Dr. Matthew Lew

Research:

• Briefly describe your research:
  • The Lew Lab builds advanced imaging systems to study biological and chemical systems at the nanoscale. Our technology leverages innovations in applied optics, signal and image processing, design optimization, and physical chemistry. 
• What are you most excited about in your research area?
  • I’m driven by the wonder of imaging at the nanoscale, specifically of visualizing how individual molecules interact with one another, depending on the chemical environment. It’s amazing to me that fluorophores can reveal the inner workings of biological processes at the nanoscale that we can’t see otherwise.
• What drew you to research originally? And how has that changed since?
  • The thrill of getting an imaging system up and running and seeing something I couldn’t see before was very fun as an undergraduate researcher. Now, I don’t build the systems myself, but my students continue to amaze me with what they’re able to build and visualize.
• Are you accepting new graduate students?
  • Yes!

Mentorship

• What do you think students appreciate most about working in your lab?
  • I endeavor to foster an environment where diverse backgrounds and perspectives come together to help everyone advance their own professional and personal goals. 

Advice

• What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
  • My PhD advisor told me early in my graduate career:
    During every presentation you give, you should do your best to teach the audience, not just talk at them.
    It’s stuck with me ever since.

Personal Interests

• What’s your favorite thing to do around St. Louis?
  • New restaurants around St. Louis continue to surprise me; I enjoy trying them out! Chefs are so creative and excellent all around the city.
• What’s your ideal way to spend your weekends?
  • Playing with my young children and catching up on sleep!