Padraig MacGabann (Kai Pearson) joined the Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering at USC as a graduate student in 2026. He was previously affiliated with the Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science as an undergraduate visitor in 2023.

Padraig is a patented inventor and researcher in the fields of computer science and biomedical engineering, focused on developing mission-critical and life-saving technologies. His research interests include applied optimization, computer-assisted craniomaxillofacial surgery and microsystems for surgically implantable devices.

Padraig has led the development of a highly-cited intellectual property portfolio in emergency response technology that has influenced key advancements in industry. His recent work spans computational pathology, computer security research for medical imaging systems, and intellectual property portfolio management.

Notably, Padraig's work has been featured in several university and news media outlets, including a television interview on ABC News.