Hometown: Wheaton, Illinois
Faculty mentor: Fatima Toor, PhD, associate professor and Battershell Chair in Laser Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering
Degree program and anticipated graduation date: Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) in electrical engineering, May 2026

Christopher Spahn studies skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the U.S., and one of the most common cancers in young adults. This research partnership between the College of Engineering and the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center utilizes infrared spectroscopy and other innovative technologies to differentiate between four melanoma types and between melanoma and noncancerous tissue by using biomarkers that are unique to each type. Findings from this research may help inform new methods, including the use of artificial intelligence, for diagnosing melanoma and other skin cancers.

Spahn plans to pursue a master’s degree in electrical engineering and work in industry after graduation.

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