graduated high school at 16, and attended the historic Little Rock Central High School. Whether it’s in the lab, the clinic, or across the globe, I’m always curious, always learning, and always looking for new ways to connect science with people.Project ideas
AI in Clinical Diagnostics: A Review of Tools for Radiology, Pathology, and Beyond
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming how diseases are diagnosed. From detecting tumors on X-rays to analyzing pathology slides and predicting lab values from wearable data, AI tools are making clinical diagnostics faster, more consistent, and in some cases, even more accurate than human experts. But how do these tools actually work? And where do they still fall short? In this project, you’ll conduct a comprehensive review of how AI is being used in medical diagnostics today. You’ll explore tools in radiology (like chest X-ray classifiers), pathology (like histology image analysis), and other specialties where AI models assist with early detection or triage. You’ll learn how these systems are trained using large datasets, what performance metrics matter in clinical settings (like sensitivity vs. specificity), and how regulators like the FDA evaluate AI in healthcare. Along the way, you’ll assess real-world limitations—such as algorithmic bias, overfitting, or lack of generalizability—and explore how the field is evolving to overcome them. The final outcome will be a review paper that synthesizes current applications, challenges, and future directions of AI in diagnostics. This project is a great fit if you’re curious about medicine, data science, or how machine learning is changing the world we live in.
Gene Therapy Across Diseases: Mechanisms, Delivery Systems, and Clinical Progress
Once considered science fiction, gene therapy is now a real and growing part of modern medicine. By introducing or editing genetic material in specific cells, gene therapy has opened the door to treating previously incurable conditions—from rare inherited disorders to certain forms of cancer and vision loss. But this field is still evolving, and understanding how these treatments work is key to evaluating their potential. In this project, you’ll explore the science and engineering behind gene therapy. You’ll review different types of gene therapy approaches—like viral vectors (e.g., AAV, lentivirus), CRISPR-based genome editing, and non-viral systems—and compare how they are used to treat specific diseases. Case studies might include conditions like spinal muscular atrophy, hemophilia, sickle cell disease, or inherited retinal disorders. You’ll learn how therapies are delivered, how targeting specific tissues or organs is achieved, and what safety concerns or ethical questions still remain. Through this review, you’ll gain insight into how molecular biology, biomedical engineering, and clinical research converge to create cutting-edge therapies. Your final paper will evaluate the current landscape of gene therapy, its key milestones, and the challenges ahead. If you’re excited about genetics, biotechnology, or the future of personalized medicine, this project offers a powerful introduction to a field that’s rewriting the rules of treatment.
Nanomaterials in Medicine: Drug Delivery, Imaging, and Sensor Applications
At the tiniest scale, materials behave in surprising and useful ways—and medicine is taking full advantage. Nanomaterials, such as gold nanoparticles, liposomes, and carbon nanotubes, are now being used to improve how we detect, image, and treat disease. This project gives you the chance to explore how manipulating matter at the nanoscale leads to breakthrough innovations in healthcare. You’ll conduct a review of how nanomaterials are used in three key areas: drug delivery, biomedical imaging, and biosensing. For example, how can nanoparticles carry chemotherapy directly to a tumor? How can contrast agents be engineered to make MRI scans more precise? What kinds of nanosensors can detect disease biomarkers in blood or breath? You’ll examine the material properties (like surface charge, shape, or reactivity) that make these applications possible and see how these platforms are tested and translated into clinical settings. Along the way, you’ll explore the challenges that nanomedicine still faces—such as toxicity, manufacturing consistency, and regulatory hurdles. Your final review paper will map out the current state of nanotechnology in medicine, comparing strategies, highlighting real-world applications, and identifying gaps for future research. If you’re interested in chemistry, materials science, or the future of personalized and targeted therapies, this is a project that merges scientific depth with real-world clinical impact.
The Evolution of Point-of-Care Diagnostics: Technologies and Clinical Impact
Imagine being able to diagnose a disease not in a hospital, but on the spot—at a roadside clinic, pharmacy, or even at home. That’s the power of point-of-care (POC) diagnostics. These portable tools have transformed how we detect infections, monitor chronic conditions, and manage health in real time, especially in fast-paced or remote environments. In this project, you’ll conduct a review of POC diagnostic technologies, from rapid strep and COVID-19 tests to handheld blood analyzers and mobile diagnostic devices. You’ll learn how these tools are designed to deliver quick, reliable results with minimal training, and explore how innovations in microfluidics, biosensors, and digital interfaces have improved usability and accuracy. You’ll also assess the clinical relevance of these technologies—how they change decision-making for physicians, reduce time to treatment, and improve outcomes. Limitations like false positives, regulatory barriers, or maintenance issues will also be part of your analysis. Your final output will be a review paper that compares different POC systems, explains the science behind them, and evaluates where they’re most impactful. If you’re interested in engineering, biotech, or how innovation meets real-world medical needs, this project is a compelling way to explore the future of decentralized healthcare.
Biologics in Modern Medicine: A Literature Review of Monoclonal Antibodies and Cell Therapies
Over the last 30 years, biologics have transformed how we treat complex diseases. These therapies—ranging from lab-made antibodies to engineered immune cells—are highly targeted and often more effective than traditional drugs. They’ve become central in treating cancer, autoimmune conditions, and rare genetic diseases. In this project, you’ll conduct a review of biologic therapies, focusing on two major categories: monoclonal antibodies and cell-based treatments like CAR-T therapy. You’ll explore how these therapies are developed—from identifying a molecular target to engineering a biologic agent—and how they work inside the body to block disease processes or stimulate immune responses. Alongside clinical case studies, you’ll examine how these biologics are manufactured, delivered, and regulated. You’ll also assess where these treatments have shown the most promise, where they’ve struggled, and what new innovations are emerging. By the end, your review paper will explain the scientific and clinical principles behind biologics and map out how they are shaping the future of medicine. If you’re curious about immunology, biotechnology, or cutting-edge therapeutics, this project offers a deep dive into one of medicine’s most rapidly advancing frontiers.
The Role of Physician-Scientists in Translational Breakthroughs
Some of the most important medical innovations—vaccines, imaging technologies, targeted therapies—have come from individuals trained in both science and clinical medicine. These physician-scientists understand disease not just in theory, but from real-world patient care. Their unique perspective often drives breakthrough discoveries that move quickly from bench to bedside. In this project, you’ll review the role of physician-scientists in biomedical innovation. Through case studies of notable figures and institutions, you’ll explore how dual training has enabled key contributions across areas like cancer, infectious disease, genetics, and diagnostics. You’ll analyze common traits of translational success: collaboration, persistence, mentorship, and access to resources. You’ll also reflect on the structure of the physician-scientist career path, including MD-PhD programs, academic medicine, and the challenges of balancing research with clinical work. Your final product will be a review-style paper highlighting the value and complexity of this role—and the environments that make it thrive. If you’re considering a career that blends medicine with research, or are fascinated by how scientific ideas become real-world solutions, this project provides both inspiration and insight into one of the most powerful bridges in biomedical progress.
Optical Engineering in Medical Imaging: Principles and Clinical Applications
Light isn’t just for seeing—it’s also a powerful tool for detecting disease. From microscopes to retinal scanners, optical engineering has helped physicians peer into the human body with incredible precision. In this project, you’ll explore how light-based technologies are used to visualize, diagnose, and monitor health. You’ll conduct a literature review on the physics and clinical use of optical imaging tools such as confocal microscopy, optical coherence tomography (OCT), Raman spectroscopy, and fluorescence imaging. Each of these tools uses light in different ways to capture high-resolution images of tissues—whether it’s scanning the retina, analyzing skin cells, or detecting early cancer. You’ll examine how these tools are designed, how they capture and interpret signals, and what makes one technology better suited for certain applications. You’ll also assess current clinical uses and research frontiers, including AI-enhanced image interpretation. Your final paper will synthesize the optical and clinical principles of these devices and compare how they’re being applied in fields like ophthalmology, dermatology, oncology, and pathology. This project is ideal for students curious about the intersection of physics, engineering, and medicine—and how we can use light to see what the eye can’t.
The Biomedical Device Design Process: From Idea to FDA Clearance
Behind every medical device—from a pulse oximeter to a stent—lies a story of design, testing, iteration, and approval. Biomedical engineering is about solving problems that matter, and the device development process is a fascinating blend of creativity, science, and regulation. In this project, you’ll conduct a review of how medical devices are developed, focusing on the full lifecycle: identifying clinical needs, concept design, prototyping, preclinical testing, human trials, and regulatory approval. You’ll explore the role of standards and oversight agencies like the FDA, and understand the difference between risk classes of devices (from simple tools to complex implants). You’ll also compare case studies—such as insulin pumps, orthopedic implants, or minimally invasive surgical tools—to highlight how different types of devices go through the pipeline. If you’re curious about engineering, healthcare innovation, or how ideas become real-world tools, this project gives you a front-row seat to the intersection of technology and patient care. Your final review paper will summarize the development process, analyze critical challenges, and provide insight into what makes a medical device successful in both design and delivery.
Scientific Innovation in Vaccine Platforms: mRNA, Viral Vectors, and Beyond
Vaccines are among the greatest public health achievements of all time—but their design is constantly evolving. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of mRNA platforms, but many other technologies are shaping how we fight infectious diseases in the 21st century. In this project, you’ll conduct a review of modern vaccine platforms, including mRNA, viral vectors (like adenovirus), recombinant proteins, and next-generation delivery systems (e.g., microneedle patches, lipid nanoparticles). You’ll explore how each platform works, how it stimulates the immune system, and what advantages or limitations it presents in terms of manufacturing, stability, and adaptability. Case studies may include COVID-19 vaccines, but you’ll also explore applications in diseases like influenza, RSV, malaria, and emerging threats. You’ll also learn about global vaccine distribution challenges and how innovation intersects with real-world implementation. Your final paper will compare platforms, evaluate scientific breakthroughs, and discuss how the future of vaccines is being reimagined through engineering and molecular biology. If you’re passionate about immunology, global health, or biotechnology, this project offers a powerful lens into how vaccines are designed and deployed to save lives.
Skin Imaging and Analysis: Reviewing Non-Invasive Tools in Dermatology
Modern dermatology isn’t just about what the naked eye can see—it’s increasingly driven by imaging tools that reveal deeper layers of skin without a single incision. From detecting early signs of melanoma to tracking chronic skin conditions, non-invasive imaging is revolutionizing how skin health is assessed. In this project, you’ll conduct a review of skin imaging modalities such as dermoscopy, confocal microscopy, multispectral imaging, and 3D surface scanning. You’ll explore how each tool works, what kind of data it provides, and how it’s interpreted by clinicians or AI systems. You’ll also compare their clinical performance, costs, and limitations. You’ll look at research studies that evaluate how well these tools detect skin cancers or monitor inflammatory skin diseases, and how image quality or diagnostic accuracy varies across patient populations. Your final review paper will synthesize current applications, emerging innovations, and where the field is heading. This project is perfect for students interested in dermatology, medical imaging, or the use of technology to enhance precision in diagnosis.
AI in Drug Discovery: Machine Learning in Target Identification and Trial Design
The process of discovering a new drug can take over a decade and cost billions of dollars. Artificial intelligence is now being used to make that process faster, smarter, and more efficient—from finding new molecules to predicting which drugs will succeed in clinical trials. In this project, you’ll conduct a review of how AI and machine learning are being applied in drug discovery. You’ll explore the full pipeline, including target identification, lead compound generation, structure prediction, drug repurposing, and even trial design optimization. You’ll examine real-world examples of AI platforms used by pharmaceutical companies and startups, and assess their impact on cost, speed, and decision-making. You’ll also review the technical and ethical challenges of using AI in this space, including issues with data quality, model bias, and validation. Your final paper will explain how AI is reshaping drug development, where the biggest gains are being made, and what barriers still exist before widespread adoption. This project is ideal for students interested in computational biology, pharmaceutical innovation, or how data science intersects with medicine.
Lab-on-a-Chip Technologies: Microfluidic Systems for Point-of-Care Testing
Imagine shrinking an entire laboratory onto a chip the size of a coin. Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) technologies are doing just that—making it possible to run complex biological tests quickly, affordably, and with only microliters of sample. These systems are transforming diagnostics, especially where speed, cost, and portability matter most. In this project, you’ll review the science and engineering behind LOC platforms. You’ll explore how microfluidics—tiny channels etched into chips—are used to control fluids, perform chemical reactions, and detect biomolecules. You’ll compare device designs used for different diagnostic purposes, such as detecting infections, monitoring glucose, or analyzing DNA. You’ll also examine how these systems are being translated into clinical settings and research labs, and evaluate current challenges: materials, cost, reliability, and real-world implementation. Your final review paper will explain how lab-on-a-chip technologies work, highlight key clinical applications, and evaluate the most promising areas of development. If you’re interested in biomedical engineering, diagnostics, or tools that can change healthcare delivery, this project offers a hands-on introduction to one of the most innovative frontiers in health tech.
Retinal Imaging Technologies in Ophthalmology: From OCT to AI Analysis
Our eyes provide a window into our health—literally. Retinal imaging tools are now essential for detecting and monitoring diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. These technologies have become smarter and more precise, and in some cases, AI is stepping in to interpret what clinicians see. In this project, you’ll review the range of technologies used to image the retina, from optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus photography to more advanced modalities like autofluorescence and adaptive optics. You’ll explore the physics behind how these tools work, the kinds of information they provide, and how they’re used to track disease over time. You’ll also examine how AI is increasingly being applied to automate the interpretation of retinal scans, reduce diagnostic variability, and screen patients at scale. Your review paper will compare different imaging technologies, evaluate their clinical utility, and highlight how data science is enhancing ophthalmic care. If you’re drawn to neuroscience, vision science, or medical imaging, this project provides a technical yet accessible dive into one of medicine’s most visually compelling fields.
Implantable Devices for Therapeutic Monitoring and Drug Delivery
Medical devices don’t just sit outside the body anymore—they’re increasingly being implanted to monitor, deliver, and adjust treatment in real time. From insulin pumps and cardiac defibrillators to neurostimulators and pain control implants, bioelectronic and drug-delivery devices are reshaping how care is delivered. In this project, you’ll conduct a literature review on implantable medical technologies that go beyond structural support to serve active therapeutic roles. You’ll compare different types of devices: how they’re powered, how they sense or respond to physiological signals, and how they release or regulate therapy over time. You’ll examine the engineering challenges involved—biocompatibility, wireless communication, power supply, and long-term durability—and how clinical use cases shape the design of these systems. Your final paper will explore how implantable devices are expanding across therapeutic areas, and where innovation is headed. If you’re interested in robotics, medical engineering, or smart therapeutics, this project connects cutting-edge design with life-saving impact.
Biomarkers Across Specialties: What Makes a Diagnostic Marker Clinically Useful?
Biomarkers are biological signals—proteins, genes, or molecules—that help clinicians detect disease, predict outcomes, or guide treatment. But while the idea sounds simple, making a biomarker clinically useful is anything but. From discovery to validation to integration into care, the journey is long and complex. In this project, you’ll explore what makes a good biomarker by reviewing case studies across three medical specialties: oncology, cardiology, and infectious disease. You’ll learn how biomarkers are discovered (e.g., genomics, proteomics), validated in clinical trials, and ultimately cleared for use in labs or clinics. You’ll also examine common metrics like sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value, and how different biomarkers serve different roles—screening vs. monitoring vs. prognosis. Your final review paper will synthesize what makes biomarkers succeed or fail, and what gaps still exist in current diagnostics. If you’re interested in molecular biology, clinical testing, or the science of making medicine more personalized, this project offers a clear, structured, and impactful entry point.