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A temporary tattoo that brings hospital care to the home

Surprise Me

About this talk

UCSD sensor innovator Todd Coleman shares his quest to develop health monitoring tattoos that hold promise for revolutionizing health care monitoring and making medicine less invasive.

About Todd Coleman

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About Todd

Dr. Todd P. Coleman is a pioneering engineer and professor who integrates medical electronics, machine learning, and neuroscience to create the future of wireless health. After earning his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from MIT and conducting postdoctoral work in neuroscience, he joined the faculty at Stanford University in 2021, where he is an Associate Professor of Bioengineering and Electrical Engineering. Todd’s groundbreaking research focuses on developing multi-functional, flexible bio-electronics—often described as “epidermal electronics” or temporary “tattoos”—that are as thin and soft as skin. These wireless sensors can unobtrusively monitor vital signs, brain activity (EEG), and even gastrointestinal function (EGG) during a patient’s normal daily life, replacing bulky hospital equipment. His interdisciplinary approach is driven by a deep commitment to public health, applying his inventions to improve care in critical areas like perinatal health (newborn and maternal monitoring) and chronic disease management. He uses advanced machine learning to analyze the massive amounts of data collected, providing novel insights for clinical decision-makers. Todd is highly recognized for his leadership in advancing science and technology, serving on the National Academies Standing Committee on Biotechnology and as a Fellow of IEEE. His work has been widely featured in the media, demonstrating his quest to deliver sustainable, innovative medical solutions to those who need them most.

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