Professor of Bioengineering Bahman Anvari's research is directed towards development and application of photonics-based instrumentation to obtain quantitative information that will provide insight into the fundamental mechanisms underlying a biological phenomenon, and to achieve effective optical modalities for diagnosis and therapy of specific tissue malformations. Specific Areas: Current research in Dr. Anvari's laboratory is focused on: (1) investigating the nanoelectromechanical characteristics of cell membranes, particularly as they relate to the electromechanics of the outer hair cells within the cochlea; and (2) use of exogenous chromophores to enhance optical diagnosis and therapy of tissue malformations.