Creating advanced cancer diagnosis solutions.
About
Our Vision
RuMedical Nova is a health-tech startup reimagining the future of cancer diagnostics. Born out of Prof. D. Emma Fan’s research lab at The University of Texas at Austin—a leading hub of innovation and the origin of over 30 unicorns—RuMedical Nova is advancing a powerful new technology for early-stage lung cancer detection that is portable, fast, and accurate. Built on patented biochemical sensing and launched through the NSF I-CORPS program, we bring together scientific excellence and practical impact. Our mission is to deliver powerful diagnostic tools that enable early intervention and ultimately save lives.
Team
Meet Our Experts
RuMedical Nova is led by a team of proven innovators, dedicated to transforming cancer diagnostics. United by deep expertise and a drive for real-world impact, we are advancing technology to deliver faster, more accurate, and accessible healthcare solutions.
Dr. D. Emma Fan
Chief Executive Officer & Chief Technology Officer
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Dr. D. Emma Fan is a professor at The University of Texas at Austin with appointments in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Materials Science, and the Texas Materials Institute. A recognized leader in biomedical and nanoscale engineering, she brings deep scientific expertise and a strong track record of innovation to RuMedical Nova.
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Dr. Fan is the recipient of both the NSF CAREER Award and the NSF Mid-Career Advancement Award, and has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE). In 2025, she was elected to AIMBE’s Board of Directors and recognized as a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors. Dr. Fan leads pioneering research in biochemical sensing, nanomanipulation, and micro/nanorobotics. Her innovations span applications in biochemical detection, ultra-precision assembly, biotools, bioassay, and water treatment and quality monitoring.
Dr. Fan's work publishes in leading journals, including Nature Nanotechnology, Science Advances, Nature Communications, PNAS, and Physical Review Letters. Dr. Fan holds 9 issued patents and 8 pending patents and disclosures with multiple technologies licensed. She has secured over $6.1 million in external funding support and launched two UT-Austin spin-offs: Materials Nova and RuMedical Nova.​ A dedicated mentor and internationally recognized researcher, Dr. Fan actively contributes to her field through research, education, and advocacy— advancing both scientific discovery and real-world impact.
Dr. Hyungmok Joh
Research Scientist
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​Dr. Hyungmok Joh is a highly accomplished research scientist specializing in sensor design, fabrication, and performance optimization. Dr. Joh received his Ph.D. degree in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. With 19 publications in leading journals—including Science Advances, Advanced Materials, Small, and Chemistry of Materials—he has earned recognition for his contributions to advanced sensing technologies.
His expertise spans thin-film manufacturing, flexible and wearable sensors, and solution-based nanomaterial synthesis. He is also proficient in Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS), fluorescence microscopy, and electrochemical and electric-assisted techniques, with extensive experience in biochemical sample processing and analysis.
At RuMedical Nova, Dr. Joh is actively working to translate cutting-edge lab research into real-world impact, driving innovation from discovery to application. His combination of deep technical knowledge and creative problem-solving is instrumental in advancing the company’s mission.
Dr. Paul Lampe
Medical Advisor
Dr. Huaizhi Li
Research Scientist
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​Dr. Huaizhi Li is an exceptional research scientist with deep expertise in microfabrication, biomedical applications, and instrument development and performance optimization. Dr.Li received his Ph.D. degree in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. His work has been published in leading journals such as Nature Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, reflecting the high impact of his contributions to the field.
Dr. Li’s research spans advanced sensor technologies, including surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), electric manipulation, and nanomaterial synthesis, as well as biochemical sample processing and analysis. He brings a strong track record of innovation in both fundamental science and applied engineering.
At RuMedical Nova, Dr. Li leads efforts to transform advanced research into practical biomedical solutions. His work bridges the gap between innovation and application, helping to turn promising technologies into impactful bio-tools. His expertise is essential to the company’s growth and mission.
Ms. Emma Chu
Business and Administrative Manager
Ms. Emma Chu manages budgets, streamlines operations, and ensures effective communication across internal teams, external partners, and customers.
Expert Advisory Panel
Dr. Steve Farias
Manufacturing & Regulatory Advisor
Founder of Materic
Dr. Peer Fischer
Scientific & Strategic Advisor
Professor of Max Planck Institute for Medical Research
Dr. Paul Lampe
Medical Advisor
Fred Hutch Cancer Center
Weston Waldo
Industry Advisor