Our Group
Our Group
Hui Min Leung, Ph.D.
Group Members
If you are motivated to learn how light and photons can be sophisticatedly manipulated to extract information about living systems and probe biological behavior, please reach out to the PI to learn more about such research opportunities in our group.
We have projects that requires hands-on lab work in building laser-powered optical systems, the use of simulation software to develop nanophotonic systems, and the use of machine learning to augment many parts of the optical research. If you are a student in engineering (any discipline), computer science, or physics interested in these research, please reach out!
Hsiao Chih Huang | Postdoc | Physics (Joint with Liao Lab)
Dr. Huang has devoted himself to two research topics of optical orbital angular momentum and photon quantum entanglement since his PhD career at National Taiwan University. After receiving his PdD certificate, he spent 13 years of his academic careers in Taiwan, South Africa and the Czech Republic, working on several projects in the fields of quantum optics, nonlinear optics, ultrafast optics, optical microscopy, and quantum sensing. Additionally, during these academic careers, he held various short-term senior optical engineer positions in the photonics and laser industries. He is currently working on a multidisciplinary project, integrating his previous research topics, at Indiana University Bloomington.
Fatemeh Mostafavikhatam | Postdoc | Physics (Joint with Liao Lab)
Fatemeh grew up in Iran. She received her B.Sc. in Solid State and a M.Sc. in Fundamental Physics. She also earned her second master's at the University of Texas. She went on to earn her Ph.D. in Physics from Louisiana State University, where she conducted both theoretical and experimental research in quantum imaging, sensing, and communication. Her work focused on free-space optics and plasmonic platforms utilizing both coherent and thermal sources. After completing her Ph.D., she joined Iowa State University as a postdoctoral researcher, working on a quantum imaging project based on SPDC sources. Currently, she is involved in a quantum imaging project with undetected photons, which explores advanced methods in quantum optics and nonlinear interferometry.
Kefu Mu | PhD student | Intelligent Systems Engineering
I'm just a small researcher with a background in computer science, neuroscience, and psychology who aims to save the universe. I was once a game designer who tirelessly churned out games in an attempt to make a fortune during the pandemic, and a counseling psychologist whose expertise seemingly lies only in advising friends to break up. Dreaming of pioneering optical imaging techniques with even greater depth and higher temporal resolution for use in brain research, and outside of that, I'm just a food enthusiast and cooking aficionado—a walking, talking food menu~
Balajee Devesha Srinivasan | Research Associate | Data Science
I'm Balajee Devesha Srinivasan, I graduated with a Master of Science in Data Science at Indiana University Bloomington. With a background in electrical and electronics engineering, I strive to learn and bring unique interdisciplinary approach to research problems. My work focuses on leveraging advanced machine learning techniques and computer vision to develop innovative solutions in optical imaging. I'm passionate about data-driven problem solving, and I thrive in environments where I can collaborate with diverse teams to push the boundaries of technology. I also enjoy playing volleyball and watching anime. I'm excited to be part of this dynamic research group and look forward to connecting with you all.
Stephanie Delia Izaguirre | Undergraduate (Freshman) | Computer Science, specializing in software engineering
My interests lie in coding, problem-solving, and exploring new types of technology to see how they can be used to solve real-world problems. Outside of academics, I enjoy gardening, painting, reading, and coding on personal passion projects!
Sope Akin-Olukunle | Undergraduate (Junior) | Intelligent Systems Engineering (Bioengineering)
My research interests center on using biotechnology to address and solve complex biological and environmental issues. Currently, I am involved in a project exploring advanced methods in quantum optics and nonlinear interferometry through quantum imaging with undetected photons (QIUP). Beyond my research, I enjoy volunteering and exploring how technology and coding can foster creativity and connection.
Celebrating the Milestones, Successes & Joys of our Group
Leung has been named a Luddy Faculty Fellow 2025-26. She is humbled by the recognition and grateful for the support by the department.
[10/25] PhD graduate student, Kefu Mu, gave an excellent presentation at this year's Optica FiO-LS conference!
[10/25] Postdoc, Hsiao-Chih Huang, presented our group's exciting findings that harness STOVs and their topological charges to realize novel optical computation schemes and potential applications in quantum mimicry. There were lots of fruitful exchanges with the audience after his talk as well!
[08/25] We thank our summer students (Annaliese, Drew & Alex) for enriching our research and keeping us all young at heart. Hope to welcome them back again soon! And also cheers to our postdocs, grad students, and researchers for their generous mentorship.
[06/25] Celebrating Aaron's graduation from the Luddy School’s Master’s Program! Very fortunate to have Aaron advancing numerous metaoptics and AI projects in our group. We wish him all the very best as he embarks on his budding career in machine learning engineering!
[05/25] Thrilled and excited that Prof Leung is selected to receive the Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award in 2025-26 for her group's research in metaoptics.
[04/25] Congratulations to Rebecca for completing her undergrad research program through the Center of Excellence for Women & Technology's Emerging Scholars Research Experiences for Undergraduate Women!
[02/25] Our lab successfully demonstrated transverse-OAM and polarization entangled spatiotemporal structured light! This form of mode-entanglement can be leveraged for quantum-enhanced optical detection and imaging. Read more in our paper published in Nanophotonics.
[12/24] So so proud of Danya (right), an undergraduate in our lab, who presented her work on OCT reconstruction. Balajee (left) did an AMAZING job mentoring Danya.
Late nights, intense discussions, and hardwork by Hsiao, Kefu, and team.
[11/24] Back to the Tudor room for an early Thanksgiving celebration. We welcome new members to the group!
[07/24] Our very first group lunch was in the beautiful Tudor Room at IMU in the summer of 2024! Prof Liao and his students joined us as well.
Collaborate with Us!
Our lab is always seeking collaborations that can enrich our science and technology development. We have high-resolution label-free functional (especially metabolism and physiological assessment) and bio-compatible microscopy imaging capabilities in our lab, in addition to supercontinuum, and pulsed lasers. We also have experience in endoscopy and miniaturized fiber-optic imaging techniques for human and small animal studies. We are eager to discuss ideas and please feel free to email us at HuiLeung [at] iu.edu.
Join us in encircling the world with new knowledge.
Annaliese Connell | Freshman of Electrical Engineering (Purdue University) | Completed summer research in our lab in 2025.
Drew James Steinmetz | Freshman of ISE and Math | Completed independent research in our lab in 2025.
Vishwajeet Ekal | Computer Science | Graduated with M.S. in 2025
Aaron Leevord Fernandes | Intelligent Systems Engineering | Graduated with M.S. in 2025
Danya Hazim Rimawi | Freshman | Computer Science | Completed independent studies in the group in 2025.
Rebecca WIlliams | Undergraduate of Neuroscience | Completed Center of Excellence for Women & Technology's Emerging Scholars Research Experiences for Undergraduate Women in 2025.
Jin Kim | Undergraduate | Computer Science | Completed independent studies in the group in 2024.