Principal Investigator
Sara Keller
Assistant Professor of Bioengineering
Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact
Department of Bioengineering
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My scientific training and education:
I completed my bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering at Vanderbilt University, where I was first introduced to research through a project on computational fluid dynamics simulations within MRI-derived arterial geometries. This sparked my interest in medical imaging, inspiring me to pursue a PhD in Bioengineering at the University of Washington, Seattle, where I focused on adapting clinical ultrasound systems to enhance chemotherapy delivery to hepatocellular carcinoma tumors under the supervision of Professor Mike Averkiou. I then crossed the pond to become a Glasstone Research Fellow in the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, working in the BUBBL group with Professors Eleanor Stride, Constantin Coussios, and Robin Cleveland, where I investigated cavitation-mediated technologies for clearing bacterial biofilms.
My research interests:
The goal of my research group is to develop ultrasound- and cavitation-guided technologies for safe, effective, and non-invasive therapies. We integrate advanced imaging, signal processing, and physiologically relevant models to understand how mechanically driven bioeffects influence tissue microenvironments. This mechanistic foundation enables us to design precise, image-guided treatment strategies with clear clinical potential.
Other interests:
Outside of the lab, I love skiing, hiking, trail running, baking elaborate new desserts, and reading (preferably with a cat on my lap).
Lab Members
This Could Be You!
We are always looking for intellectually curious, self-driven trainees who are eager to develop tools to understand and control how ultrasound interacts with biological systems.
Join the Keller Lab
We are always looking for intellectually curious, self-driven trainees who are eager to develop tools to understand and control how ultrasound interacts with biological systems. Our research focuses on the biophysics of acoustic energy in living systems, integrating cavitation physics, imaging, contrast agent development, and mechanistic studies of ultrasound bioeffects.
We foster a collaborative and rigorous environment that empowers students and trainees from all backgrounds to learn, innovate, and grow as independent scientists and engineers. Trainees receive formal instruction in experimental ultrasound research, acoustic propagation and measurement, ultrasound imaging, and scientific communication. Below is the best way to get in contact based on the type of position you are interested in.
Graduate Students
If you are interested in joining as a graduate student, please apply to the BioE PhD Program first and then get in touch with Professor Keller to hear about opportunities in the group. When reaching out, please include a brief introduction outlining your research experience, interests, and long-term career goals.
Postdoctoral Scholars
At this time, we are only able to host postdoctoral scholars with external funding. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in therapeutic ultrasound, contrast agent development, acoustic measurement, or computational modeling. Interested applicants should email Professor Keller with a CV and a cover letter describing research accomplishments and future career plans.
Undergraduate Students
We will begin hosting undergraduate students starting Fall 2026. If you are interested in joining the lab, please email Professor Keller with a brief introduction that includes your career goals, research interests, anticipated time commitment (hours/week), and expected duration in the lab.