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Welcome to the UEIL

Led by Prof. Elisa Konofagou, the Ultrasound and Elasticity Imaging Laboratory works on developing novel, ultrasound-based techniques for both imaging and therapeutic applications. Some of the ongoing research in the UEIL includes:

  • Enabling targeted drug delivery to the brain by opening the blood-brain barrier with focused ultrasound.

  • Mapping the mechanical and electromechanical properties of the heart using myocardial elastography and electromechanical wave imaging.

  • Monitoring High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) ablation therapy with harmonic motion imaging.

  • Using pulse wave imaging to quantify arterial wall mechanics and blood flow dynamics to characterize vascular diseases, including carotid atherosclerosis and hypertension. 

  • Modulating neural activity in the central and peripheral nervous system through high-intensity focused ultrasound.

The UEIL is located in the Columbia University Medical Center at the New York Presbyterian Hospital and is part of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Columbia University. If you have any additional inquiries, or if you would be interested in collaborating with our laboratory, please feel free to contact us.

Latest Lab Events and Celebrations

Latest News

July 30, 2026

Jonas and Saachi to Present Posters at NYC Neuromod; Saachi Awarded Recognition Badge for New Technology

We're proud to announce that two of our lab members, Jonas and Saachi, will be presenting their work at the 2026 NYC Neuromodulation Conference.

In addition, Saachi has been awarded a Recognition Badge for New Technology in honor of this work — a distinction recognizing innovative contributions to the field of neuromodulation.

Congratulations to Jonas and Saachi on these achievements! We look forward to seeing their work showcased at this year's conference.

July 17, 2026

Christina Proestaki Receives American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship

We are excited to share that Christina Proestaki has received a two-year American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship for her project, “Real-Time Electromechanical Wave Imaging for Non-Invasive Intraoperative Arrhythmia Diagnosis.”

The fellowship will support her work on advancing Electromechanical Wave Imaging as a real-time, noninvasive tool for arrhythmia diagnosis and procedural guidance.

Congratulations, Christina!