Sinisa Vukelic

Vukelic has been working on the theoretical framework behind the low-density-plasma -- tissue interaction, which has led to two distinct translational medicine efforts. The first is noninvasive permanent vision correction, which aims to provide a new and groundbreaking paradigm in correcting refractive errors. Second is the development of a novel treatment modality for early osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative disease that affects millions of Americans. Currently, only late-stage treatment options are available, limited to major interventions, including joint replacement. Furthermore, Vukelic’s research group, concurrently with the development of the ultrafast laser-based therapeutic treatment, develops a Raman spectroscopy-based quantitative diagnostic method able to identify early OA. Treatment-diagnostics co-development approach aims to couple the treatment modality with molecular diagnostics and present it as a comprehensive approach for repair of an articular cartilage. 

Recent projects from Vukelic’s research group include: theoretical and experimental development of an ultrafast laser treatment regime of biological media that excludes ablation as well as optical breakdown; application of developing theories towards alteration of mechanical properties of collagen-rich tissues and biomaterials; methods to controllably alter corneal curvature via localized modification of stromal mechanical properties; methods to quantify structural changes of corneal stoma subject to laser irradiation; methods to strengthen articular cartilage; development of novel methods to characterize spatial variation of crosslink density in collagen-rich media; development of molecular diagnostic methods to quantitatively characterize molecular pathways towards differentiating aggressive from indolent prostate cancers.

Vukelic also has active collaboration with Columbia University Medical Center. Specifically, Vukelic collaborates with Departments of Ophthalmology and Cardiology. In the former, he works toward translation of his basic research into clinical practice. Latter collaboration includes work with cardiologists towards development of a medical device that measures fluid output in patients admitted to hospital due failing heart condition. Recently Vukelic has been involved in development of another medical device that increases compliance of sedentary patients in using spirometer, and therefore reduces pulmonary complications.

Vukelic received a Dipl. Eng. in 2004 in mechanical engineering from University of Belgrade and a MS in 2005 and a PhD in 2009 in mechanical engineering from Columbia University.