Zack Phillips, PhD
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Senior ML Optical Engineer, insitro |
About me
Since September 2023 I've built and led the three-person Computational Microscopy Team at insitro as the Associate Director, Computational Microscopy with in the Data Science / Machine Learning organization. My group enables high-quality microscopy dataset generation for our ML-enabeld drig discovery platform through both conventional and novel imaging modalities, including quantitative phase, functional (video) readouts, polarization, and live-cell phenotyping. I joined insitro in November 2021 as a Senior Machine Learning Scientist. From July 2019 - October 2021 I was member of the Exploratory Design Group (XDG) at Apple working as a key technical contributor on several exploratory projects. Prior to joining Apple I was a Ph.D. Candidate in the Waller Lab at UC Berkeley, where I earned my Ph.D. in Applied Science and Technology in 2019. As part of the Waller Lab, I worked with fellow graduate students and collaborators to explore new and novel ways of designing imaging hardware and reconstruction algorithms together, optimizing for performance, robustness, and price. During this time I developed an interdisciplinary skill-set which spans large-scale computation, optical engineering, mechanical engineering, and circuit design. I recieved the AS&T Excellenece in Research award in 2019, and was a recipient of the Qualcomm Innovation Fellowship in 2016.
While at Berkeley, I co-founded SCI Microscopy to develop domed microscope illuminators for quantitative phase imaging, and other purposes. As of 2021, we've delivered over 40 devices to customers in over 7 countries. Our customers include major microscopy companies, small start-ups, national laboratories and standards institues. As CEO, I personally oversaw the design and prototyping of each device as well as the fulfillment of each order.
Before moving to California, I spent a year as an Associate in Research in the DISP Lab at Duke University after completing my BS with highest honors from UNC-Chapel Hill in Applied Science and Engineering (with a Biomedical Engineering concentration) - which is now the UNC Biomedical Engineering Department. Outside of research, I enjoy surfing, camping, woodworking, running, kitesurfing, and volunteering. From 2014 to 2018 I was part of the Students for Environmental Energy Development (SEED) program, a weekly after-school program for 4th and 5th graders at La Esculeta Elementary in Oakland, CA.
Work-Interests:
Computational Imaging Systems
Quantitative Phase Microscopy
High-Throughput Imaging and Spectroscopy
Optical and Optomechancial Design
Open-Source
See my Github page for more information, as well as SCI Microscopy's GitHub page. Some of my work is featured on my lab group's Open-source page.