NAI Senior Member Dr. Lan Yang is the Edwin H. and Florence G. Skinner Professor in the Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering at NAI Member Institution Washington University in St. Louis and the Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of DeepSight, a company dedicated to developing cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic tools and systems designed to enhance patient outcomes and improve the effectiveness and accessibility of healthcare.
A visionary innovator in the field of photonics and optical sensing, she is also the principal investigator of the Yang Research Group-Micro/Nano Photonics Lab at WashU, where she leads pioneering research exploring the forefront of science through a fundamental understanding of novel phenomena centered around light-matter interactions. Her group focuses on the silicon-chip-based, ultra-high-quality micro-resonators and their applications for sensing, lasing, nonlinear optics, environmental monitoring, biomedical research and communication. Her group has demonstrated the first on-chip micro-resonator-based particle sensors that can achieve not only detection, but also size measurement of single nanoparticles one by one. Below, read about what inspires her to be an inventor, her advice for young innovators, and more!
Q: What words would you use to describe yourself?
A: Sincere, caring, innovative, visionary; committed to making scientific discoveries meaningful for the world, passionate about inspiring others, and dedicated to empowering the next generation.
Q: What inspired you, and continues to inspire you, to be an inventor?
A: I am inspired by the opportunity to translate scientific discoveries into technologies that can improve lives and advance society. The potential to make a tangible difference, especially in healthcare, continues to fuel my passion for innovation and invention. Knowing that even small advances can create meaningful impact keeps me motivated every day.
Q: Why are you passionate about being an innovator?
A: I am passionate about being an innovator because it allows me to explore new ideas, solve meaningful problems, and create pathways where none existed before. Innovation drives me to think beyond traditional boundaries and gives me the opportunity to develop solutions to address important challenges. Every new idea, no matter how small, has the potential to light the path for lasting impact.
Q: What advice do you have for innovators looking to take their innovations from bench to market?
A: Moving an innovation from the lab to the market takes persistence, flexibility, and the willingness to learn from every step of the journey. Surround yourself with a team that shares your vision and brings complementary strengths, and engage end users early— their timely feedback can help you tailor your innovation for real needs, increasing the chance that your technology will be embraced by the market or even create a new market with significant impact. Real impact often comes from the ability to listen, adapt, and keep moving forward, even when the way is not immediately clear.
Q: What do you feel the value of STEM education is, especially to young innovators?
A: STEM education empowers everyone and touches our daily lives by teaching us to think critically and solve real-world problems. It builds a foundation of curiosity, creativity, and resilience — qualities that are essential for transforming ideas into meaningful impact and imagining possibilities beyond current boundaries. By equipping students with both technical skills and a spirit of exploration, STEM education opens the door to innovations that can shape a better future.
Q: What do you feel is the importance of having diverse perspectives in creating innovations that benefit society?
A: Innovation thrives when it draws from a wide range of experiences and perspectives. Different viewpoints help identify unmet needs and inspire more creative, impactful solutions for society.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self, or young innovators, pursuing a career in research and/or innovation?
A: Follow your passion, believe in your ideas, stay curious, and be willing to adapt as you learn. Innovation is rarely straightforward. Challenges are part of the journey, and you will face obstacles along the way; learning from them, while staying true to what you deeply care about, will carry you forward with strength and help you achieve your goals. Keep inspired by the greater good you hope to serve, and trust that your work can help shape a better world.
Dr. Yang was inducted as an NAI Senior Member in 2023. To read more about Dr. Yang and her work, visit: https://yanglab.wustl.edu/about-the-pi/