Joe Baio

Joe Baio is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical, Biological & Environmental Engineering at Oregon State University. His research focuses on understanding chemical interactions between biological surfaces and their environments using advanced surface analytical techniques. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Washington in 2011. His lab develops methods to characterize biomaterial interfaces, including studies of protein orientation, lipid membrane interactions, and bio-inspired materials like gecko adhesion systems.

Key research interests include surface chemistry, biomaterials, nanotechnology, and biomineralization. Recent work explores molecular boundary lubricants in snakeskin, diatom biomineralization mechanisms, and nanoparticle-cell interactions. Collaborations span material science, biomedical engineering, and environmental chemistry.

Notable contributions include studies on surface-functionalized nanomaterials, bio-inspired adhesives, and analytical techniques such as ToF-SIMS, NEXAFS, and SFG spectroscopy. His group has published extensively on lipid-protein interactions, biomedical surface modifications, and energy storage materials. Advises graduate students Elliott Fowler and Thaddeus Golbek.

Future work aims to advance surface engineering for medical devices, sustainable energy systems, and environmental monitoring through biomimetic approaches.