ChBE Faculty Research Profiles

Faculty Research Profiles Spring 2012

Pradeep Agrawal

Mark Allen

Education BS 1975, University of Roorkee, India MS 1977, University of Delaware PhD 1979, University of Delaware

Education BA BSE 1983, University of Pennsylvania SM 1986, Massachusetts Institute of Technology PhD 1989, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Research Interests Dr. Agrawal’s research interests lie in the fields of heterogenerous catalysis, modeling of chemical reaction processes, and biotechnology. His work in catalysis includes alkali promotion of supported transition-metal catalysts, bimetallic-supported clusters in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, and the role of metal-support interaction in catalyst activity and selectivity. His interest in the field of catalysis includes the phenomenon of hydrogen spillover in supported metal catalysts. The reaction studies, when integrated with the results of various physicochemical characterizations of supported catalysts, provide a basic and complete understanding of the catalyst behavior, which has been a central theme of his research efforts. More recent research interests involve the modeling of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes for the synthesis of cermic composites (A1N and BN), liquid-membrane encapsulated enzymes for biochemical reactions, gas-liquid reaction systems, and microbial transformation of syngas to oxygenates.

Dr. Agrawal is the Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies.

Research Interests Dr. Allen participates in the Microsystems Research Center and the Packaging Research Center. His main research focus is in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), which is defined as the use of microfabrication techniques to create mechanical structures in silicon and other materials, potentially in addition to electronic devices.

His work has received local, national, and international attention in both the popular press and in engineering trade publications. Specific research projects that have recently received media attention are: 1) magnetically actuated microrelays, smaller than a dime, that have potential use in automobile electronics, test equipment, and other areas where low actuation voltages are required, and 2) drug delivery via microneedles, tiny chips containing arrays of tiny needles, each thinner than a human hair, that can potentially be put on the skin for one-time injections and possibly left on the skin for continuous release of a medication under the control of a microprocessor.

Dr. Allen holds a joint appointment in ECE. He is a Regents’ Professor and the Joseph M. Pettit Professor.

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Sue Ann Bidstrup Allen

Sujit Banerjee

Education SB 1981, Massachusetts Institute of Technology PhD 1986, University of Minnesota

Education BSc 1969, Indian Institute of Technology at Kharagpur PhD 1974, Concordia University at Montreal

Research Interests Dr. Bidstrup’s research interests are directed toward the basic relationships between the structure, processing, and mechanical properties of polymers. Particular emphasis is placed on polymeric systems and processing conditions used in electronic packaging and interconnection. In-situ sensors and characterization techniques are being developed to evaluate electrical, structural, and mechanical properties of thin polymetric films for GHz multichip modules. In addition, the effect of film anisotropy on moisture diffusion, modulus, coefficient of thermal expansion, and electrical conductivity is being explored. Other work includes the development of an on-line dielectric based control system for optimizing the encapsulation of integrated circuits.

Dr. Bidstrup Allen is the Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Scholarship in the College of Engineering.

Research Interests Dr. Banerjee’s research interests are in the areas of environmental engineering and in the development and application of industrial polymers. A major objective is the commercialization of laboratory findings. A present focus is on the conversion of cellulosic materials to glucose for ethanol production using polymers to enhance the enzymatic step. The fundamental aspect of the work involves study of the interaction between enzyme and polymer using atomic force microscopy among other means. Pilot scale runs are also made for commercial evaluation.

The behavior of industrial polymers such as cationic polyacrylamides used for sludge dewatering, mineral flotation, fiber flocculation, and other applications are modified using cyclodextrin-related additives. Several of these modifiers are now in commercial use.

Laboratory experiments are done with high speed photography and particle size and charge measurements. Full-scale measurements are also made in the field and real-time data collected and analyzed.

Dr. Banerjee is also involved in pulp and paper research, particularly in paper recycling and in the development of new pulping catalysts.

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Sven Holger Behrens

Andreas Bommarius

Education Diplom 1995, University of Goettingen, Germany PhD 1999, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology/ETH Zurich

Education BS 1982, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Diplom 1984, Technical University, Munich, Germany PhD 1989, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Research Interests Dr. Behrens’s research aims at using the solvent-mediated interaction between polymers or colloidal species (solid particles, emulsion droplets, micelles, vesicles, or other nanometer or micrometer sized objects) to create materials with exciting new properties and high potential for industrial or medical application. Doing so in a rational way often requires a better understanding of the underlying materials design principles than is currently available. Open scientific questions encountered along the way concern, for instance: • The response of polymers or colloids to changes in the surrounding medium • The interaction between two or more colloidal building blocks in different environments • Their dynamics of association and self-assembly into larger super-structures Dr. Behrens’s work addresses these questions experimentally by thoroughly characterizing the conformation and electrical charging states of polymers and colloids in different environments, performing high resolution measurements of colloidal forces and interaction energies, and by monitoring association and release processes. Techniques are adapted to the problems at hand, with a focus on light scattering, electrokinetic and microscopic approaches, and are complemented by theoretical modeling.

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Research Interests Dr. Bommarius’s area of expertise is in biomolecular engineering, especially biocatalysis, bioprocessing, protein stability, as well as protein and amino acid chemistry. His group is mainly interested in the following areas: Development of Novel Biocatalysts (selected examples) • Cellobiohydrolases • Beta-lactam hydrolases • Enoate reductases • NAD(P)H oxidases Investigation and Enhancement of Protein Stability • Effects of buffer salts on protein stability • Short-term tests of aggregation propensities of proteins • Determination of long-term biocatalyst process stability through short-term experiments Data-driven protein engineering • Structure-guided consensus concept • Finding relevant residues with Boolean learning/support vector machine techniques • Improving directed evolution through pooling

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Victor Breedveld

Julie Champion

Education MS 1996, University of Twente, the Netherlands PhD 2000, University of Twente, the Netherlands

Education BSE 2001, University of Michigan PhD 2007, University of California, Santa Barbara

Research Interests Dr. Breedveld’s research theme is “Structure and Rheology of Complex Fluids,” investigating the structure and mechanical strength of materials that are neither simple Newtonian fluids nor elastic solids. Complex fluids encompass a large variety of materials: food products, polymer melts and solutions, coatings, personal care products, biological fluids and gels, etc. The mechanical properties (visco-elasticity, shear viscosity) are controlled by the microscopic molecular structure, which can be tuned by changing the interactions between molecules. The interplay between molecular structure and rheology is the focus of his research.

Experimental research in Dr. Breedveld’s group is centered around two rheological techniques: conventional macrorheology on a rheometer and recently developed microrheology.

Macrorheology studies the mechanical properties by deforming a fluid sample (0.5 to 10ml) in a controlled way in a rheometer and measuring the relation between applied stress and resulting deformation. Microrheology employs sub-micron particles as mechanical probes.

The thermal fluctuations of these particles can be used as the driving force (~kT) and the resulting Brownian motion can be analyzed under an optical microscope to extract rheological information about the surrounding fluid.

The approach offers a number of unique opportunities. Due to the small sample size (1 microliter is often sufficient), microrheology is very suitable to investigate the structure and mechanical properties of expensive and rare materials. Microrheological measurements are much faster than conventional approaches, thus enabling high-throughput screening of rheological properties. Last but not least, the size of the probe particles allows for localized rheology measurements with micrometer spatial resolution, so that inhomogeneities in the structure can be detected. Capitalizing on these advantages of the novel technique, Dr. Breedveld currently focuses on the local rheology of bioengineering materials, such as tissue engineering scaffolds and on high-throughput applications for systems where screening and optimization of rheological properties is of importance.

Research Interests Dr. Champion’s research interests are positioned at the interface of engineering, materials science, biology and medicine. Specifically, the focus is on nanoscale materials that interact with biological systems in a therapeutic fashion, not just as inert carriers. A number of biological applications have been identified for nanomaterials since the nano-scale defines the interfaces between cells, biological molecules and material surfaces. However, the creation of such materials is progressing faster than their interactions with biological systems can be understood. One of the primary aims of the research program is the development of fundamental understanding of nanomaterial interactions with biological systems on all length scales, molecular, cellular, tissue and organism. This insight will facilitate the engineering of novel bio-nanomaterials with therapeutic capabilities to halt or reverse disease progression and promote the body’s healing response.

In previous research, Dr. Champion fabricated drug delivery particles with novel shapes and studied the effect of shape on function. Specifically, the work revealed how the capability of immune cells to internalize drug delivery particles is modulated by particle shape. This research underscores how the physical properties of a material can significantly alter cellular behavior. Similarly, it is critical to both understand and be able to engineer specific biological interactions with materials in order to achieve therapeutic effects. A multi-scale approach is necessary given the number and complexity of interactions both within and between the molecular, cellular, tissue and organism length scales. Material design will reflect these requirements and will integrate specific molecular and/or cellular interactions, traditional drug delivery strategies such as targeting and stealth, and physical properties such as shape, size and flexibility. Synthesis of such materials will be possible via a combination synthetic polymers, protein-polymers and peptides to achieve novel therapeutic function.

Dr. Breedveld is the Robert “Bud” Moeller Faculty Fellow.

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Ronald Chance

Rachel Chen

Education BS 1970, Delta State University PhD 1974, Dartmouth College

Education BS 1984, East China University of Science and Technology MS 1987, East China University of Science and Technology PhD 1994, California Institute of Technology

Research Interests Dr. Chance’s research interests are mainly concerned with energy, CO2 capture, and CO2 utilization. CO2 capture work involves using materials and systems to separate and isolate CO2 from anthropogenic point sources such as coal-fired power plants. The work involves rapid cycle absorption processes in a hollow-fiber format. Dr. Chance also works on a broad spectrum of problems related to the generation of transportation fuels from cyanobacteria. This work includes novel CO2 delivery systems, ethanol-water separations, photobiology, and life-cycle analysis. Georgia Tech collaborators include Drs. Bill Koros, Chris Jones, Sankar Nair, Matthew Realff, Valerie Thomas, Victor Breedveld, and Jean-Luc Bredas.

Dr. Chance has a joint appointment in Chemistry & Biochemistry. He is the associate director of the Strategic Energy Institute, and the executive vice president of engineering for Algenol Biofuels, an advanced biofuels company located in Bonita Springs, Florida.

Research Interests The research in Dr. Chen’s group, broadly defined as Biomolecular Engineering, interfaces Chemistry, Biology, and Chemical Engineering. By applying Metabolic Engineering, Protein Engineering, and other molecular engineering tools, the group is addressing several fundamental issues associated with the use of Enzyme and Microbial Technology in biotechnological applications. Biomolecular Engineering is a rapidly evolving field, encompassing an ever increasing number of areas. The group passionately pursues those that impact medicine (especially cancer therapy) and the environment (Sustainable Technology or Green Chemistry). Specifically, the group has the following active projects: • Protein Engineering – Glyco-Diversification of Natural Products for Drug Discovery (Anticancer/Antiviral/Antimicrobial) • Metabolic Engineering – Agrobacterium sp and E. coli for Oligosaccharides/Sugar Polymer Synthesis • Cellular Membrane Engineering – Control the Flow of Molecules into/from Cells Through Genetic Engineering • Renewable Chemical Feedstock – Ethanol from Cellulose, Xylose and Xylo Oligosaccharides from Hemicellulose, Vanillin from Corn Fibers, and Other ValueAdded Chemicals from Biomass • Self-Assembled Protein Nanostructures with Novel Functions–Multifunctional Catalysts and Therapeutic Agents

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John Crittenden

Michelle Dawson

Education BSE 1971, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MSE 1972, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor PhD 1976, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Education BS 1999, Louisiana Tech University PhD 2005, Johns Hopkins University

Research Interests • Pollution Prevention • Physical Chemical Treatment Processes (Ion Exchange, Oxidation Processes, Catalytic Oxidation, Photocatalytic Oxidation, Electrocatalysis, Adsorption, Electro-Adsorption, Air Stripping) • Transport of Organics in Saturated and Unsaturated Groundwater • Modeling of Fixed-Bed Reactors and Adsorbers (Photocatalysis, Low Temperature Catalysis in Aqueous and Gas Phases, Transport of Organics in Saturated and Unsaturated Groundwater) • Sol-Gel Chemistry for Preparation of Zeolites and Catalysts • Surface Chemistry and Thermodynamics (Prediction of Adsorption Capacities and Surface Catalyzed Rate Constants) • Modeling of Wastewater and Water Treatment Processes

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Research Interests Dr. Dawson’s research applies genetic engineering, cell biophysics, and quantitative microscopy techniques to the development of nanoparticle and cell-based gene delivery systems that can overcome biological transport barriers and treat disease. Gene therapy vectors, which utilize the cell’s natural machinery to produce therapeutic proteins, are tailored to treat specific diseases, beginning with cancer. The transport of gene delivery systems is often severely limited in complex biological environments; thus, quantitative microscopy techniques are used to investigate their biophysical properties, as well as the properties of their biological matrices. This information is used to optimize the transport of gene delivery systems.

Dr. Dawson has focused some of her recent studies on understanding the role of bone marrow-derived cells in tumor growth and metastasis. In these studies, Dr. Dawson found that bone marrow cells rapidly accumulated in tumors promoting their growth and metastasis through the formation of blood vessels and the degradation of extracellular matrix components. Bone marrow cell mobilization to the blood and migration to tumors was initiated by tumor cell secretion of soluble growth factors. These studies have provided powerful insight into the migratory behavior of bone-marrow-derived cells, including myeloid progenitor cells, hematopoietic stem cells, and mesenchymal stem cells.

Research in the Dawson lab is also directed towards the development of novel gene delivery vectors by genetically engineering mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as delivery systems. MSCs spontaneously migrate from the bone marrow and infiltrate wounded tissues and tumors; however, the majority of MSCs reinfused after ex vivo manipulation become trapped in the lungs. The identification of soluble growth factors that stimulate their migration in the wound bed or tumor may be a key element in the development of MSC-based therapeutics that can overcome current transport limitations. Important biophysical properties of MSCs are probed with quantitative biophysical techniques, which enhances fundamental knowledge of MSC behavior, and guides the rational development of MSCs as gene delivery systems.

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Yulin Deng

Charles Eckert

Education BS 1982, Northeast Normal University, China PhD 1992, Manchester University, United Kingdom

Education BS 1960, Massachusetts Institute of Technology MS 1961, Massachusetts Institute of Technology PhD 1964, University of California, Berkeley

Research Interests Dr. Deng’s research interests are nanomaterial synthesis and self-assembling, biofuel and biomased materials, colloid and surface science and engineering, polymer synthesis, and papermaking and paper recycling.

Nanomaterial synthesis and characterization is a focus of Dr. Deng’s research group. Onedimensional nanomaterials, including ZnO, TiO2, Mg(OH)2, Au, polyaniline, and two-dimensional nanomaterials with ordered patterns have been our research interesting projects. The unique applications of such one- and two- dimensional nanomaterials as a sensor, solar cell and supercapacitors have been studied. The one-dimensional nanomaterials synthesized in our lab have also been used as reinforcement materials in polymer nanocomposite. Cellulose nanowhiskers, which are biodegradable one-dimensional materials, have been used as reinforcement nanomaterials in our high strength fiber preparation.

Hollow structures inorganic materials, such as TiO2 and polymer materials, such as poly(isopropyl acrylamide) have been synthesized. These unique nanomaterials can be used in many applications including drug delivery, solar cell, etc.

Research Interests Dr. Eckert has collaborated with chemist Charles Liotta for more than two decades: they share laboratory space and codirect students from both disciplines. The joint research is focused at the interface between chemistry and engineering; applications include sustainable technology, energy conservation, innovative separations (including bioseparations), and novel materials.

His group’s work encompasses molecular thermodynamics, solution chemistry, phase equilibria, chemical kinetics, homogeneous catalysis, supercritical fluid processing, and separations.

They draw heavily on the molecular and analytical interpretations of chemists and chemical physicists for an understanding of intermolecular interactions in solutions. These results are used to develop methods for tailoring separation and reaction process for specific applications.

Dr. Eckert is the J. Erskine Love, Jr. Institute Chair in Engineering and the director of the Specialty Separations Center.

Nanocomposites such as polymer/nanoclay hybrids are engineering materials that have great potential in many industries. Recent research in Dr. Deng’s group indicated that exfoliated nanoclay could be encapsulated in polymer latexes. The water-based polymer-nanoclay suspension is a great candidate for painting and paper coating.

Biofuel is another interested research area of Dr. Deng’s research group. Novel pretreatment of lignoncellulose for biofuel production was one of the area Dr. Deng have been actively involved. Catalytic depolymerization of lignin, including chemical and photocatalytic conversion of lignin into fuel are currently active research projects in Dr. Deng’s research group.

Colloid and surface science and engineering area, Dr. Deng’s research is focused on polymer adsorption kinetics, polymer configuration, flocculation, emulsion and micellization. The new polymer additives and novel fillers that may be used as flocculants, papermaking agents, adhesives and drug delivery polymers are being designed and studied.

Pulp and paper science and engineering are also part of Dr. Deng’s research.

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Michael Filler

Tom Fuller

Education BS 2000, Cornell University MS 2003, Stanford University PhD 2006, Stanford University

Education BS 1982, University of Utah PhD 1992, University of California, Berkeley

Research Interests Dr. Filler’s research program seeks to advance the function and performance of energy conversion, photonic, and electronic devices through the rational engineering of semiconductor nanowires.

These nanoscale materials exhibit unique properties as a result of their one-dimensional structure, and therefore provide new opportunities to interact with photons, manipulate charge, or control atomic position. By developing fundamental chemistry-structure-property relationships, Dr. Filler’s group is gaining the ability to precision engineer these materials at multiple length scales. Group-IV elements (i.e. C, Si, Ge, and Sn), their alloys, and heterostructures are a particular focus due to their industrial relevance and earth-abundance.

Dr. Filler is pioneering the application of in-situ spectroscopic techniques for the study of nanowire synthesis. These methods provide atomic-scale knowledge of bulk and surface chemistry in real-time, such that short-lived species, which govern crystal structure, polytype formation, and impurity incorporation, can be definitively identified. This chemical understanding is subsequently exploited to rationally control fabrication processes and tune materials properties. For example, it is now possible to obtain nanowire crystal structures and complex 3-D superstructures that are synthetically inaccessible with traditional fabrication methods.

While quantum-confined nanostructures offer significant potential to yield emergent function, the influence of surfaces on properties is significant and only just beginning to be understood. In-situ nanowire growth and analysis provides a unique opportunity to fundamentally study the role of nanomaterial surfaces in a highly controlled environment. The impact of chemical functionality and bonding on electronic band structure and charge transport is currently under investigation.

Traditional materials (e.g. Si or GaAs) with thermodynamically stable crystal structures have enabled prototype nanoscale devices, but their relatively simple crystal structures represent a tiny fraction of what may ultimately be possible. Nanoscale strain relaxation is being exploited to overcome challenges that have previously hindered band structure engineering in group IV alloy thin films. Chemical knowledge gained through in-situ measurement is being combined with non-equilibrium growth techniques to yield nanowires with well-defined atomic compositions and optoelectronic properties.

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Research Interests Dr. Fuller’s research focuses on electrochemical systems for energy conversion and storage. His interests are in linking fundamental science and technology with practical applications to meet the growing energy challenges. Conservative estimates project that 10 TW of additional power are needed by the year 2050 to satisfy global demand. The key drivers for the increase in power are population growth and economic development. The scope of this power requirement is enormous, representing about a doubling of present capacity. If large amounts of energy are required, what will be the sources and what will be the environmental consequences of providing this power? For instance, limiting atmospheric carbon dioxide to twice pre-industrial levels can be accomplished with the introduction of 10 TW of carbon-free power by 2035.

Potential answers, whether fossil-fuel, renewable, or nuclear based, all present intense technical, environmental, and security challenges. Solutions will demand interdisciplinary research and a strong emphasis on understanding the underlying physics and chemistry. Without question chemical engineers have a critical role in developing the necessary technology, bringing solutions to market, and educating the public.

As an example, the key for the development of fuel cells is to simultaneously improve their durability, performance, and cost. The primary means to this end is through the introduction of new materials and appropriate component and system design. In both cases a fundamental and thorough understanding of the chemistry and physics of the relevant phenomena is essential. A mechanistic understanding may then be used to 1) guide the development of new electrolyte materials/membrane for instance, and 2) develop physics based models that provide predictive capability for the durability of the new materials or system configurations.

The close coupling of physical and chemical phenomena make detailed models instrumental in identifying critical materials properties and in the understanding of failure modes.

Dr. Fuller is the director of the Center for Innovative Fuel Cell and Battery Technologies.

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Martha Grover

Clifford Henderson

Education BS 1996, University of Illinois MS 1997, California Institute of Technology PhD 2003, California Institute of Technology

Education BS 1994, Georgia Institute of Technology MS 1996, University of Texas, Austin PhD 1998, University of Texas, Austin

Research Interests Dr. Grover’s research activities in process systems engineering focus on understanding macromolecular organization and the emergence of biological function. Discrete atoms and molecules interact to form macromolecules and even larger mesoscale assemblies, ultimately yielding macroscopic structures and properties. A quantitative relationship between the nanoscale discrete interactions and the macroscale properties is required to design, optimize, and control such systems; yet in many applications, predictive models do not exist or are computationally intractable.

Research Interests Dr. Henderson’s research interests are in the areas of polymer science, thin films, nanotechnology, organic electronic materials, and microsystems processing (i.e. the fabrication of microelectronic, optoelectronic, microfluidic, and microelectromechanical systems). The work in the Henderson group is at the crossroads of chemical engineering, polymer science, materials science, chemistry, and nanoscience. His group is mainly interested in the following areas:

The Grover group is dedicated to the development of tractable and practical approaches for the engineering of macroscale behavior via explicit consideration of molecular and atomic scale interactions. We focus on applications involving the kinetics of self-assembly, specifically those in which methods from non-equilibrium statistical mechanics do not provide closed form solutions. General approaches employed include stochastic modeling, model reduction, machine learning, experimental design, robust parameter design, and estimation.

Dr. Grover is the Duncan A. Mellichamp Faculty Fellow.

Polymer Ultra-Thin Films & Advanced Membranes The behavior of polymeric materials can change quite dramatically as the materials are confined to small dimensions. The Henderson group is pioneering the discovery of which physiochemical properties in polymer ultra-thin films change due to confinement, characterizing what the important length scales are for confinement with respect to different properties, and characterizing the magnitudes and potential universal scaling of such behaviors.

Advanced Materials and Processes for Semiconductor Patterning The semiconductor industry is constantly shrinking the size of device features (e.g. the transistor gate) in order to produce faster and more powerful microelectronic products. This imposes strong demands on the microlithographic technologies and imaging materials used to pattern semiconductor devices. A variety of projects are being pursued in the area of imaging materials (photoresists) to develop a fundamental understanding of the important physical and chemical processes that control their performance. A series of projects is also being pursued to develop new imaging materials for next generation lithography (e.g. EUVL and ebeam systems).

Novel Routes to Manufacturing Graphene and Graphene Devices Graphene is an exciting new nanomaterial that possesses an array of unique properties that make it a promising candidate material in a variety of electronic and optoelectronic applications. Work in the Henderson group is focused on the development of novel organic precursors and processing methods that will allow for the direct fabrication of graphene nanostructures in ways compatible with current electronics processing technology.

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Dennis Hess

Jeff Hsieh

Education BS 1968, Albright College MS 1970, Lehigh University PhD 1973, Lehigh University

Education BS 1967, National Taiwan University MS 1970, Syracuse University, New York PhD 1974, Syracuse University, New York

Research Interests Dr. Hess’s research interests are in thin film science and technology, surface and interface modification and characterization, microelectronics processing and electronic materials. His group focuses on the establishment of fundamental structure-property relationships and their connection to chemical process sequences used in the fabrication of novel films, electronic materials, devices, and nanostructures. Control of the surface properties of materials such as dielectrics, semiconductors, metals, and paper or paper board by film deposition or surface modification allows the design of such surfaces for a variety of applications in microelectronics, packaging, sensors, and microfluidics.

The Hess group often uses glow discharges or plasmas for the deposition, etching, and polymerization of thin films or for the modification of surfaces. For example, plasma-deposited fluorocarbon films are being used to generate superhydrophobic paper and cellulose surfaces for self-cleaning and microfluidic applications. The design of novel, low temperature plasma etching processes for the nano-scale patterning of copper films for advanced integrated circuit fabrication is also being studied. Surface cleaning and modification for control of material properties using a variety of liquid and vapor phase approaches are also of interest.

Specifically, our group is studying the use of elevated pressure fluids, including supercritical fluids, for environmentally benign surface cleaning, sterilization of medical instruments and materials, and the formation of nanoparticles. Chemical vapor deposition and other film formation methods are being used to deposit graphene, a material that is a possible successor to silicon for future generations of integrated circuits.

Dr. Hess is the Thomas C. DeLoach, Jr. Chair and director of Georgia Tech’s NSF Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) for New Electronic Materials.

Research Interests Dr. Hsieh’s research interests are in the areas of nanoparticles, deinking, biofuels, and fiber technology.

Nanotechnology presents new opportunities for great improvement on papermaking and coating properties. His research group focuses on the technology of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) and its applications in papermaking and coating. The challenge is to reduce the size of cellulose and cellulose fines to nanosize particles.

Deinking of recycled pulp is a specialized technology that removes sub-micron ink particles from pulp. The process supports a sustainable manufacturing process by reducing the papermaking materials destined for landfills. The ink widely used in digital print cartridges is heavily pigmented and presents more challenges for the deinking process. Dr. Hsieh’s patented electric field technology is used to improve removal of this type of ink. Hydrophilic flexographic ink contains a less volatile organic compound (VOC) and presents similar challenges for deinking. The Hsieh group is researching methods to overcome the challenges associated with treating this ink as well.

Biofuel from corn is expected to plateau in the next five years at 15-billion gallons per year (BGY). Advanced cellulose-based biofuels are anticipated to fill the void left by the reduction in corn-based biofuel. To address the evolving shift in biofuel materials and production, Dr. Hsieh’s research group concentrates on the pretreatment of lignocellulosic materials and the conversion of cellulose, lignin, sludge, and waste stream into useful biofuels. Electric field technology is also used as an energy saving method to separate waste skimming sludge into valuable bioproducts. Additionally, hydrosonic pump wave technology is used to improve the efficiency of transesterification.

Research in fiber technology consists of purifying cellulosic and synthetic fibers for web formation for various end-use applications. Chemical and thermomechanical pulping, deinking on recycled fibers, mass transfer and kinetics in oxygen, and peroxide and ozone delignification are various methods that his group currently studies. Bonding technologies of synthetic fibers to form high-performance web structures for high-temperature, ultra-tear-resistance, and super-strength applications are also investigated.

Dr. Hsieh is the director of Georgia Tech’s Multidisciplinary Pulp and Paper Engineering Program.

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Christopher Jones

Yoshiaki Kawajiri

Education BSE 1995, University of Michigan MS 1997, California Institute of Technology PhD 1999, California Institute of Technology

Education BEng 1997, Kansai University, Japan MEng 1999, Kansai University, Japan PhD 2007, Carnegie Mellon University

Research Interests Dr. Jones’s research interests are in the broad areas of materials design and synthesis, catalysis and adsorption. Specific emphases are placed on catalytic materials for energy applications, fine chemical and pharmaceutical applications, and on adsorbents for CO2 capture. His research group’s work on the rational design of molecularly engineered materials draws from a number of different disciplines to enable the development of functional materials with applications in areas such as catalysis and separations. His group utilizes advanced inorganic, organic and organometallic synthetic techniques to endow solid materials with well characterized surfaces where the physical and chemical properties of the solid are manipulated by understanding and controlling the structure of the material on all length scales. In particular, significant focus is placed on the molecular design and nanoscale engineering of zeolite, silica and polymeric materials. While targeting industrially relevant, practical goals, his group’s research focuses on the fundamental issues involved in the design and characterization of novel functional solid materials. This research sits squarely at the crossroads of a number of disciplines, and his group is composed of chemical engineers, chemists, material scientists, and environmental engineers.

Dr. Jones is the New-Vision Professor of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and an adjunct professor in Chemistry & Biochemistry.

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Research Interests Dr. Kawajiri’s research interests are in the interdisciplinary area of process systems engineering and separation engineering. In particular, his interests include dynamic optimization, control, and parameter estimation techniques applied to novel separation processes. Some specific topics include optimal design and operation of simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography, and modeling of crystallization process.

Simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography SMB chromatography has a long history of use in the sugar and petrochemical industries. It is now recognized as one of the most important separation techniques also in the pharmaceutical industry, in particular for enantiomer separation. Dr. Kawajiri’s work addresses efficient process development, operation, and control of SMB processes utilizing nonlinear optimization techniques as well as experimental studies.

Modeling of crystallization processes Although crystallization is recognized as one of the most powerful and cost-effective separation methods, design, and operation remain challenges. Dr. Kawajiri’s approach to this problem is to apply computational techniques such as mathematical modeling, parameter estimation, and nonlinear programming utilizing in-situ particle characterization techniques.

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Paul Kohl

William Koros

Education BS 1974, Bethany College PhD 1978, University of Texas

Education BS 1969, University of Texas, Austin PhD 1977, University of Texas, Austin

Research Interests Dr. Kohl’s research interests include new materials and processes for advanced interconnects for integrated circuits and electrochemical devices for energy conversion and storage. He also leads extensive programs in micro-fuel cells for self-powered integrated circuits and the use of ionic liquids in electrochemical devices.

New Materials and Processing for Microelectronic Devices and Packaging Ultra-low dielectric constant insulators are needed in electronic devices. The Kohl group has developed new materials and processes for fabrication of embedding air-isolation in electronic and optical devices. Air encapsulated and porous structures provide mechanically compliant, low capacitance interconnects. The groups’ other recent projects include electroless copper superfilling, rapid microwave processing of electronic materials, and investigation of novel interconnection materials.

Room Temperature Ionic Liquids Room temperature ionic liquids provide high conductivity, wide electrochemical stability, and zero vapor pressure. New ionic liquids are simple to produce. The Kohl group is currently developing methods for using electrolytes in high capacity lithium batteries and to deposit dendrite-free lithium metal for a high capacity lithium battery. In addition, ionic liquids are being used at the absorber in a Freon-based absorption refrigeration system where waste heat can be used to provide refrigeration at convenient temperatures and pressures.

High Energy Density Fuel Cells Methanol can provide the fuel to drive high energy density fuel cells for use in small portable devices. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells have received considerable attention as viable replacements for traditional power sources; however, they have many challenges including complex water management and high cost due to the use of platinum. The Kohl group is researching the use of anions as the conducting species in fuel cells to overcome many of these problems. Additionally, the group has designed fuel cells to overcome water management problems by using new anion conducting membranes that control the water content of the membrane electrode assembly. Progress is also being made toward simple, commercially viable, methanol cells.

Research Interests Materials for membranes, sorbents, and barrier packaging applications rely upon the same fundamental principles.

Thermodynamically controlled partitioning of a penetrant, such as carbon dioxide into a membrane, sorbent or barrier packaging layer is the first step in the transport process. If the material is a polymer, cooperative motions of the matrix enable diffusive motion by the penetrant. In highly rigid carbon molecular sieves and zeolites, motion of the matrix is negligible, and penetrant transport is governed by the relative size of pre-existing pores and the penetrant molecule.

Dr. Koros’s group is a leader in developing advanced materials for membranes, sorbents, and barrier applications by optimization materials to either promote or retard transport of specific components. For instance, for a chosen penetrant such as carbon dioxide, the Koros group can create a barrier, a selective membrane, or a sorbent by materials engineering. Work is also underway in the Koros group to form “mixed matrix composite” materials comprised of blends of rigid carbons or zeolites within the matrix of a conventional polymer. This approach allows further optimization of transport properties without sacrificing the ease of processing associated with conventional polymers.

Fascinating effects due to non equilibrium thermodynamic and non-Fickian transport phenomena are additional topics his group studies. Long lived conditioning effects due to exposure of membranes and barriers to elevated concentrations of certain penetrants are typical of such non-equilibrium phenomena. Protracted aging of glassy polymers, carbons, and inorganic membranes after formation or conditioning treatments also are of interest to his research group. In many cases, these effects seem to defy logic—until one realizes that an expanded set of rules governs these out-of-equilibrium materials.

Dr. Koros is the Roberto C. Goizueta Chair for Excellence in Chemical Engineering and GRA Eminent Scholar in Membranes.

Dr. Kohl is a Regents’ Professor, Institute Fellow, Hercules, Inc./Thomas L. Gossage Chair, and the director of Semiconductor Research Corportion’s Interconnect and Packaging Center at Georgia Tech.

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Charles Liotta

Hang Lu

Education BS 1959, Brooklyn College PhD 1963, University of Maryland

Education BS 1998, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign MSCEP 2000, Massachusetts Institute of Technology PhD 2003, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Research Interests Dr. Liotta has collaborated with Charles Eckert for nearly two decades: they share laboratory space and codirect students from both disciplines. The joint research is focused at the interface between chemistry and engineering; applications include sustainable technology, energy conservation, innovative separations (including bioseparations), and novel materials.

His group’s work encompasses molecular thermodynamics, solution chemistry, phase equilibria, chemical kinetics, homogeneous catalysis, supercritical fluid processing, and separations.

The research group draws heavily on the molecular and analytical interpretations of chemists and chemical physicists for an understanding of intermolecular interactions in solutions.

These results are used to develop methods for tailoring separation and reaction process for specific applications.

Dr. Liotta is a Regents’ Professor and chair of the School of Chemistry & Biochemistry.

Research Interests Dr Lu’s research lies at the interface of engineering and biology. The lab engineers microfluidic devices and BioMEMS (Bio Micro-ElectroMechanical Systems) to study neuroscience, genetics, cancer biology, systems biology, and biotechnology. These miniaturized Lab-on-a-chip tools enable us to study biology in a unique way unavailable to conventional techniques. Applied to the study of fundamental biological questions, these new techniques allow us to gather large-scale quantitative data about complex systems. Microfluidic devices are especially suitable for solving these problems because of the many advantages associated with shrinking the devices down to a scale comparable to typical biological systems. Furthermore, unique phenomena at the micro and nano length scale, such as enhanced surface effects and transport phenomena, can be exploited in designing novel techniques and devices.

In neuroscience, we are interested in how the nervous system develops and functions, and how genes and environment influence behavior. In cancer biology, we are interested in the roll of extra cellular matrix and soluble factors in cell migrations. In cancer therapy, we are interested in signal transductions for adoptive transfer. For systems biology, we are interested in large-scale experimentation and automation, and applications in neuroscience and cell biology. In general, we bring together molecular and genetic techniques and the micro devices to further our understanding of the complex biological systems. We make micro devices to investigate molecular events and signaling networks, cellular behavior, connectivity and activities of populations of cells, and the resulting complex behaviors of the animals.

The ultimate goal is to bring new technologies to understand natural and dysfunctional states of biological systems and ultimately bring cures to diseases.

Dr. Lu is the James R. Fair Faculty Fellow.

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Pete Ludovice

Norman Marsolan

Education BS 1984, University of Illinois PhD 1989, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Education PhD 1976, Louisiana State University

Research Interests Dr. Ludovice’s research activities emphasize the use of computer simulation to elucidate the relationship between atomic level structure and properties of synthetic and biological macromolecules.

Insight from computer simulations can more efficiently guide experimental efforts to save millions of dollars on development costs. Particular emphasis is placed on the characterization of fundamental ordering and energetic phenomena that are indicative of superior properties.

Dr. Ludovice is currently focusing his efforts in a number of areas including transmembrane proteins, relaxation and gas diffusion in polymer glasses and polymers for microelectronics applications. He is also developing new simulation protocols to more efficiently model highly viscous systems.

Dr. Ludovice’s current research projects include: • • • • •

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Poly(norbornene) Polymers Simulation of Polymer Free Volume & Solubility Membrane Chemoporation Physics of Thin Films Simulation Methods: Protracted Colored Noise Dynamics

Research Interests Dr. Marsolan’s research interests include smart manufacturing technologies, operational excellence processes, and pulp & paper process optimization.

As the director of the Institute of Paper Science & Technology (IPST) at Georgia Tech, Dr. Marsolan leads strategic initiatives in the following areas: • Development of renewable, sustainable products from forest biomass • Bio-refining to enrich the portfolio of products at existing manufacturing sites • Operational excellence through breakthrough technologies that maximize capital while improving efficiency and reducing cost

IPST is a research center, the enabler of a unique specialized graduate education program, and a center for intellectual capital in the forest biomaterials industry, and is positioned as a lead industry center at Georgia Tech. IPST supports forest biomaterials entities in addressing strategic needs, revitalizing existing assets, improving margins, developing new innovative products, and winning in the marketplace.

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Larry McIntire

Carson Meredith

Education BChE 1966, Cornell University MS 1966, Cornell University MA 1968, Princeton University PhD 1970, Princeton University

Education BS 1993, Georgia Institute of Technology PhD 1998, University of Texas, Austin

Research Interests Dr. McIntire’s research interests are in cellular engineering and the bioengineering aspects of vascular biology, thrombosis, inflammatory response, and infectious disease.

Dr. McIntire is the director and Wallace H. Coulter Chair in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University. He holds a joint appointment in ChBE.

The Wallace H. Coulter Department is a joint venture between Georgia Tech and Emory University. The mission of the department is twofold: to educate and prepare students to reach the forefront of leadership in the field of biomedical engineering; and to impact health care significantly by assembling a world class faculty who shape the cutting edge of research in key biomedical areas. Research in biomedical engineering holds the potential for major breakthroughs in medicine, basic science, and applied technology. Innovations in medical imaging, computer-assisted surgery, medical devices, and more efficient delivery of drugs to disease sites are research pursuits for BME.

Research Interests Dr. Meredith directs the Advanced Polymer Interfaces and Materials research group in ChBE. He also serves as coordinator for the New Forest Biomass Materials and Chemicals research division at the Institute of Paper Science and Engineering (IPST).

Industry and society have come to rely upon polymers as a relatively cheap and plentiful source of raw materials for products. However, most advanced materials involve multiple components with complex interfaces between those different components. For example, polymer-ceramic and polymer-metal composites and nanocomposites are used in packaging, automobiles, catalysts, separations, electronics, sensors, and bioengineering.

Dr. Meredith’s research focuses on developing the science and technology of these interfaces, with a particular emphasis on advanced polymer-zeolite and polymer-metal composite materials for energy and sensor applications. A second strong interest of his group is applying this knowledge to develop new renewable polymer resources, for example utilizing forest biomass.

These efforts include developing polymer-zeolite interfaces for novel separations membranes, using atomic force microscopy to measure the forces at interfaces, and finding new uses of naturally-occurring particles such as pollen.

Dr. Meredith is the J. Carl Pirkle Sr. Faculty Fellow and the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies.

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Sankar Nair

Athanasios Nenes

Education BTech 1997, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi MS 2002, University of Massachusetts, Amherst PhD 2002, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Education Diploma 1993, National Technical University of Athens, Greece MS 1997, University of Miami PhD 2002, California Institute of Technology

Research Interests Dr. Nair directs the Nanoporous Materials and Membranes Research Group in the School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at Georgia Tech. The research of his group has important potential applications in several areas including biomolecule sensing, energy management, and separations. Analytical chemical engineering fundamentals are carefully combined with synthetic chemistry, mechanistic experiments, theory, and simulation methods, to develop synthesisstructure-property relationships of technological and fundamental interest.

The primary focus of his research is on creating, understanding, and rationally engineering materials and devices that are obtained through chemical processing strategies. A common thread uniting the problems under investigation is the manipulation of the unique properties resulting from reduction of material dimensions to the nanometer length scale or from the nanostructuring of a material. His group’s current research attacks challenging basic problems relating directly to nanoscale science and engineering.

Research Interests The effect of human activities on climate is being recognized as one of the most important issues facing society. Humans influence climate in numerous ways; the effect of some is to cool the planet and of others to heat it. The significance of some components (such as the warming effect of carbon dioxide) is well understood and quantified; other components are subject to high uncertainty. Aerosols (airborne particulate matter) belong to the latter. The consensus in the scientific community is that aerosols have an overall cooling effect (comparable to the warming from greenhouse gases), but quantitative estimates of their effect are still highly uncertain. A large amount of this uncertainty originates from their effect on clouds (the aerosol “indirect effect”). Clouds have a strong influence on the Earth’s radiative balance, but are poorly represented in current climate models. Since cloud droplets and ice crystals form on preexisting aerosol particles (thus having a strong effect on the resulting cloud properties), it is easy to see why quantitative estimates of the aerosol effect are so uncertain. Measuring the cloud droplet formation potential of aerosols is essential for evaluating models of aerosol-cloud interactions. Dr. Nenes’s group aims to understand and improve current instrumentation, by developing fully coupled and comprehensive mathematical models of each instrument (or design).

Dr. Nenes’s current research projects include: • • • • • • • •

Modeling of aerosol-cloud-climate interactions on a global scale Modeling and parameterization of cloud microphysical processes Thermodynamic modeling of tropospheric aerosols Instrumentation and techniques for characterizing organic-water interactions, hygroscopicitiy and CCN activity of aerosols Laboratory and field studies on CCN activity and aerosol-cloud interactions New particle formation and its impact on CCN concentrations Effect of pollution on marine ecosystem productivity and carbon cycle Impact of marine ecosystem productivity on clouds

Dr. Nenes is the Georgia Power Faculty Scholar and holds a joint appointment in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS).

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Nga Lee “Sally” Ng

Mark Prausnitz

Education BEng 2002, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology MS 2003, California Institute of Technology PhD 2007, California Institute of Technology

Education BS 1988, Stanford University PhD 1994, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Research Interests Dr. Ng’s research interest is in aerosol chemistry. Her research focuses on both laboratory experiments and field measurements to understand the formation and evolution of atmospheric aerosols.

This research includes conducting chamber experiments in which specific compounds of interest can be isolated and studied under simple, well-controlled oxidation environments, allowing for a more detailed and direct characterization of the composition, chemical, and physical properties of aerosols. Dr. Ng is also involved in field measurement campaigns and integrated analysis of multidimensional and multiple worldwide mass spectrometer datasets to investigate the chemistry and life cycles (sources, processes, and fates) of ambient aerosols.

Additionally, she works on the development and characterization of advanced aerosol instrumentation, which can routinely characterize and monitor the mass and chemical composition of non-refractory submicron aerosols in real time.

Dr. Ng holds a joint appointment in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS).

Research Interests Dr. Prausnitz and his colleagues carry out research on biophysical methods of drug delivery, which employ microneedles, ultrasound, lasers, electric fields, heat, convective forces and other physical means to control the transport of drugs, proteins, genes and vaccines into and within the body.

A major area of focus involves the use of microneedle patches to apply vaccines to the skin in a painless, minimally invasive manner. In collaboration with Emory University, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other organizations, Dr. Prausnitz’s group is advancing microneedles from device design and fabrication through pharmaceutical formulation and pre-clinical animal studies through studies in human subjects. In addition to developing a selfadministered influenza vaccine using microneedles, Dr. Prausnitz is translating microneedles technology especially to make vaccination in developing countries more effective.

The Prausnitz group has also developed hollow microneedles for injection into the skin and into the eye in collaboration with Emory University. In the skin, research focuses on insulin administration to human diabetic patients to increase onset of action by targeting insulin delivery to the skin. In the eye, hollow microneedles enable precise targeting of injection to the suprachoroidal space and other intraocular tissues for minimally invasive delivery to treat macular degeneration and other retinal diseases.

Dr. Prausnitz and colleagues also study novel mechanisms to deliver proteins, DNA and other molecules into cells. Cavitation bubble activity generated by ultrasound and by laser-excitation of carbon nanoparticles breaks open a small section of the cell membrane and thereby enables entry of molecules, which is useful for gene-based therapies and targeted drug delivery.

In addition to research activities, Dr. Prausnitz teaches an introductory course on engineering calculations, as well as two advanced courses on pharmaceuticals and technical communication, both of which he developed. He also serves the broader scientific and business communities as a frequent consultant, advisory board member and expert witness.

Dr. Prausnitz is a Regents’ Professor, the Love Family Professor in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, and the director of the Center for Drug Design, Development and Delivery (CD4).

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Matthew Realff

Elsa Reichmanis

Education BEng 1986, Imperial College, London PhD 1992, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Education BS 1972, Syracuse University PhD 1975, Syracuse University

Research Interests Dr. Realff’s broad research interests are in the areas of process design, simulation, scheduling, and control. Hisspecific interests include the design and operation of processes that minimize waste production by recovery of useful products from waste streams, and the simultaneous scheduling and control of batch processes. His overall research goal is to automate the entire design process—the design or selection of molecules for desired product properties, the synthesis of reaction pathways and separation operations, and the design and selection of processing equipment—by combining fundamental chemical engineering science with an understanding of the methods of design.

Dr. Realff is the David Wang Sr. Fellow.

Research Interests Dr. Reichmanis’ research interests include the chemistry, properties and applications of materials technologies for electronic and photonic applications, with particular focus on polymeric and nanostructured materials for advanced technologies.

Whether oligomeric or polymer in nature, organic materials have been shown to be attractive candidates for both passive and active roles in electronic devices because of their compatibility with high through-put, low cost processing techniques; and their capability to be precisely functionalized through the techniques of organic synthesis to afford desired performance attributes. Structure at both the molecular and nano-scales will impact attributes such as morphology (surface roughness, grain size), adhesion, mechanical integrity, solubility, and chemical and environmental stability. These factors in turn will affect device performance, notably electrical performance (mobility, conductivity, on/off ratio, threshold voltage).

The Reichmanis research group is currently exploring polymeric and hybrid organic/inorganic materials chemistries for electronic applications, particularly for plastic electronics. To take full advantage of organic semiconductor technology, solution processed materials are required for conventional mass printing applications. This effort requires the development of compatible device materials and processes. Key to understanding the issues leading to the design of new materials and processes engineered to afford desired characteristics is an understanding of materials morphology in both thin films and single crystals. In particular, the former depends not only on inherent materials characteristics, but is also highly dependent upon the deposition process; vacuum vs. solution, temperature (of deposition and anneals), and molecular environment surrounding the films. Studies related to the understanding of how materials processing impacts morphology and device performance are underway.

Additionally, how organic-based semiconductors interact with the surfaces of other materials involved in device fabrication is another area investigated due to the need for defining semiconducting performance. Studies are underway to explore these issues and identify optimal materials sets.

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Ronald Rousseau

Athanassios Sambanis

Education BS 1966, Louisiana State University MS 1968, Louisiana State University PhD 1969, Louisiana State University

Education BS 1979, National Technical University, Athens, Greece PhD 1985, University of Minnesota

Research Interests Processes involving separation and/or purification are of great practical importance and are at the core of the discipline of chemical engineering. Dr. Rousseau has focused his research on these processes and related phenomena. A large body of his work has been on crystallization, which is one of the most important means by which separation or purification is conducted.

He has led studies of crystal nucleation and growth and the role these phenomena have in determining crystal morphology, purity, and size distributions. Dr. Rousseau is particularly interested in the application of crystallization technology to the recovery and purification of high-value-added chemicals, including biologically produced materials.

The use of crystallization in separation and purification processes is an important and valued methodology in numerous industries, including those manufacturing commodity and specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, and a variety of biologically synthesized products. Crystallizers may be operated in either a batch or continuous mode, and the crystalline product usually must have characteristics that are intrinsic to a specific application and/or that facilitate fluid-solid separation.

Recent research topics in the Rousseau group include: • Crystallization Science and Technology • Solid-fluid Equilibrium • Nucleation and Growth Kinetics • Operating Protocols • Separation and Purification of Near-Isomorphic Amino Acids • Morphology, Hydrates, and Solvates • Crystallization of Proteins • Crystallization of Inorganic Species on Heat-Transfer Surfaces

Research Interests Dr. Sambanis’s area of expertise is biochemical and biomedical engineering. His research emphasizes the application of chemical engineering principles toward developing enabling technologies for cell and tissue-based therapies for metabolic diseases, primarily diabetes. Mathematical modeling is used to engineer optimally functional capsules and to simulate biological processes at the subcellular, cellular, and tissue levels.

Current projects in the Sambanis group include: • Engineering non-pancreatic cells for glucose-responsive secretion of recombinant insulin with kinetics that closely approximate those of normal pancreatic islets.

• Developing methods for the low temperature preservation (cryopreservation) of encapsulated cells and other tissue engineered systems.

• Developing approaches for the non-invasive monitoring of tissue engineered substitutes in vitro and post-implantation in vivo.

• Engineering bioreactor systems for the functional maturation of islets and for the characterization of the metabolic and secretory competency of free and encapsulated cells.

Dr. Rousseau is the chair of the School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and the Cecil J.. “Pete” Silas Chair.

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F. Joseph Schork

David Sholl

Education BS 1973, University of Louisville MS 1974, University of Louisville PhD 1981, University of Wisconsin

Education BSc 1992, The Austrialian National University MSc 1993, University of Colorado PhD 1995, University of Colorado

Research Interests Dr. Schork’s research interests involve the dynamics and control of reacting systems, including the development of mathematical models, on-line sensors, digital control schemes, and novel reactor configurations for polymerization, and other reaction systems. Current research areas include emulsion, solution, suspension, and dispersion polymerization, and control of nonlinear systems. Specific topics of interest in emulsion polymerization include modeling, dynamics, and control of batch and continuous systems, and the development of on-line sensors for data acquisition and control in such systems. Interests in suspension, dispersion, and solution polymerization’s include determination of component kinetic mechanisms, modeling, reactor design, and closed-loop control of molecular weight.

Research Interests Dr. Sholl’s research focuses on materials whose macroscopic dynamic and thermo-dynamic properties are strongly influenced by their atomic-scale structure. Much of this research involves applying computational techniques such as molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo simulations and quantum chemistry methods to materials of interest.

Current topics in the Sholl group include: Molecular Transport Through Nanoporous Materials The nanoscale pores that permeate zeolites and other molecular sieves make them ideal materials for many applications requiring shape-selective catalysis and separations. We are investigating the macroscopic response of microporous membranes to multicomponent sorbate mixtures using a combination of molecular simulations and nonequilibrium thermodynamics with an emphasis on computational screening of novel materials for membrane applications.

Adsorption of Chiral Molecules on Structured Metal Surfaces The separation or synthesis of enantiomerically pure chemicals is a vital step in producing many drugs and agrochemicals. We are studying the stereospecific adsorption properties of chiral organic molecules adsorbed on bare stepped metal surfaces and on flat metal surfaces that have been precovered with chiral templates. These systems provide an ideal environment for probing the fundamental mechanisms of enantioselective heterogeneous catalysis.

Hydrogen Purification and Storage Using Metal Hydrides Hydrogen purification and storage is an important issue in many existing and future largescale applications. The dissolution of hydrogen into the interstitial sites of metals already forms the basis of well developed purification and storage technologies. We are using rigorous computational models in collaboration with several experimental teams to develop high performance metal alloys for these applications.

Dr. Sholl is the Tennenbaum Family Chair and GRA Eminent Scholar for Energy Sustainability.

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Carsten Sievers

Mark Styczynski

Education Diplom 2003, Technical University of Munich, Germany DSc 2006, Technical University of Munich, Germany

Education BS 2002, University of Notre Dame PhD 2007, MIT

Research Interests Dr. Sievers’s research interests are in heterogeneous catalysis, reactor design, applied spectroscopy, surface reactions, characterization and synthesis of solid materials, as well pyrolysis and gasification of biomass. Combining these interests, he is developing processes for the production of fuels and chemicals through fundamental and applied research.

In fundamental studies, a suite of analytical and spectroscopic techniques (e.g. IR, NMR) is used to gain knowledge of structure-reactivity relationships of heterogeneous catalysts. Moreover, surface reactions are studied on a molecular level so that mechanisms and reaction pathways can be derived. Information obtained from these studies provides the foundation for designing novel catalysts.

Applied studies focus specific catalytic processes. For these projects, continuously operated flow reactor systems are designed. Different catalysts are tested for reactivity, selectivity, and stability and the influence of the operating conditions is investigated. Catalyst deactivation is studied in detail to develop suitable regeneration methods or to avoid deactivation entirely by improved catalyst design.

An important goal of Dr. Sievers’s research is to enable technology for utilization of alternative resources in order to reduce the current dependence of oil. Among these, biomass is a particularly promising candidate because it is renewable and can be produced CO2-neutral.

Current research projects in the Sievers group include: • Understanding and improving the stability of solid catalysts in hot liquid water • Reaction pathways of biomass-derived oxygenates on heterogeneous catalysts in an aqueous environment • Aqueous phase reforming of biomass derived oxygenates • Hydrodeoxygenation of pyrolysis oils over novel catalysts • Co-gasification of biomass and coal • Catalytic upgrading of syngas

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Research Interests The unifying theme of the Styczynski lab is the study of the dynamics and regulation of metabolism, with ultimate applications in metabolic engineering, biotechnology, biofuels, and drug development.

Group members use high-throughput analytical techniques, coupled with computational modeling and statistical analysis, to learn how cellular metabolism behaves and how it is regulated, and then to attempt to control those metabolic behaviors.

Metabolism, which is the process of cells taking in nutrients and turning them into energy and the building blocks for more cells, is at the core of many biotechnological processes, as well as numerous diseases. The Styczynski lab studies the network of reactions that constitutes metabolism by measuring the concentrations of the biochemical intermediates in that network—sugars, amino acids, etc.—as direct, real-time readouts of cellular state. Using chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, the Styczynski lab tracks the concentrations and turnover rates of metabolites, revealing details about the cell’s metabolic dynamics that may then be used for modeling and analysis of metabolism.

The Styczynski lab works on a variety of systems, including cancer cells, stem cells, and yeast cells. The ultimate aim is to use an increased understanding of metabolic dynamics in order to exert control over the cells, whether by keeping cancer cells from proliferating or by metabolic engineering of yeast to overproduce valuable chemical feedstocks. The group also has an interest in synthetic biology, including its use in the context of metabolic engineering.

Finally, the Styczynski lab uses extensive computational modeling and bioinformatics analysis in order to analyze and interpret data. The data generated in the lab is high-dimensional (many variables) and often in time-course format, so it is challenging to interpret. Group members use standard analysis techniques (clustering, PCA), plus more detailed machine learning and modeling techniques (e.g., Bayesian networks) to explore and exploit data. The Styczynski lab also has significant interest in integrating multiple disparate data types —for example, metabolite concentrations and transcriptional levels —for a fuller, systems-level understanding of the system.

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Lakeshia Taite

Amyn Teja

Education BS 2001, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa PhD 2006, Rice University

Education BSc 1968, Imperial College, University of London PhD 1972, Imperial College, University of London

Research Interests Dr. Taite’s research combines engineering and biological principles for the design, synthesis, and application of novel biofunctional materials. The laboratory focus is geared toward the development of systems that bridge the interface of natural and synthetic materials to elucidate interactions within cellular microenvironments that guide tissue formation.

Understanding the structural and functional aspects of these relationships then allows for the design of cell-instructive biomaterials that respond to their local environments and stimulate specific biological responses.

Research projects in the Taite lab span several fields, including localized drug delivery, diagnostics, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, with the goal of producing biocompatible materials having broad clinical relevance. Of interest are both the basic science and engineering aspects of biomaterials, including their chemical, biological, physical, and mechanical properties, the design and production characteristics of devices that incorporate these materials, and their clinical performance. As such, the laboratory is interdisciplinary, with interests in chemical and biological engineering, cell and molecular biology, and polymer chemistry.

Research Interests Dr. Teja’s main areas of research are thermophysical properties of materials and separation processes, particularly processes involving supercritical fluids. His research addresses problems related to environmental control, natural gas transmission, pharmaceutical processing, polymer processing, and nanoparticle production. Specific current projects include VOC emissions from aqueous solutions; polymer blend formation and doping in supercritical fluids; wax and amino acid crystallization; hydrothermal processes for nanoparticle synthesis; and thermal properties of nanofluids. The common theme in these projects is the exploitation of solubility phenomena and solvent properties to facilitate separations and product development.

Current projects in the Teja group include: • Continuous hydrothermal synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles (including battery electrode materials) • Transport properties of nanofluids for thermal energy management • Manipulation of crystallization variables for the control of morphology and nanoparticle size • Carbon dioxide processing of electrically conductive polymer nanocomposites • Henry’s constants and partitioning of VOCs • Dilute solution theory and the solubility of solids in supercritical fluids • Separation of chemotherapeutic compounds from natural products • Thermodynamic and transport properties of fluids and fluid mixtures Dr. Teja is a Regents’ Professor and the Grassmann Foundation Professor of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering.

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Krista Walton

Ajit Yoganathan

Education BSE 2000, University of Alabama, Huntsville PhD 2005, Vanderbilt University

Education BSc 1973, University College, University of London PhD 1978, California Institute of Technology

Research Interests Dr. Walton’s research focuses on various aspects of the design and synthesis of functional porous materials for use in applications including adsorption separations, air purification, gas storage, chemical sensing, and catalysis. Her research group employs a combination of molecular modeling techniques and experiments to develop a molecular-level understanding of adsorption and diffusion properties of the materials. This approach allows researchers to fully characterize these novel systems and work toward enabling a more rational design of functional materials for adsorption applications. One of the major challenges in designing or identifying novel porous materials for adsorption applications is developing an in-depth understanding of structure-property relations and host-guest interactions.

This information is critical because if the adsorption mechanisms are understood—i.e., how, where, and why a molecule adsorbs in a certain material—then this knowlesge can be exploited to design structures that interact more effectively with the molecule of interest.

Current projects in the Walton group include: • Selective Adsorbents for Carbon Dioxide Capture • Novel Porous Structures for Enhanced Air Purification • Metal-Organic Frameworks as Site-Specific Catalysts • Modulation of Adsorption Properties of MOFs by Post-Synthetic Modification • Adsorption Separations for Biofuels Productions • Synthesis of New Organic Ligands for Novel Families of MOFs

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Research Interests Dr. Yoganathan’s research deals with experimental and computational fluid mechanics as it pertains to artificial heart valves, left and right sides of the heart, and congenital heart diseases. His work involves the use of laser Doppler velocimetry, digital particle image velocimetry, Doppler ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging to non-invasively study and quantify blood flow patterns in the cardiovascular system.

Current research projects in the Yoganathan group include: • Physiological, Pathological and Post Surgical Mechanics of the Mitral and Tricuspid Valves • Effect of Hemodynamic Forces on the Mechanobiology of Aortic Valves • Hemodynamics of the Total Cavopulmonary Connection in Congenital Hypoplastic Left Hearts • Fluid Mechanics of Mechanical and Polymeric Heart Valves • Development of a novel fluid management device for use in a pediatric ECMO-CVVH setup Dr. Yoganathan is the Associate Chair for Research in The Wallace H. Coulter School of Biomedical Engineering, a Regents’ Professor, and the Wallace H. Coulter Distinguished Faculty Chair in Biomedical Engineering. He also serves as director of the Center of Innovative Cardiovascular Technologies.

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