About us

QUEL (Pronunciation: /kɛl/) Imaging, LLC was established in 2019 by a student-faculty team from the Center for Imaging Medicine, part of the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth. We provide world-leading expertise in biomedical optics. Our unique knowledge-base and portfolio of innovative tools enable optical diagnosis and treatment. We aim to partner with both device manufacturers and medical professionals to develop quantifiable imaging platforms.

Purpose

Development of new fluorescence imaging systems and fluorophores has historically relied on ad hoc characterization techniques. This is inefficient and often difficult to reproduce. QUEL Imaging was founded to address these challenges by implementing innovative scientific and engineering solutions. 

Mission

We manufacture reference targets and phantoms to support the development lifecycle of fluorescence imaging systems. We work with our customers to identify challenges with system characterization or new fluorophore development, and provide customized solutions. Our products are backed by a suite of services and world-leading expertise. We aim to provide our customers the highest level of support while building consensus within the field.

Vision

QUEL Imaging aims to build an ecosystem to accelerate and standardize methods for clinical translation of in vivo optical imaging technologies.

Core Values

QUEL Imaging strives to foster a welcoming work environment where diverse backgrounds enhance innovation. We promote efforts to be inclusive and provide opportunities for interested and motivated individuals to explore career options in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) through internships and career development. We encourage QUEL employees to share what they geek-out about while showing compassion for others.

Curiosity

We strive to continuously learn. We work with our clients to understand their challenges and encourage our team to engage in life-long learning.

Innovation

We use our expertise to question the status quo and bring new solutions to our stakeholders. 

Trust

Built on honesty, transparency and communication. Within QUEL we can rely on our co-workers and we provide this same level of trust to our customers. When we say something will be done, we try our hardest to do so, but communicate early and often when challenges arise.

Inclusion

We welcome different viewpoints and experiences and believe this enables creative solutions. We foster a respectful environment to share ideas and be yourself.

Community

Collaboration both internally and externally is the key to building our community. We aim to support our local communities and foster the growth of our clients, while building consensus among the field.

Flexibility

Work-life balance sometimes requires flexibility in how and when work gets done. We believe this is a key piece of overall wellness that keeps us healthy and motivated to continue to put in our best effort.

Leadership

Ethan LaRochelle, PhD

CEO, Co-founder

Ethan received his PhD from the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College in 2020. His research focused on the clinical translation of in vivo fluorescent and phosophorescent imaging for applications at the intersection of photodynamic and radiation therapies. He is a 2017 recipient of the National Science Foundation GRFP Fellowship. He has previous industry experience in cloud-based infrastructure development and data analysis.

Alberto Ruiz, PhD

CTO, Co-founder

Alberto received his PhD from Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth in 2022. During his time at Dartmouth he participated in the PhD Innovations Program. His research aims to develop hardware for optical dosimetry and system characterization. Alberto has extensive experience in the areas of LED manufacturing and circuit design.