Byunghee Yoo Post-Doctoral Associate Biomedical Engineering University of Arizona Office: Room 4956, Arizona Cancer Center Phone: (520)-626-0194 Fax: (520)-626-0395 Email: bhyoo@u.arizona.edu Mail Address: Room 4956 Arizona Cancer Center 1515 North Campbell Ave. Tucson, AZ 85724
Selected links: • Contrast Agent Molecular Engineering Lab • Arizona Cancer Center • Institute for Collaborative BioResearch (BIO5) • Advanced Research Institute for Biomedical Imaging (ARIBI) • Biomedical Magnetic Resonance Facility • The University of Arizona

Research Summary

My cCurrent research interests are focused on the development of biomedical imaging contrast agents. I am developing enzyme responsive PARACEST-MR imaging contrast agents for the detection of protease activity related with angiogenesis and apoptosis in cancer. I am interested in imaging contrast agents for MR/PET and MR/Photoacoustic dual-modal imaging to maximize the efficiency in the detection of early stage cancer. An "Activatable" or "responsive" contrast agent is the basic concept in my research. To carry out these research projects, I have been trained at CCIR (Case Center for Imaging Research) and MIPS (Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford).

Another direction in my research is to develop non-invasive evaluation methods for cosmetheutics (anti-aging/whitening/hydration). This technique is expected to provide criteria in screening raw materials and in the formulation of cosmetheutical products. My interest in cosmetheutics came from the experiences in a cosmetic company (Amorepacific Co., South Korea) for more than 7 years, when I had managed in the development of cosmetic products and raw materials as a senior researcher.

Recent Publications