Medical scientist Samuel Achilefu, a leading figure in radiology and molecular biophysics, holds numerous patents and is renowned as one of the foremost scientists of the 21st century.
Originally from Nigeria, Achilefu serves as the Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry and Materials Science from the University of Nancy, France, in 1991, and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Oxford, UK.
Achilefu gained prominence for inventing cancer visualization goggles, revolutionizing tumor removal surgery. These high-tech infrared goggles enable surgeons to differentiate malignant cells from healthy tissue during operations, addressing a longstanding challenge in oncological surgery.
With over 65 U.S. patents and more than 300 published scientific papers, Achilefu’s contributions have significantly impacted healthcare. He began his professional journey at Mallinckrodt Medical in 1993, later joining Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis as a professor and director of the optical radiology laboratory.
Acknowledged with numerous awards, Achilefu’s accolades include the St. Louis Award, Medical Innovation Award, and the St. Louis Innovator Award. He has also been recognized by the Breast Cancer Research Program and the US Department of Defense.
In 2021, Achilefu’s exceptional contributions led to his election to the National Academy of Medicine, cementing his status as a trailblazer in health and medicine.