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We are hiring!
We are a new research lab, opened in January 2026.
We are actively looking for talents at all levels to join our highly interdisciplinary and collaborative research team.
Please visit Opening page for more detailed information and guidance.
Principal Investigator
Pu-Ting Dong, PhD
Assistant Professor (Tenure-Track)
Department of Biomedical Engineering (primary) | Department of Microbiology and Immunology (joint) | School of Dental Medicine (joint)
Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Email: puting.dong@stonybrook.edu
B.S., University of Science and Technology of China, 2010-2014
Ph.D., Boston University, 2014-2020
Postdoc, Forsyth Institute/Harvard School of Dental Medicine, 2020-2025
A bit more about Pu-Ting...
A bit more about Pu-Ting...
I am a BIG fan of microbes and imaging! Both my current lab's research and long-term career goal are devoted to microbiomics imaging. It primarily focuses on the development and application of cutting-edge optical imaging technologies complemented with state-of-the-art multi-omics approaches to gain a comprehensive understanding of host/microbe-microbe interactions that underpin microbiome-related human diseases.
My PhD research under Dr. Ji-Xin Cheng’s mentorship at Boston University focused on the development and application of label-free chemical imaging techniques to reveal hidden biomarkers in human diseases and human pathogens. Specifically, I achieved glycated hemoglobin quantification in single red blood cells using transient absorption microcopy as an innovative approach to diagnose Type 2 diabetes (Dong et al. Science Advances 2019) and deciphered mechanism of action of amphotericin B, the gold standard antifungal drug, using polarization-sensitive stimulated Raman scattering microscopy (Dong et al. Science Advances 2021). Driven by my ingenue curiosity on a serendipitously observed photobleaching phenomenon under transient absorption microscopy, I discovered two endogenous chromophores in human pathogens, staphyloxanthin and catalase, as the underlying molecular targets of antimicrobial photohterapy that are subject to photolysis (Dong et al. Advanced Science 2019; Hui#, Dong# et al. Advanced Science 2020; Dong et al. Advanced Science 2022; Dong et al. JCI Insight 2022). These findings have become breakthroughs for the field, and opened new translational opportunities to combat superbug infections (5 granted patents and a startup, Pulsethera, spun off for their clinical translation and commercialization).
Seeking more microbiology questions and trainings, I joined Forsyth Institute/Harvard School of Dental Medicine as a postdoc and switched my gear studying host/microbe-microbe interactions under the mentorship of Drs. Gary Borisy, Wenyuan Shi, and Xuesong He. By coupling optical imaging with multi-omics, I elucidated the role of intracellular lipid droplets in episymbiotic host-microbe interactions (Dong et al. The ISME Journal 2024) and identified and then developed a Fusobacterial RNA-binding protein as a novel class of host-derived antimicrobials for targeting colorectal cancer-causing Fusobacterium nucleatum (Dong et al. International Journal of Oral Science 2025; Yang#, Dong# et al. The ISME Journal 2023). While at Forsyth, I have particularly spearheaded the development of next-generation multiplex fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) imaging for interrogating microbiome atlas and host/microbe-microbe interactions. I developed an expansion microscopy-based multiplex FISH imaging technology (Dong et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 2024) that enables the seamless integration of expansion-mediated single-cell functional imaging with biogeographic mapping. I further co-invented multiplex FISH probes and methods (Dong et al. manuscript submitted 2026) that allow high-throughput whole-mount imaging that was previously conceived impossible. These advances are expected to profoundly open new avenues for microbiome studies.
“Seeing is believing” and “Discovery can be made by simply watching”. This was how Antonie van Leeuwenhoek trailblazed the microworld using his microscope and became the father of microbiology. This is also why modern optical imaging plays an indispensable role in understanding host/microbe-microbe interactions, particularly considering their spatial, temporal, functional, and molecular resolving power in a complex environment. I am enthusiastic about leading my research team to advance new frontiers in microbiomics imaging.
Outside of my research, I love spending time with my daughter and husband, listening to music, traveling, cooking, and reading.
Selected Awards/Recognitions
2026 IFCB Travel Award, 2026 ICCB/CSCB/APOCB
2025 AADOCR Bloc Travel Grant, 2025 AADOCR/CADR Annual Meeting
2024 Rising Star in Engineering in Health, co-hosted by Columbia, JHU, BU, Cornell
2024-2029 NIH/NIDCR K99/R00 Award
2024 Ned Lally Award, Mini-Symposium for Young Investigators, IADR
2024 Susan Kinder Haake Travel Award, IADR Microbiology/Immunology Session
2024 QPC Lasers Young Investigator Best Paper Award, SPIE Photonics West
2023 Forsyth Pilot Grant, Forsyth Institute & Harvard School of Dental Medicine
2022-2024 NIH/NIDCR T90 Postdoctoral Fellowship
2022 Best Poster Award, Northeast Symposium on Biomedical Optics
2021 Forsyth Professional Development Program Grant, Forsyth Institute
2021 Forsyth Pilot Grant, Forsyth Institute & Harvard School of Dental Medicine
2018 SPIE Translational Research Award (1/300+ applications), SPIE
Graduate Students
Jayden Morrobel
Hi! I am Jayden, a first-year PhD student in Dr. Dong’s lab. I am particularly passionate about biophotonics, microbiome imaging, and innovative therapeutic strategies for infectious diseases. For my PhD research, I hope to help advance noninvasive and clinically translatable technologies that bridge engineering, biology, and medicine.
Outside of research, I enjoy combining leadership, teamwork, and discipline across different areas of my life. During my undergraduate studies at SUNY Purchase College, I played collegiate lacrosse, an experience that strengthened my work ethic, resilience, and ability to perform in team-oriented environments. I also have experience in leadership and business operations through co-managing an automotive service company. My long-term goal is to build a career that combines scientific innovation, translational research, and meaningful healthcare impact.
Muzeza Jannat Shoshee
Hello! I am Muzeza Jannat Shoshee, a first-year PhD student in Biomedical Engineering. I am passionate about advancing healthcare through biomaterials research. My research interests include biomaterials, tissue engineering, drug delivery, 3D bioprinting, wound healing, antibiotic resistance, and photosensitizers.
Alongside research and academics, I love traveling, listening to music, and playing chess. I am excited to learn, collaborate, and contribute to innovative research in biomedical engineering!
Undergraduate Students
Iman Pasha
Hi! My name is Iman Pasha, and I am a sophomore studying biology here at SBU. My current academic interests lie in the application of imaging technology to study microbial communities and their roles in human health and disease. As an aspiring dentist, I hope to bridge research and clinical practice to improve preventative and diagnostic approaches to healthcare.
Outside of research, I am incredibly passionate about healthcare advocacy and education, striving to understand and address systemic barriers to quality health services for all.
Amie Yang
Hello! My name is Amie Yang, and I'm a biology major at SBU! I'm excited to join the Dong Lab and gain hands-on experience and skills in a laboratory setting while contributing to the lab's ongoing research.
Sidrah Ashrafi
Hi! I am Sidrah, I am an undergraduate student majoring in Biochemistry. I am interested in biophotonics, infectious diseases, and biomedical research. I am excited to learn how optical technologies can be used to improve disease detection and diagnosis. In the future, I hope to pursue a career in dentistry while continuing to stay involved in research.
In my free time, I enjoy photography, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
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