Thomas O’Sullivan, Frank M. Freimann Collegiate Professor of Biomedical Electronics in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Notre Dame, has been elected a Fellow of SPIE, the International Society for Optics and Photonics. He is among 59 researchers from around the world selected as new SPIE Fellows in August 2026.
SPIE Fellow is the society’s highest level of professional recognition, honoring members whose outstanding technical achievements, leadership, and service have significantly advanced the fields of optics and photonics. The SPIE Fellows program recognizes individuals who have not only made exceptional technical contributions but have also demonstrated leadership in advancing innovation, mentoring future scientists and engineers, and serving the optics and photonics community.
“Being named a SPIE Fellow is a tremendous honor,” O’Sullivan said. “I’m grateful to my students, postdoctoral researchers, collaborators, and colleagues whose creativity and dedication have made this work possible. Advances in biomedical optics are built through collaboration across engineering, science, and medicine, and I’m fortunate to be part of such an outstanding community.”
O’Sullivan is recognized internationally for his contributions to biomedical optics, particularly the development of advanced optical sensing technologies that enable scientists and physicians to better visualize and understand biological tissues. His research combines engineering, physics, and medicine to create noninvasive techniques that have applications ranging from breast cancer treatment to opioid detection to improving childbirth safety.
At Notre Dame, the O’Sullivan Research Group, a biomedical photonics laboratory, focuses on developing innovative optical imaging systems that provide new insights into human health and disease. His work advancing diffuse optical imaging and spectroscopy has opened new doors for point-of-care diagnostics, resulting in technologies like NearWave. Spun out from his research at Notre Dame, NearWave has developed a novel handheld device designed to monitor breast cancer response to therapy at the bedside—enabling safer, non-invasive imaging that promises to optimize treatment decisions and improve patient survival rates.
”Tom’s election as an SPIE Fellow reflects the impact of his research and his leadership in biomedical optics,” said Christopher Hinkle, professor of electrical engineering and department chair. “His work exemplifies Notre Dame’s commitment to interdisciplinary research that advances scientific knowledge while addressing important challenges in human health.”
SPIE is the international society for optics and photonics, bringing together researchers, engineers, educators, and industry leaders to advance light-based science and technology through conferences, publications, education, and professional collaboration.
—Karla Cruise, Notre Dame Engineering