John Fourkas

John Fourkas is the Millard Alexander Professor of Chemistry at the University of Maryland, College Park, and currently serves as Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Graduate Education. He holds a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Chemistry from Caltech and Stanford University, respectively, with postdoctoral training at UT Austin and MIT. His research focuses on ultrafast nonlinear optical spectroscopy, nanofabrication, and cellular biophysics. He leads a group producing groundbreaking work in multiphoton lithography and nanoscale cell science, with over 30 PhD students mentored. Notable honors include the Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award and NSF CAREER Award. His lab explores interfaces between chemistry, physics, and engineering, advancing optical microscopy, confined liquids, and biocompatible nanotopography-driven cell behavior.

• Education:
  • B.S. & M.S. Chemistry, California Institute of Technology, 1986
  • Ph.D. Physical Chemistry, Stanford University, 1991 (NSF Fellow with Michael Fayer)
• Professional Experience:
  • Millard Alexander Professor of Chemistry, University of Maryland, 2005–present
  • Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Graduate Education, 2023–present

Research interests span nanofabrication (e.g., RAPID lithography achieving λ/20 resolution) and cellular biophysics, including 'esotaxis'—actin-driven cell guidance by nanoscale topography. His group develops novel multiphoton fabrication techniques and studies confined liquid dynamics using nonlinear optics. Key contributions include understanding nanotopography’s role in cell behavior and advancing optical tools like vibrational sum-frequency generation. Over 250 publications and 10 major awards reflect his interdisciplinary impact.

His work on multiphoton absorption polymerization and cellular nanotopography has applications in biomedical devices and optoelectronics. Grants and collaborations span NSF, NIH, and industry, with a focus on training students in interdisciplinary science.