The public is told by health professionals constantly that
early detection is key to combating almost any disease.
Early detection, however, necessitates regular doctor
appointments, adequate health insurance, and the monetary means that both
require. Early detection tests are not a system that can be used easily in
everyday life, so many go without them.
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Dr. Seung Kim
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The biosensor is small – it can be held in one hand – and
easy to use. It pricks the finger, and results are readily available. It will
be able to detect anything a normal blood test would - cancers, cardiovascular
disease, glucose levels – the applications are broad.
“The vision is for the average person to be able to use it in
their own home,” Kim said. “It can predict if you’re going to have a heart
attack in a few days.”
Kim’s work is so promising, he has been awarded a $400,000 NSF Career Grant by the National Science Foundation. It’s a difficult grant to
receive, but Kim was awarded it on first proposal.
Applicants are only allowed to apply for the grant three
times. Kim was pleased to be granted the money upon his first proposal.
“These grants are rarely given on the first attempt,” Kim
said. “Usually it takes all three tries.”
It’s not only early and easy detection that makes the biosensor
important; it could also play a crucial role in worldwide healthcare.
“This is good for global health. Third world countries don’t have the resources for testing. Even if they had the money, testing systems aren’t available. Doctors will be able to take this with them and provide clinics with a method of testing,” Kim said.
“This is good for global health. Third world countries don’t have the resources for testing. Even if they had the money, testing systems aren’t available. Doctors will be able to take this with them and provide clinics with a method of testing,” Kim said.
Grad student
Chris Mounce, who also works on the project, said: "This really shows what
LeTourneau Engineering is all about: designing new and innovative technologies
that not only push boundaries, but also work to improve the lives of people
worldwide.”
LeTourneau engineering students are reaping benefits as
well, albeit theirs are academic. A group of students have worked on the
biosensor for their senior design project (a year-long task all engineering
students work on their final year) and it’s provided ample experience for the
future careers and continued education.
Grad student Josh Brake, who has worked on the project for a
few years, credits his acceptance into Caltech’s
extremely competitive program to study biophotonics. Less than 2 percent of
applicants are admitted; Brake starts working toward his PhD in the fall.
He did his thesis research for his M.S. Electrical
Engineering degree on the biosensor, and he has high hopes for its success:
“This device
has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry and change the way
medicine is practiced both in the US and in other developing countries where
access to a low-cost device would have a tremendous impact.”
