Doctor of Philosophy, Graduate Program in Mechanical Engineering

University of California, Riverside, January 2020

Dr. Guillermo Aguilar, Chairperson

Friday, January 31, 2020,

2PM in Winston Chung Hall 205/206

Interest in using optical methods in the development of noninvasive clinical diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for brain diseases has widely increased due to their simplicity, safety, and affordability. The main limitations are the strong light scattering in the scalp and skull. Our group has introduced a transparent cranial implant material, which possesses the mechanical strength and biocompatibility that are prerequisites for a clinically-viable permanent cranial implant for patients. 

In my dissertation, I illustrate that transmission of visible and near-infrared light through transparent cranial implants could not only open a “window” through which detailed brain features could be imaged and deep targets could be therapeutically treated, but may also facilitate through-scalp prolonged post-operatory interventions.