His research focus has involved projects in multiple scientific fields relevant to cancer early detection, including electrical and optical engineering, nano-engineering and material sciences for biomedical applications. In addition, he has made many pioneering contributions to the fields of optical interconnects, light modulation, optical data storage, biophotonics as applied to gene chips, cell sorting and manipulation, and heterogeneous integration of photonics, electronics and biological components. More recently his work has focused on the synthesis and application of nanoparticles delivery of biologics for cancer therapies, brain mapping and in vivo imaging. He has published more than 375 journal and conferences articles, and made more than 250 presentations in international scientific meetings, 60 of which were invited. He holds 23 issued patents, has authored several book chapters, and organized and chaired scientific international conferences. Esener co-founded and served on the board of directors and scientific advisory boards of several companies.