Hazel Soto-Montoya
Papers
1
Total Citations
45
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Hazel Soto-Montoya is a pioneering biomedical engineer whose work bridges the gap between high-tech diagnostics and real-world accessibility. Her primary research focuses on developing open-source, configurable imaging platforms for infectious disease diagnosis, particularly in resource-limited field settings. Her landmark 2019 paper, “Octopi: Open configurable high-throughput imaging platform for infectious disease diagnosis in the field,” has garnered 45 citations and represents a paradigm shift in global health technology. By creating an affordable, automated robotic microscope that replaces error-prone manual microscopy, Soto-Montoya has addressed a critical bottleneck in disease surveillance—reducing both labor costs and human diagnostic errors. This open-source platform empowers local healthcare workers to conduct quantitative, high-throughput testing without expensive proprietary equipment. Her work exemplifies the fusion of engineering innovation with humanitarian impact, offering a scalable solution for malaria, tuberculosis, and other neglected tropical diseases. For students and researchers, Soto-Montoya’s career demonstrates how thoughtful design can democratize cutting-edge science, turning complex laboratory tools into accessible field-ready instruments that save lives.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
- 1