PhD Candidate, Electrical and Computer Engineering - Northeastern University
MS, Biomedical Engineering - Columbia University
BS, Electrical and Computer Engineering - Rutgers University

New Jersey native Yogesh Patel grew up in a family of engineers and doctors, so his work in Dr. Charles DiMarzio's Optical Science Laboratory -- which develops biological and medical imaging modalities - is in ways a natural fit. Patel's background and his work in biomedical optics and nanotechnology converge in the lab, which is working to revolutionize traditional methods of detecting skin cancer by developing a non-invasive imaging modality for use in clinical settings. As a second-year IGERT student, Patel has been exposed to hospitals and industry partners throughout the country. This experience has increased his interest in science policy and has led him to consider working in the area after his graduation in 2012.