Richard C. Prince, PhD | Biophotonics & Bioengineering

Biography

Dr. Richard C. Prince is an Assistant Professor of Engineering and the Biomedical Engineering Technology (BMET) Coordinator at East Tennessee State University. He earned his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering with a specialization in Biophotonics from the University of California, Irvine, under the direction of Professor Eric Potma, where he was a recipient of the NSF IGERT fellowship.  He has successfully secured over $1.3 million in grants to advance workforce development in biomanufacturing within the Appalachian Highlands. An accomplished educator and researcher, Dr. Prince is deeply committed to advancing science education and empowering students to innovate in science and engineering.

Research Interests

Dr. Prince's research interests focus on biophotonics, nonlinear optical imaging, open-hardware, and bioengineering innovation. He is particularly interested in the development of Raman microspectroscopy and novel spectral imaging techniques for studying biological systems. His work explores the intersection of optical technologies and biomedical applications, including lipid metabolism, contrast-free tissue imaging, and single-cell metabolomics. In addition, Dr. Prince is passionate about leveraging synthetic biology and engineering  to address regional and national needs in biotechnology to serve the Appalachian Highlands

Current projects include the development of bioengineering and bimanufacturing curriuclum through project-based learning, study and analysis of oleaginous yeasts growth processes through Raman spectroscopy, and the development of novel imaging techniques to study tissue recovery after myocardial infarction. Dr. Prince welcomes inquiries from interested and motivated students seeking to expand their knowledge and skillset through laboratory experience.