# Diversity Supplement for Darwin Quiroz

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · 2024 · $32,821

## Abstract

Project Summary
The goal of this project is to demonstrate a bench-top system that can interface with individual axons in the
cervical vagus nerve through an implanted, all-optical instrument. Addressing individual axons requires
single-micron spatial resolution at a depth of several mm. Recording and modulation are achieved through
multiphoton absorption of incident infrared light and detection of fluorescence in the visible spectrum. The
optical system must be precisely focused on individual axons. The instrument will incorporate an adaptive
electrowetting device for both scanning laterally and axially to enable compact, lightweight, and non-
mechanical implementation. To enable time-lapse measurements, it is important to characterize the adaptive
optical devices for environmental resilience in terms of temperature, power handling, and vibration.
The proposed bio-imaging technology will enable improvements to the performance of existing glass micro-
endoscopes for deep, broad-bandwidth, high-resolution neuromodulation. Thus, this supplement will address
the environmental testing and qualification of these adaptive optical devices. It is hypothesized that thermal
management of the devices will enable optical powers up to 0.5 W, with operation over several months, while
demonstrating resilience to external vibrations up to several hundred Hz.
Here we request funds for 1.5 years of graduate training for Mr. Darwin Quiroz, who is pursuing his doctorate
in Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder. Mr. Quiroz has a strong background in optics and materials
and is keenly interested in optical devices for biomedicine. This work will provide him with broad training in
optical imaging, neuroscience, biomaterials, and independent research. A comprehensive mentoring plan
will provide professional development and training to launch his career as an independent researcher.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11034733
- **Project number:** 3R01NS118188-04S2
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- **Principal Investigator:** JOHN H CALDWELL
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $32,821
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2024-04-01 → 2025-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11034733

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11034733, Diversity Supplement for Darwin Quiroz (3R01NS118188-04S2). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11034733. Licensed CC0.

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