Undergraduate Engineer Recognized for Novel Breast Cancer Research

May 22, 2025 - UC Irvine biomedical engineering undergraduate student Devin Johnson presented his research on a breast cancer monitoring and diagnosing device at the Institution for Advanced Computational Sciences and Center for Inclusive Education (IACS-CIE) Symposium at Stony Brook University in April.  

Johnson was selected as one of nine students internationally to present their work at the symposium, which highlights scholars conducting research in the computational sciences field. Students were selected based on the novelty of their research and ability to meaningfully contribute to the scientific community. After speaking on their findings, students receive valuable feedback from industry professionals and faculty.  

Johnson, a third-year student, conducted his project under Regine Choe at the University of Rochester’s Medical Center while he was an intern last year under the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates. Although he completed the internship, he remains an active member in Choe’s lab with remote research and assignments. His research focuses on developing a novel, inexpensive optical imaging device that detects and monitors breast cancer without harmful radiation. Johnson’s symposium presentation underscored the need for diagnostic tools, primarily in underserved communities.  

At UCI Johnson studies under Quinton Smith, assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering. There, he focuses on another part of the human body; the liver. He studies liver fibrosis, which is the scarring of liver tissue, and he develops in vitro models to advance treatments.  

“I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and to be recognized with an amazing group of scholars,” Johnson said. “I am very proud of my research at Rochester as well as my work at UCI. I’ve gained so much excitement for research. I’m hoping to transition my current work into graduate school so I can continue developing solutions that may one day improve medical treatments and patient outcomes.” 

Johnson plans to pursue a doctorate and hopes to continue conducting research on innovative and groundbreaking treatments to address patients’ medical needs.  

– Cassandra Nava