KEMi: Accelerating Transformative Research

The Kren Engineering-based Medicine Initiative (KEMi) combines the strengths of UW Engineering and UW Medicine to develop solutions for healthcare’s most urgent unmet needs. KEMi is made possible by a generous gift from George and Martina Kren.

KEMi will focus on engineering-driven projects, primarily in Ophthalmology, that translate advanced technologies from laboratory research into real-world clinical tools. Collaborative projects between ophthalmology and engineering will lead the way, drawing on the strong expertise in both areas.

“Engineers, physicians, and medical researchers will work side by side to co-develop tools and technologies that are both technologically advanced and grounded in real patient needs—from early diagnostics to precision therapeutics,” said Bucey Chair and Professor of Ophthalmology Russell Van Gelder, MD, PhD.

“We received an overwhelming response to our call for proposals, with 83 submissions. The committee has selected the projects that will serve as the inaugural group of KEMi investigators,” said Graham and Brenda Siddall Endowed Chair Tueng Shen, MD, PhD. “In the inaugural year of the Kren Engineering-based Medicine Initiative (KEMi), we especially emphasized funding research projects in Ophthalmology."

KEMi is poised to integrate cutting-edge technologies into clinical practice, addressing the growing demand for early detection and more precise treatments. Its interdisciplinary approach ensures that innovations are technologically advanced and rooted in real-world medical needs. As the initiative progresses, its impact will extend across various medical fields, paving the way for broader applications that can reshape the future of healthcare.

The selected proposals are listed below.

Vision-based projects (links to YouTube videos on each project)

Advancing Volumetric Phase-Sensitive OCT for Wide-Field Functional Imaging of Trabecular Meshwork Dynamics

Principal investigator: Ruikang Wang, Ph.D., Professor and George and Martina Kren Endowed Chair, Ophthalmology

Leveraging the ADDF and EyeACT Datasets to Learn and Predict Dementia, Identifying Dementia Biomarkers

Principal investigator: Yue Wu, Ph.D., Acting Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology

Early Detection of Photoreceptor Dysfunction in Outer Retinal Disease Using Optoretinography

Principal investigator: Ramkumar Sabesan, Ph.D.,George and Martina Kren Associate Professor, Ophthalmology

Co-principal investigators:

Jennifer Chao, M.D., Ph.D., Joan and Gordon Bergy Professor, Ophthalmology

Debarshi Mustafi, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor, UW Ophthalmology and Seattle Children's Hospital

Wearable Assist Device to Improve Visual Function Following Restorative Therapy

Principal investigator: James A. Kuchenbecker, Ph.D., Acting Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology

Co-principal investigators:

Russell Van Gelder, M.D., Ph.D., Boyd K Bucey Memorial Professor and Chair, Ophthalmology

Ruikang Wang, Ph.D., Professor and George and Martina Kren Endowed Chair, Bioengineering

Injectable Biomaterial-Mediated Transplantation of Limbal Fibroblasts for Treatment of Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency

Principal investigator: Yuzuru Sasamoto, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology

Co-principal investigator: Cole DeForest, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Bioengineering

Kren-Endowed chair project

High-Resolution Facial Imaging for Non-Invasive Detection of Rhythm Irregularities and Perfusion Deficits in Atrial Fibrillation Patients

Principal investigator: Nazem Akoum, M.D., M.S., FACC, FAHA, FHRS, Professor of Medicine, Cardiology

Co-principal investigator: Ruikang Wang, Ph.D., Professor, Bioengineering

For a complete list of the accepted proposals, visit the KEMi website.