About QUEL Imaging
Expertise, Tools and Technology for Better Biomedical Optics
World Leading Expertise
QUEL (Pronunciation: /kɛl/) Imaging, LLC was established in 2019 by a student-faculty team from the Center for Imaging Medicine, part of the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth. We provide world-leading expertise in biomedical optics. Our unique knowledge-base and portfolio of innovative tools enable optical diagnosis and treatment. We aim to partner with both device manufacturers and medical professionals to develop quantifiable imaging platforms.
Purpose
Development of new biomedical optical imaging systems and contrast agents has historically relied on ad hoc characterization techniques. This is inefficient and often difficult to reproduce. QUEL Imaging was founded to address these challenges by implementing innovative scientific and engineering solutions.
Mission
We manufacture reference targets and phantoms to support the development lifecycle of biomedical optical sensing technologies. We work with our customers to identify challenges with system characterization or new fluorophore development, and provide customized solutions. Our products are backed by a suite of services and world-leading expertise. We aim to provide our customers the highest level of support while building consensus within the field.
Vision
QUEL Imaging aims to build an ecosystem to accelerate and standardize methods for clinical translation of in vivo optical sensing technologies.
Core Values
Curiosity
We strive to continuously learn. We work with our clients to understand their challenges and encourage our team to engage in life-long learning.
Innovation
We use our expertise to question the status quo and bring new solutions to our stakeholders.
Trust
Built on honesty, transparency and communication. Within QUEL we can rely on our co-workers and we provide this same level of trust to our customers. When we say something will be done, we try our hardest to do so, but communicate early and often when challenges arise.
Inclusion
We welcome different viewpoints and experiences and believe this enables creative solutions. We foster a respectful environment to share ideas and be yourself.
Community
Collaboration both internally and externally is the key to building our community. We aim to support our local communities and foster the growth of our clients, while building consensus among the field.
Flexibility
Work-life balance sometimes requires flexibility in how and when work gets done. We believe this is a key piece of overall wellness that keeps us healthy and motivated to continue to put in our best effort.
Meet our leadership team
Ethan LaRochelle, PhD
Ceo, Co-Founder
Ethan received his PhD from the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College in 2020. His research focused on the clinical translation of in vivo fluorescent and phosophorescent imaging for applications at the intersection of photodynamic and radiation therapies. He is a 2017 recipient of the National Science Foundation GRFP Fellowship. He has previous industry experience in cloud-based infrastructure development and data analysis.
Alberto Ruiz, PhD
CTO, Co-Founder
Alberto received his PhD from Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth in 2022. During his time at Dartmouth he participated in the PhD Innovations Program. His research aims to develop hardware for optical dosimetry and system characterization. Alberto has extensive experience in the areas of LED manufacturing and circuit design.
We are not hiring right now but we encourage you to reach out if you are interested in our business.
Our Story: Major Milestones
From a student-faculty team at Dartmouth, to a startup company, and now an industry-leading business redefining the market.
2019
QUEL Imaging is founded out of the Center for Imaging Medicine at Dartmouth College.
2020
QUEL Imaging awarded NIH NIBIB SBIR Phase I Grant to develop fluorescence guided surgery standardization tool. [More Info]
2021
QUEL Imaging awarded NIH NCI SBIR Phase I Contract to develop biomimetic optical phantoms and participates in NIH I-Corps program [More Info]
2022
QUEL Imaging awarded NIH NIBIB SBIR Phase II Grant to expand standardization of fluorescnce guided surgery tools and implment quality management systems. [More Info]
2023
QUEL Imaging awarded Phase II Contract by NIH NCI and ARPA-H to expand development of biomimetic optical phantoms.
2024
QUEL Imaging awarded sub-contract as part of ARPA-H Prescision Surgical Interventions awarded to Dartmouth College. [More Info]
2025
QUEL Imaging and INO Announce Technology Transfer to Advance Biomedical Optics.
[More Info]
