Our Research
Where engineering meets
real-world health impact
OUR MISSION
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The PANDA Lab (People-centered Approaches to Novel Diagnostics for All) led by Dr. Panpradist at the Univesity of Texas at Austin Biomedical Engineering is dedicated to advancing diagnostic technologies that are accessible, sustainable, and responsive to real-world needs. Our mission is to deliver actionable health information—whether at rural clinics in Texas, bedside care environments, or underserved regions around the world. We use a value-centered engineering approach that prioritizes meaningful collaboration with clinicians, local medical centers, the Dell Medical School, industrial partners, and international health ministries.
Our lab bridges disciplines to co-create diagnostic solutions that meet the needs of historically underserved communities. By reimagining how medical technologies are designed and deployed, we aim to shift the paradigm of diagnostic innovation toward usability, relevance, and real-world effectiveness
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TECHNICAL FOCUS AND APPLICATIONS
We combine molecular tools—such as isothermal amplification and synthetic biology innovations like DNA logic circuits and engineered phages—with low-cost hardware and open-access software to build next-generation diagnostics. Current projects include developing sensitive tools for detecting drug resistance in HIV and tuberculosis, as well as biosensors for rapid bacterial sepsis detection. We also work at the broader intersection of health and environmental safety, developing point-of-care platforms for challenges in food and water safety.
