Edmund Optics names 2016 Norman Edmund Inspiration Award winner

Optical components maker Edmund Optics (Barrington, NJ) has named the recipient of the 2016 Norman Edmund Inspiration Award, receiving $5000 in product donation. Dr. Sangeeta Murugkar, an assistant professor at Carleton University (Ottawa, ON, Canada) is developing a handheld probe for the noninvasive, in vivo prospective assessment of tumor chemo-sensitivity at the time of surgery.

Murugkar's goal is to apply Raman microspectroscopy (RMS) in conjuction with multivariate statistical analysis to discriminate between chemo-resistant and chemo-sensitive human ovarian carcinoma cell lines and tissue. When applied in the clinical setting, this technique could enable prospective assessment of tumor chemo-sensitivity at the time of surgery.

One of the criteria for selecting a winner is to explain how the research project inspires others to pursue a career in optics or optical research. Murugkar's proposed project uses Raman microspectroscopy and imaging to differentiate between ovarian tumor cells that are inherently resistant or sensitive to chemotherapy. The optical imaging techniques developed in this project have an ability to make a real difference in reducing patient suffering and improving patient survival.

The Norman Edmund Inspiration Award honors the contributions made by Norman Edmund to advance the science of optics. The recipient of the award is chosen from among the 30 global finalists of the 2016 Educational Award in the Americas and Europe, who best represent the legacy of Mr. Edmund.

For more information, please visit www.edmundoptics.com.