Jaydev Dave, 37
PhD biomedical engineering ’12
Associate professor, Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University (Philadelphia)
My Greatest Accomplishment: I hope I have not yet accomplished it! I am currently investigating the use of encapsulated microbubbles, which are ultrasound contrast agents, and ultrasound for estimating intra-cardiac pressures. Accurate noninvasive assessment of intra-cardiac pressures has remained an elusive goal in cardiac imaging. By utilizing subharmonic emissions from ultrasound contrast agents, we have shown that we can estimate ambient pressures and apply this technique for monitoring cardiac pressure. In the long term, we hope to make this technology available for noninvasive, accurate evaluation of intra-cardiac pressures in cardiac patients. This will drastically reduce the number of cardiac catheterizations performed to obtain intra-cardiac pressures and support frequent noninvasive monitoring. As a result, we would be able to reduce the costs and risks associated with cardiac catheterization.
How Drexel Helped Me: I came to the United States with a desire to do some research and see what life has to offer. For everything else, there was (and is) Drexel and its well-rooted affiliations. Solid academics, unbelievable opportunities and the “student first” culture are what I experienced in the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems. Remarkably, while at Drexel, I had email exchanges with the late Dr. Taki Papadakis. I was stunned by how receptive he was to me, a foreign, relatively unknown Dragon, while busily charting Drexel’s growth. He heard everyone and helped as needed. While pursuing my PhD, I was able to leverage the connection between the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems and Jefferson’s Radiology Department. And now, as a faculty member at Jefferson, I am continuing the tradition of information and research exchange, by working with the biomedical engineering students from Drexel. So Drexel is continuing to help me.
My Greatest Source of Motivation: Family, family, family! I remember the stories that my grandfather used to tell me in my childhood days, each filled with fun and a resonating motivating message. Those stories and the wisdom of my mom, who was my backbone through the growing years, inspire me each day. The tenacity and grit that I see in my mom is second to none. My sister (also a Drexel alumna), who twice represented a country of over 1 billion in synchronized swimming at the Commonwealth Games, taught me that dreaming and daring are elemental in achieving anything you want. The cheerful support of my wife, stories from my daughter, and infectious laughter of my son propel me each day, every moment. The scientist in me evolved due to insonation, scattering and echoes from Dr. Flemming Forsberg — and to him I remain in debt forever.
Where I Hope to Be in Five Years: To begin with — in a pandemic-free world! Taking each moment and cherishing it to the fullest will ultimately lead to unchartered territories — that is where I hope to be in five years.
If My Life Were a Music Video, the Song Would Be: No one song would be able to capture this. However, these would surely make the shortlist:
The Bollywood in me calls for the title/theme song of the movie “Jhankar Beats” by Vishal/Shekhar and “Yun hi Chala Chal Rahi” from the movie “Swades.” I also gravitate toward the title/theme song of “Chariots of Fire” by Vangelis.