His work focuses on the development of microsystems for current and emerging applications in clinical diagnosis, biosecurity and food/water safety. He also has interests in the development of simple and low-cost technologies for sample preparation & bioprocessing and innovative approaches to manufacture disposable biosensors for global healthcare diagnostics. In January 2014, Dr. Lillihoj was awarded $400,000 through NSF career grant to advance research on innovative wearable biosensors that can be used to detect illnesses and monitor health. He received three degrees in mechanical engineering: a B.S. from Johns Hopkins University (2006) and an M.S. (2007) and Ph.D. (2011) from the University of California, Los Angeles.