Ben Vakoc, PhD received a Ph.D. in applied physics from Stanford University in 2001 where he researched the application of optical sensing devices for sonar applications. After his dissertation research, Dr. Vakoc participated in a venture funded start-up company, Novera Optics, that developed optical devices for the telecommunications marker.

In 2002, Dr. Vakoc joined the Wellman center for Photomedicine to participate in the development and translation of optical instrumentation to the clinic and biology laboratory. His research has centered around the development of new technical capabilities in optical coherence tomography (OCT), and the translation of these techniques to (i) endoscopic imaging of neoplasia, (ii) guidance of endoscopic therapies, and (iii) imaging of small animal tumor models.

Research Interests

Optical coherence tomography: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides a powerful imaging platform to survey wide-fields in both clinical and biological laboratory settings. Advancements in the technique of OCT have yielded second-generation instrumentation termed optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI). The development of new capabilities and approaches within OCT/OFDI as motivated by applications in biology and medicine form the technical core of my research.

OCT-guided therapy: The OCT imaging techniques offer a powerful platform for guiding laser therapy and microsurgery. The development of the techniques and instrumentation enabling OCT-guided therapy, and the translation of these instrumentation to preclinical and clinical studies in concern with collaborators here at the MGH is a research focus.

Advanced microscopy of small animal disease models: Small animal diseases models are combined with advanced microscopic techniques to reveal mechanisms behind these pathologies and illuminate responses to new therapeutic strategies. The development of OCT as an imaging tool in this area combines innovation at technology level with collaboration and translation of instrumentation to the biological laboratory. Currently, we are developing instrumentation and methods for revealing solid tumor biology in a collaboration with the Steele Laboratory/MGH, lead by Dr. Rakesh Jain.