Lindsey Barner

NSF Activities Report

2018-2019

The 2018-2019 reporting period spans my second year of graduate school, during
which my research project has accelerated and progressed significantly. In order to
improve cancer detection and treatment, we aim to design and build a novel open-top
light-sheet microscope to image biopsy tissues for histopathological assessment. Unlike
previous open-top light-sheet microscopes, this device will be able to image at a range
of magnifications, enabling a workflow that is ideal for pathologists. In addition, this
multi-magnification imaging workflow will be optimal for employing machine learning
methods to search for and detect rare cells in biopsy tissues. This will allow pathologists
to search for indicators of poor prognosis in tissue at unprecedented speed and
accuracy, which will broadly impact cancer diagnostic capabilities.
This research has made notable progress over the last year. We have developed novel
optics (patent pending) for open-top light-sheet microscopes to enable rapid multi-
resolution imaging. In addition, the microscope itself has been designed and is in the
process of being built. Within a few months of this reporting period, users of the
microscope will be able to image a variety of biopsy tissues at unprecedented speed,
resolution, and flexibility (at multiple magnifications). After this task is completed, we will
begin imaging prostate tissues and develop machine learning methods to automatically
search for and detect rare tumor cells that have invaded blood vessels (“lymphovascular
invasion”).
In addition to advancing this research project, I have completed almost all of my
required program coursework (with 1 class remaining) and have passed the Ph.D.
Qualifying Examination.
Further, much of my time during this reporting period has been invested in building
community within the Mechanical Engineering department at UW, as well as in the
broader community. This year I have served on the Mechanical Engineering Graduate
Students Association (MEGA) as Social Chair, through which I have organized various
social and professional events that build community within the department. In the
coming year, I will serve as Vice President of the association. In addition, throughout the
year I have greatly enjoyed being a mentor to one of the new PhD students in the
department, as well as serving as an officer of the Graduate Society of Women
Engineers (SWE) at UW. Though I hope to continue many of these efforts throughout
my graduate career, I drew most fulfillment from serving as a mentor, and therefore
would like to play a stronger mentorship role for younger PhD students in the future.