Abas Sabouni, professor and chair of the Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, has been selected to deliver Wilkes University’s 2025 Paul A. O’Hop Final Word Lecture in the Jean and Paul Adams Commons on the second floor of the Henry Student Center at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 7.
His presentation, “Revolutionizing Breast Cancer Imaging Using Advanced Artificial Intelligence,” is free and open to the public.
Sabouni earned his doctoral degree in electrical and computer engineering at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada, and has held visiting scholar positions at Harvard University, the University of California San Diego and the University of North Dakota. Since joining Wilkes in 2013, he has earned numerous honors including the Carpenter Award, the Alumni Mentoring Award and the President’s Award.
Sabouni’s current work focuses on electromagnetic imaging, biomedical applications and AI-driven diagnostics. He started his research in breast cancer nearly 20 years ago at CancerCare Manitoba in Canada. The conversations with cancer survivors and their stories had a profound impact on his work. “I realized that behind every statistic is a real person, a mother, a daughter, a friend, whose life could be transformed by earlier, more accurate detection,” said Sabouni.
Breast cancer had a personal impact for Sabouni when he lost a close friend, Maryam Mirzakhani, to the disease. Her death made breast cancer both personal and universal. “Maryam was not only a brilliant mathematician and the first woman to win the Fields Medal, but also someone whose strength and grace deeply inspired me,” said Sabouni. “Her passing reminded me that breast cancer doesn’t discriminate — it affects women from all walks of life.”
Sabouni’s personal connection and scientific expertise continue to drive his pursuit of innovation. “As an engineer, I see breast cancer as a problem that begs for engineering solutions, innovative technologies that can detect cancer earlier, more safely and more affordably,” said Sabouni. “This is what motivates my work: using advanced imaging and artificial intelligence to build tools that could save lives, especially for women in underserved communities.”
For those who might be concerned about the use of artificial intelligence, Sabouni explained that AI is not replacing physicians — it’s enhancing their ability to detect abnormalities earlier and more accurately. “Think of it as a sophisticated tool, like a highly advanced calculator, that helps physicians make better-informed decisions.” Not only does the AI improve accuracy, but it can also make healthcare more affordable and accessible while leaving any decisions to doctors and those in their care.
Making the imaging system accessible for healthcare providers and patients is the next step in Sabouni’s work. Now that the system has been built and tested in the lab, he plans to go into clinics and put it to use for actual patients. With a focus on ease of use and affordability, the goal is widespread availability. “Our hope is that small clinics, even in rural areas, can eventually have access to this technology,” said Sabouni. “That way, more women can benefit from early detection, no matter where they live.”
While Sabouni is grateful to be chosen for this year’s O’Hop Lecture, he’s even more grateful for the effects his work will have on others. “It means a lot to know that my research is making a difference and that the University values this kind of work,” said Sabouni. “What’s even more meaningful is being able to share this research with the broader community. I want people to see that meaningful innovation is happening right here at Wilkes University — research that could improve lives and give people hope.”
About the Paul A. O’Hop Final Word Lecture
The annual Paul A. O’Hop Final Word Lecture was established by the late Paul O’Hop to foster the exchange of ideas and dialogue among faculty, staff and administrators and to showcase the talents and scholarly abilities at Wilkes University. O’Hop retired from Wilkes in 2001 after serving 16 years as vice president of business affairs and auxiliary enterprises. Faculty honorees are selected via a competitive application process overseen by the Provost’s Committee on Research.