Dr. Wong Tak Sing, a distinguished alumnus from the MAE Department, has recently been named a recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) by US Government. The PECASE Award is the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on outstanding scientists and engineers in the early stages of their independent research careers. The awards are conferred annually at the White House following recommendations from participating agencies.

He was also named as one of the world's top 35 innovators under 35 by MIT Technology Review in 2014, for his achievement in ‘inventing one of today’s most intriguing and potentially useful new materials called SLIPS, for slippery liquid–infused porous surface.
 

About the wining project:

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease caused by insufficient insulin production or a resistance of the body to use insulin. It is an incurable condition with fatal complications which can be minimized by closely monitoring and managing blood glucose levels. Current glucose monitoring systems have several drawbacks which can be overcome by implanting a wireless glucose sensor inside an eye. Several experiments were performed in the project to provide the proof-of-concept for a wireless implantable intraocular sensor using near field communication.

The project started with a clinical trial to correlate the glucose concentration in aqueous humor and blood from diabetic patients. Thereafter, a wireless glucometer with a customized NFC antenna was built and validated. Finally, an Android app was developed for communication between the glucometer and a smart phone.

The results have convincingly demonstrated the proof-of-concept of implanting a glucose sensor in an eye. Further investigation would be required to test the biocompatibility and dynamic properties on long term glucose sensing in an eye. The ultimate goal of this project is to change the way glucose levels are monitored in diabetic patients by making it more convenient and easier for them to manage their disease. The improved monitoring will allow better glucose control, which will prolong the life of patients and reduce the burden of their disease.

In celebration of the 55th anniversary of CUHK, the Centre for Innovation and Technology (CINTEC) is staging a conference titled “Enroute to the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI)” today and tomorrow (4-5 July), drawing over 100 technology leaders, experts, researchers and government officials to discuss the growing trends of AI and its potential applications.