Alongside the Mesolens, McConnell has explored how laser sources can be used to open voltage-gated ion channels, such as Calcium-activated potassium channels. She has developed a fast-acquisition version of two-photon excitation microscopy that can be used to image at rates of 100 frames/second. She created polymer hydrogel beads that are responsive to enzymes. She is working with the Medical Research Scotland to create high brightness light-emitting diodes.