Anita Mahadevan-Jansen

American biomedical engineer

Anita Mahadevan-Jansen is a prominent biomedical engineer known for her pioneering work in the field of biophotonics. She is a professor at Vanderbilt University and has made significant contributions to the development of optical technologies for medical diagnostics and therapy.

Early life and education

Anita Mahadevan-Jansen was born in India and developed an early interest in science and engineering. She pursued her undergraduate studies in electrical engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, where she graduated with honors. Following her passion for biomedical applications, she moved to the United States to further her education.

Mahadevan-Jansen earned her M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in biomedical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. Her doctoral research focused on the use of lasers and optical technologies for medical applications, laying the groundwork for her future career in biophotonics.

Career

Anita Mahadevan-Jansen in 2019

After completing her doctoral studies, Mahadevan-Jansen joined the faculty at Vanderbilt University, where she has been a key figure in the development of the biophotonics program. Her research has focused on the application of optical techniques, such as Raman spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy, for the detection and diagnosis of diseases.

Mahadevan-Jansen's work has been instrumental in advancing the use of near-infrared spectroscopy for non-invasive medical diagnostics. She has collaborated with clinicians to develop optical tools that can be used in surgery and oncology to improve patient outcomes.

Research and contributions

Mahadevan-Jansen's research has led to significant advancements in the field of optical imaging and diagnostics. Her work on Raman spectroscopy has provided new insights into the molecular composition of tissues, enabling the early detection of cancer and other diseases.

She has also been involved in the development of photodynamic therapy techniques, which use light-activated drugs to target and destroy cancer cells. Her interdisciplinary approach has bridged the gap between engineering and medicine, fostering innovation in medical technology.

Awards and honors

Anita Mahadevan-Jansen has received numerous awards for her contributions to biomedical engineering and biophotonics. She is a fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering and has been recognized by the Optical Society of America for her pioneering work in optical technologies.

Related pages

• Biophotonics
• Biomedical engineering
• Raman spectroscopy
• Vanderbilt University