Novel optical imaging to visualize critical biological processes
Cristina Rodríguez's research focuses on developing and applying novel optical imaging technologies to study the structure and function of living systems at depth and high resolution. Through a multidisciplinary approach involving physics, nonlinear optics, and advanced optical imaging modalities, Rodríguez pushes the limits of in vivo deep tissue imaging and advances our understanding of previously underexplored biology. In particular, the Rodríguez lab investigates how tactile information is processed and relayed in the mouse spinal cord and how the coding scheme changes under pathological conditions, using three-photon microscopy, adaptive optics, and other novel optical tools. The Rodríguez lab also develops novel imaging probes (for applications including deep tissue vasculature imaging), cell tracking, light-activated therapeutic delivery systems, and optogenetic manipulation of neural circuits. The Rodríguez lab is a welcoming space, supporting people of all backgrounds and allowing all members to thrive as scientists and human beings.
