Tsu-Te Judith Su

Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Associate Professor of Optical Sciences
Assistant Research Scientist, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Assistant Professor, BIO5 Institute
Member of the Graduate Faculty

Judith Su's background is in sensing, imaging, microfabrication and optical instrument building for biological and medical applications. Her research interests are in using imaging, sensing and rheological techniques to reveal basic biological functions at the molecular, cellular and tissue levels. Recently her work has centered on label‐free single molecule detection using microtoroid optical resonators with a focus on basic research, and translational medicine through the development of miniature field portable devices as a tool to detect, understand, control and treat various diseases. She is also developing chemical sensors for environmental monitoring, reducing threats, assisting national defense and enabling clean sport competition.

Degrees

  • PhD Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics
    • Caltech, Pasadena, California, United States
    • Label-free detection of single biological molecules using microtoroid optical resonators
  • MS Mechanical Engineering
    • MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
  • BS Mechanical Engineering, minor: Literature
    • MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

Work Experience

  • University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (2017 - Ongoing)
  • University of Arizona, College of Optical Sciences (2015 - 2017)
  • Caltech, Division of Biology & Biological Engineering (2014 - 2017)

Interests

Teaching

Biomedical instrumentation, Biophotonics, Biomedical optics

Research

Optical biosensors, Optical microcavities, Whispering gallery modes, Integrated optics, Chemical threat sensing, Microfluidics, Optofluidics, Liquid biopsies, Single molecule dynamics/detection, Bioimaging, Biophotonics, Medical diagnostics, Clean competition, Alzheimer’s diagnostics and prognostics, Environmental monitoring.

Courses

Biophotonics

BME 420 (Spring 2024)
BME 420 (Spring 2023)
BME 420 (Spring 2020)
BME 420 (Spring 2019)
BME 520 (Spring 2024)
BME 520 (Spring 2023)
BME 520 (Spring 2020)
BME 520 (Spring 2019)
OPTI 420 (Spring 2024)
OPTI 420 (Spring 2023)
OPTI 420 (Spring 2020)
OPTI 420 (Spring 2019)
OPTI 520 (Spring 2024)
OPTI 520 (Spring 2023)
OPTI 520 (Spring 2020)
OPTI 520 (Spring 2019)
 

Directed Research

BME 492 (Spring 2019)
BME 492 (Fall 2018)
 

Honors Independent Study

OPTI 499H (Fall 2020)
 

Rsrch Meth Biomed Engr

BME 592 (Fall 2022)
BME 597G (Fall 2019)
 

Current Subj in Opti Sci

OPTI 595A (Spring 2021)
OPTI 595A (Fall 2020)
 

Tech Writing & Communication

OPTI 597B (Fall 2024)
OPTI 597B (Fall 2023)
OPTI 597B (Fall 2021)
OPTI 597B (Fall 2020)
OPTI 597B (Fall 2019)
OPTI 597B (Fall 2018)
 

Independent Study

OPTI 599 (Spring 2024)
OPTI 599 (Spring 2018)
 

Biomed Optics + Biphotonic

BME 630 (Fall 2017)
OPTI 630 (Fall 2017)
 

Biomedical Engr Seminar

BME 696A (Fall 2018)
 

BME Student Forum

BME 696C (Spring 2019)
 

Directed Graduate Research

OPTI 792 (Fall 2023)
OPTI 792 (Fall 2022)
OPTI 792 (Spring 2022)
OPTI 792 (Fall 2021)
OPTI 792 (Spring 2020)
OPTI 792 (Fall 2019)
OPTI 792 (Fall 2018)
 

Master's Report

OPTI 909 (Spring 2019)
OPTI 909 (Spring 2018)
 

Thesis

OPTI 910 (Spring 2024)
OPTI 910 (Fall 2023)
OPTI 910 (Spring 2021)
OPTI 910 (Fall 2020)
OPTI 910 (Fall 2019)
OPTI 910 (Spring 2019)
OPTI 910 (Fall 2018)
OPTI 910 (Spring 2018)
OPTI 910 (Fall 2017)
 

Dissertation

BME 920 (Fall 2024)
BME 920 (Fall 2023)
BME 920 (Spring 2022)
BME 920 (Fall 2021)
OPTI 920 (Spring 2024)
OPTI 920 (Spring 2023)
OPTI 920 (Spring 2022)
OPTI 920 (Spring 2021)
OPTI 920 (Spring 2020)
OPTI 920 (Spring 2019)

Selected Publications

Journals/Publications

  • Kim, S., Suebka, S., Gin, A., Nguyen, P., Tang, Y., Su, J., & Goddard, W. (2024). Methotrexate Inhibits the Binding of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Receptor Binding Domain to the Host-Cell Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE-2) Receptor. ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science, 7(2), 348-362.
  • Xu, Y., Stanko, A. M., Cerione, C. S., Lohrey, T. D., McLeod, E., Stoltz, B. M., & Su, J. (2024). Low Part-Per-Trillion, Humidity Resistant Detection of Nitric Oxide Using Microtoroid Optical Resonators. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 16(4), 5120-5128.
  • Choi, G., & Su, J. (2023). Impact of stimulated Raman scattering on dark soliton generation in a silica microresonator. Journal of Physics: Photonics, 5(1), 014001.
  • Luu, G. T., Ge, C., Tang, Y., Li, K., Cologna, S. M., Godwin, A. K., Burdette, J. E., Su, J., & Sanchez, L. M. (2023). An Integrated Approach to Protein Discovery and Detection From Complex Biofluids. Molecular & Cellular Proteomics, 22(7).
  • Choi, G., Gin, A., & Su, J. (2022). Optical frequency combs in aqueous and air environments at visible to near-IR wavelengths. Opt. Express, 30(6), 8690-8699.
  • Li, C., Lohrey, T., Nguyen, P., Min, Z., Tang, Y., Ge, C., Sercel, Z. P., McLeod, E., Stoltz, B. M., & Su, J. (2022). Part-per-Trillion Trace Selective Gas Detection Using Frequency Locked Whispering-Gallery Mode Microtoroids. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 14(37), 42430-42440.
  • Dell'Olio, F., Su, J., Huser, T., Sottile, V., Cortés-Hernández, L. E., & Alix-Panabières, C. (2021). Photonic Technologies for Liquid Biopsies: Recent Advances and Open Research Challenges. Laser & Photonics Reviews, 15(1), 2000255.
  • Suebka, S., Nguyen, P., Gin, A., & Su, J. (2021). How Fast It Can Stick: Visualizing Flow Delivery to Microtoroid Biosensors. ACS Sensors, 6(7), 2700-2708.
  • Chen, L., Li, C., Liu, Y., Su, J., & McLeod, E. (2020). Three-Dimensional Simulation of Particle-Induced Mode Splitting in Large Toroidal Microresonators. Sensors, 20(18).
  • Dell'Olio, F., Su, T. J., Huser, T., Sottile, V., Cortés‐Hernández, L. E., & Alix‐Panabières, C. (2020). Photonic technologies for liquid biopsies: recent advances and open research challenges. Laser & Photonics Reviews. doi:doi.org/10.1002/lpor.202000255
  • Hao, S., & Su, J. (2020). Noise-Induced Limits of Detection in Frequency Locked Optical Microcavities. Journal of Lightwave Technology, 38(22), 6393-6401.
  • Chen, L., Li, C., Liu, Y., Su, J., & McLeod, E. (2019). Simulating robust far-field coupling to traveling waves in large three-dimensional nanostructured high-Q microresonators. Photon. Res., 7(9), 967-976.
  • Li, C., Chen, L., McLeod, E., & Su, J. (2019). Dark mode plasmonic optical microcavity biochemical sensor. Photon. Res., 7(8), 939-947.
  • Mcleod, E., Su, T. J., Liu, Y., Li, C., & Chen, L. (2019). Simulating robust far-field coupling to travelling waves in large three-dimensional nanostructured high-Q microresonators. Photonics Research, 7(9), 967-976.
  • Nguyen, P., Zhang, X., & Su, J. (2019). One-Step Controlled Synthesis of Size-Tunable Toroidal Gold Particles for Biochemical Sensing. ACS Applied Nano Materials, 2(12), 7839-7847.

Proceedings Publications

  • McLeod, E., Melzer, J. E., Suebka, S., Chen, L., Li, C., & Su, J. (2023, 2023/6/14). Free-space coupling to microtoroid optical resonator chemosensors. In Free-space coupling to microtoroid optical resonator chemosensors, PC12541, PC1254102.
  • Su, J. (2023, 2023). Ultra-Sensitive, Selective, and Label-Free Optical Sensing for Fundamental Science, Environmental Monitoring, and Translational Medicine. In Technical Digest Series, FM6E.1.
  • Hao, S., & Su, J. (2021, 2021/3/11). Frequency-locked optical microresonator noise analysis. In Frequency-locked optical microresonator noise analysis, 11635.
  • Li, C., Lohrey, T., Nguyen, P., Min, Z., Stoltz, B., & Su, J. (2021, 2021/3/5). Part-per-trillion trace gas detection using frequency-locked whispering gallery mode microtoroids. In Part-per-trillion trace gas detection using frequency-locked whispering gallery mode microtoroids, 11689.
  • Su, J. (2021, 2021). Ultra-Sensitive and Selective Detection of DNA and Protein Biomarkers Using Frequency-Locked Microtoroid Optical Resonators. In OSA Technical Digest, SM3O.1.
  • Suebka, S., Nguyen, P., Gin, A., & Su, J. (2021, 2021/3/5). Flow visualization of analyte transport to microtoroid optical resonators. In Flow visualization of analyte transport to microtoroid optical resonators, 11637.
  • McLeod, E., Su, J., Nguyen, P., & Melzer, J. E. (2020, September). Assembly of Nanophotonic Structures Using Optical Tweezers. In Frontiers in Optics, FTu6B. 5.
  • Gin, A., Nguyen, P., Ozgur, E., & Su, J. (2019, 2019). Label-free Ultrasensitive Detection of Amyloid-β Using Lipid-Functionalized Microtoroid Optical Resonators for Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease. In OSA Technical Digest, DW1B.5.
  • Li, C., Chen, L., McLeod, E., & Su, J. (2019, 2019). Plasmonic Dark Modes for Enhanced Microcavity Biosensing. In The Optical Society, OW2D.2.
  • Mcleod, E., Su, T. J., Liu, Y., Li, C., & Chen, L. (2019, July). Simulating Travelling Waves in Large 3D Whispering Gallery Mode Resonators Decorated with Plasmonic Nanoparticles. In Advanced Photonics Congress, IW1A.4.
  • Nguyen, P., Gin, A., & Su, J. (2019, 2019). Detection of membrane binding events using microtoroid optical resonators. In OSA Technical Digest, DW2B.1.
  • Ozgur, E., Roberts, K. E., Ozgur, E. O., Gin, A. N., Bankhead, J. R., Wang, Z., & Su, J. (2019, 2019). Frequency-locked Optical Whispering Evanescent Resonators for Ultra-Sensitive Doping Detection in Urine. In OSA Technical Digest, DW1B.4.
  • Su, J. (2019, 2019). Ultra-Sensitive and Selective Biomolecular Detection Using Frequency-Locked Microtoroid Optical Resonators. In OSA Technical Digest, ITh3A.4.
  • Su, T. J., Mcleod, E., Chen, L., & Li, C. (2019, April). Plasmonic Dark Modes for Enhanced Microcavity Biosensing. In Biophotonics Congress: Optics in the Life Sciences, OW2D.2.
  • Li, C., Teimourpour, M., Mcleod, E., Su, T. J., Su, T. J., Mcleod, E., Teimourpour, M., & Li, C. (2018, April). Enhanced Whispering Gallery Mode Sensors. In SPIE Defense and Commercial Sensing.

Poster Presentations

  • Luu, G., Ge, C., Tang, Y., Godwin, A., Su, T. J., & Sanchez, L. (2023). Identification of Putative Early-Stage Ovarian Cancer Biomarkers Using Bottom-Up Proteomics from Patient Derived Tampons. ASMS Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics.
  • Su, T. J. (2023). Ultra-sensitive, selective, and label-free optical sensing for fundamental science, environmental monitoring, and translational medicine. Gordon Research Conference on Lasers in Micro, Nano and Bio Systems.
  • Su, T. J., & Sanchez, L. (2023). Identifying and Detecting Diseases Prior to Physical Presentation of Symptoms -- Recent Progress. 7th Annual Arizona Biomedical Research Center-Flinn Research Conference.
  • Su, T. J. (2021). Identifying and Detecting Diseases Prior to Physical Presentation of Symptoms. 5th Annual Arizona Biomedical Research Center-Flinn Research Conference.
  • Su, T. J., Stoltz, B., Melzer, J. E., Li, C., Chen, L., & Mcleod, E. (2019, November). Nanostructuring microtoroid optical chemosensors for mechanically robust and stable sensing. Chemical and Biological Defense Science & Technology Conference. Cincinnati: Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA).
  • Roberts, K., Ozgur, E., & Su, T. J. (2017, October). Microtoroid Optical Resonators as a Novel Platform for Selective Drug Detection. Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Fall Meeting. Phoenix, Arizona, USA: Biomedical Engineering Socity.
  • Su, T. J. (2014, September). Label-Free Single Exosome Detection Using Frequency Locked Microtoroid Optical Resonators. Exosomes & Single Cell Analysis Summit. Exosomes & Single Cell Analysis Summit, San Diego, CA: Exosomes & Single Cell Analysis Summit.
  • Su, T. J., Goldberg, A., Raubitschek, A., Stoltz, B., & Fraser, S. E. (2013, February). Frequency locked microtoroid optical resonators as a non-invasive tumor biopsy alternative. Proceedings of the 57th Biophysical Society Annual Meeting. Proceedings of the 57th Biophysical Society Annual Meeting in Philadephia, PA: Proceedings of the 57th Biophysical Society Annual Meeting.
  • Su, T. J., Brau, R. R., Jiang, X., Whitesides, G. M., Lang, M. J., & So, P. (2006, February). Combining Magnetic and Optical Trapping to Quantify Position Dependent Variations in Cellular Rheology. Proceedings of the 50th Biophysical Society Annual Meeting. Proceedings of the 50th Biophysical Society Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, UT: Proceedings of the 50th Biophysical Society Annual Meeting.
  • Su, T. J., Brau, R. R., Jiang, X., Whitesides, G. M., Lang, M. J., & So, P. (2006, July). Combining Magnetic and Optical Trapping to Quantify Position Dependent Variations in Cellular Rheology. Gordon Conference, Lasers in Biology and Medicine. Gordon Conference, Lasers in Biology and Medicine, Meriden, NH: Gordon Conference, Lasers in Biology and Medicine.
  • Su, T. J., & So, P. (2005, September). Lithographic Regulation of Cellular Mechanical Properties. Proceedings of the 2005 BMES Annual Fall Meeting. Proceedings of the 2005 BMES Annual Fall Meeting, Baltimore MD: Proceedings of the 2005 BMES Annual Fall Meeting.
  • Su, T. J., Jiang, X., Whitesides, G. M., & So, P. (2005, February). Lithographic Regulation of Cellular Migration and Mechanics. Proceedings of the 49th Biophysical Society Annual Meeting. Proceedings of the 49th Biophysical Society Annual Meeting in Long Beach, CA: Proceedings of the 49th Biophysical Society Annual Meeting.
  • Su, T. J., & So, P. (2004, February). Lithographic Regulation of Cellular Mechanical Properties. Proceedings of the 48th Biophysical Society Annual Meeting. Proceedings of the 48th Biophysical Society Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD: Proceedings of the 48th Biophysical Society Annual Meeting.
  • Su, T. J., & So, P. (2004, July). Lithographic Regulation of Cellular Mechanical Properties. Gordon Conference, Lasers in Biology and Medicine. Gordon Conference, Lasers in Biology and Medicine, Meriden, NH: Gordon Conference, Lasers in Biology and Medicine.
  • Su, T. J., & So, P. (2004, October). Lithographic Regulation of Cellular Mechanical Properties. Proceedings of the 2004 BMES Annual Fall Meeting. Proceedings of the 2004 BMES Annual Fall Meeting in Philadelphia, PA,: Proceedings of the 2004 BMES Annual Fall Meeting.

Presentations

  • Suebka, S., Mcleod, E., & Su, T. J. (2024). Free space coupling to ultra-high Q microtoroids for biosensing experiments. SPIE Photonics West.
  • Hao, S., Suebka, S., & Su, T. J. (2023). Single particle material characterization using microtoroid optical resonators. SPIE Photonics West.
  • Mcleod, E., Melzer, J. E., Suebka, S., Chen, L., Li, C., & Su, T. J. (2023). Free-space coupling to microtoroid optical resonator chemosensors. SPIE, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing XXIV.
  • Su, T. J. (2023). Part-per-trillion selective gas sensing using FLOWER. PIE, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing XXIV.
  • Su, T. J. (2023). Ultra-sensitive, selective, and label-free optical sensing for fundamental science, environmental monitoring, and translational medicine. Caltech Electrical Engineering Devices Seminar.
  • Su, T. J. (2023). Ultra-sensitive, selective, and label-free optical sensing for fundamental science, environmental monitoring, and translational medicine. Frontiers in Optics 2023 + Laser Science (FiO/LS) Conference.
  • Su, T. J. (2023). Ultra-sensitive, selective, and label-free optical sensing for fundamental science, environmental monitoring, and translational medicine. Gordon Research Conference, Lasers in Micro, Nano and Bio Systems.
  • Su, T. J. (2023). Ultra-sensitive, selective, and label-free optical sensing for fundamental science, environmental monitoring, and translational medicine. ICANX youth talk.
  • Su, T. J. (2023). Welcome to IONS. IONS 2023 (International OSA Network of Students).
  • Su, T. J. (2021). Detection and prevention of cancer. University of Arizona Cancer Center Convergence 2021University of Arizona Cancer Center.
  • Su, T. J. (2021). Early cancer detection using microtoroid optical resonators. University of Arizona Cancer Center Clinical and Translational Oncology Program meeting University of Arizona Cancer Center.
  • Su, T. J. (2021). Flow visualization of analyte transport to microtoroid optical resonators. SPIE Photonics West 2021.
  • Su, T. J. (2021). Frequency-locked optical microresonator noise analysis. SPIE Photonics West 2021.
  • Su, T. J. (2021). Label-free ultra-sensitive molecular detection for chemistry, biology and medicine. CLEO.
  • Su, T. J. (2021). Label-free, single-molecule detection using ultra-sensitive optical sensors. Invited Seminar Polytechnic University of Bari, Department of Electrical and Information Engineering Polytechnic University of Bari, Department of Electrical and Information Engineering.

Awards

  • Arizona Champion
    • University of Arizona, Office of the Provost, and Faculty Affairs, Fall 2023
  • Journal of Physics: Photonics Early Career Award
    • IOP Publishing, Fall 2023
  • The Photonics 100
    • Electro Optics, Fall 2023
  • NSF CAREER Award
    • NSF, Spring 2023
  • National Academy of Inventors Senior Member
    • National Academy of Inventors, Spring 2022
  • Keynote Speaker, SPIE Photonics West, Optical Fibers and Sensors for Medical Diagnostics and Treatment Applications Session
    • SPIE, Spring 2022
  • Optical Society of America Senior Member
    • Optical Society of America, Summer I 2021
  • Featured in the 2020 SPIE Women in Optics planner
    • SPIE, Winter 2020
  • NIH R35 Outstanding Investigator
    • NIH, Fall 2020
  • Sigma Xi Member
    • Sigma Xi, Spring 2020
  • Outstanding Paper Award, Light: Science & Applications
    • Springer Nature, Summer I 2019
  • George H. Davis Travel Fellowship
    • University of Arizona, Winter 2018
  • American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery 2019 Dr. Horace Furumoto Innovations Professional Young Investigator Award
    • American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery, Fall 2018
  • 2018 Scialog Fellow
    • Research Corporation for Science Advancement & the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Spring 2018
  • Optical Society of America's Siegman International School Lecturer
    • Optical Society of America, Fall 2017
  • Top accomplishments in the general field of Optics for 2016
    • Optics & Photonics News, Optical Society of America, Winter 2016
  • Short Oral Presentation Winner
    • GTCbio's Cancer Markers & Liquid Biopsies Conference, Summer I 2015
  • NIH Training Grant in Cellular and Molecular Biology,
    • National Institutes of Health, Fall 2006
  • National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
    • National Science Foundation, Fall 2002
  • Pademakar P. Lele Best Undergraduate Thesis Proposal Award
    • MIT, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Fall 2001