Yellowstone Times

Nate Smith, a former jeweler turned engineering undergraduate student, recently presented his groundbreaking research at the Photonics West conference in San Francisco. Smith, who transitioned from the jewelry industry to pursue an electrical engineering degree at Montana State University (MSU), discussed his work on a novel imaging technology aimed at improving the detection of skin cancer.

Smith's research stems from his collaboration with a team of researchers led by MSU engineering professor David Dickensheets. The project focuses on refining a small, intricate camera used in reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), a non-invasive imaging technique for diagnosing skin cancer. "David liked that I was a jeweler – I have very fine motor skills and knew how to work under a microscope," Smith stated, reflecting on how his past career influenced his current research.

This ongoing project benefits from partnerships with the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Caliber Imaging and Diagnostics, both based in New York. Largely funded by the National Institutes of Health, the work aims to advance RCM by integrating a second, smaller camera onto the microscope, enabling clinicians to better view skin surfaces during examinations. "Nobody has ever done this before, but it works well and solves a very specific problem," said Dickensheets.

Smith added, "The point of the research is that around 80% of the biopsies that happen in a dermatology clinic are benign and don’t need to be done. If we can reduce that by any amount, it will save tons of money and time."

The project has engaged several undergraduate and master's students over the years, contributing to its development and aiming to introduce this technology into clinical use. Dermatologists at Memorial Sloan Kettering are currently testing the camera on human volunteers, while Caliber Imaging and Diagnostics oversees its commercialization. Dickensheets commented, "I expect they will bring this to market in the next few years."

Smith and his colleagues, Justin Wigle and Joseph Aist, have co-authored and published conference proceedings outlining their research. Looking forward, Smith aims to have their work published in a scientific journal.

In reflecting on his research experience at MSU, Smith emphasized, "The community of support at MSU is hands down the most delightful group of people I’ve ever met in my life."

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