Dr. Anuradha Godavarty, SMNAI, Professor of Biomedical Engineering at NAI Member Institution Florida International University (FIU), is a trailblazer in optical-based molecular imaging and tomography. As the director of FIU’s Optical Imaging Laboratory (OIL), Dr. Godavarty has led groundbreaking work in exploring cutting-edge near-infrared imaging technologies to advance non-invasive disease detection and monitoring. Her research explores light propagation in scattering media (such as biological tissues), leveraging fluorescent contrast agents to differentiate between healthy and diseased areas. Read below as she discusses what inspires her to be an inventor, her advice for innovators looking to take ideas from bench to market, and more!
Q: What words would you use to describe yourself?
A: I would like to describe myself as a hardworking and persistent woman with honesty, integrity as the supporting pillars.
Q: What inspired you, and continues to inspire you, to be an inventor?
A: The thought to create new ideas and translate them to help people inspires me the most.
Q: Why are you passionate about being an innovator?
A: I am passionate about bringing ideas to reality and working to “Keep it Super Simple (KISS).”
Q: In your spare time, in addition to working in your field, what do you love to do?
A: Dancing, family time, and watch television.
Q: What advice do you have for innovators looking to take their innovations from bench to market?
A: Never give up and keep trying till you succeed.
Q: What do you feel the value of STEM education is, especially to young innovators?
A: STEM is the best stimulus for creative minds to explore new ideas and invent new products. Critical thinking is the core foundation of STEM education and it adds value to innovators both professionally and personally.
Q: What do you feel is the importance of having diverse perspectives in creating innovations that benefit society?
A: More diverse thoughts and cross-disciplinary efforts are the key for a successful innovations and translating them to benefit the society.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self, or young innovators, pursuing a career in research and/or innovation?
A: Be bold to get out of your comfort zone for innovations to evolve.
Dr. Godavarty was inducted as an NAI Senior Member in 2021. To read more about Dr. Godavarty’s work, visit: https://oil.fiu.edu/