• Professor of Practice, Biomedical Engineering
John Hanks Headshot

Educational Background

  • M.S., Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin – 1990

Research Interests

    • Machine learning for biomedical sensing
    • Tissue oxygenation monitoring
    • Post-surgical wearable devices
    • Red light and near Infrared light therapy
    • Wearable devices regulatory strategy and FDA Class I/II clearance
    • Technology market validation and product market fit

Industry Experience

    • Over 30 years of experience in industry, including executive engineering and business leadership roles in public companies (National Instruments and Maxim Integrated) and startups
    • Former Vice President of Product Management at National Instruments - led global strategy for measurement and computer vision systems
    • Executive Director of Advanced Sensor R&D at Maxim Integrated, managed development of semiconductor-based biomedical and industrial solutions
    • Experience and launching and scaling new products, managing P&L, and driving innovation in industry
    • Recognized innovator in integrating machine learning with sensor systems advancing toward clinical and commercial deployment

     

Awards & Honors

  • Executive Leadership Award, National Instruments – 2002, 2005 2002

Selected Publications

  • Hanks, J.P. et al. Wearable patch device for core body temperature measurements – U.S. Patent 12,097,011 B1, issued September 24,  2024. Covers patch-based thermal sensors with machine learning for non‑invasive core temperature monitoring.
  • Hanks, J.P. et al. Medical devices for measuring tissue properties and methods of use – U.S. Patent 11,857,294 B2, issued January 2,  2024. Relates to optical devices (handheld or patch) measuring oxygen saturation, temperature, and edema — designed to support rapid screening for peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
  • Hanks, J.P. et al. Measurement system with controlled pressure ramp – U.S. Patent 12,042,253 B2, issued July 23, 2024. a pressure-inducing optical/pressure sensor system for blood pressure measurement.
  • Hanks, J.P. et al. Physiological condition determination system – U.S. Patent 11,166,799 B2, issued November 9, 2021. Relates to systems measuring physiological metrics (e.g., blood pressure, oxygenation).
  • Hanks, J.P. et al. Time of flight sensors and sensing methods – U.S. Patent 11,385,336 B2, granted July 12, 2022. Covers ASIC-based time-of-flight optical sensors.
  • Hanks, J. P., et al. 2025. "Machine learning-enhanced wavelength detection for point-of-care optical devices in tissue oxygenation and peripheral arterial disease assessment." In Proceedings of SPIE—Optical Diagnostics and Sensing XXV. Bellingham, WA: SPIE.
  • Hanks, J.P. et al. 2023. "Soft wearable thermal devices integrated with machine learning for non-invasive core temperature monitoring." Advanced Materials Technologies, Vol. 8(7), 2300206. Weinheim, Germany: Wiley.