Find Academic Supervisors

William A. Goddard, III is the Charles and Mary Ferkel Professor of Chemistry, Materials Science, and Applied Physics at the California Institute of Technology. With a career spanning over five decades, he has held positions from Noyes Research Fellow (1964–66) to his current professorship since 2001. His educational background includes a B.S. from UCLA (1960) and a Ph.D. from Caltech (1965). Quantum chemistry and first-principles simulations Multiscale modeling (QM→MD→mesoscale) Catalysis and protein structure prediction Nanotechnology and bionanotechnology Energy storage (batteries, supercapacitors) Recent publications emphasize applications in metal-organic frameworks , electrocatalysis , and space manufacturing , reflecting his interdisciplinary approach. His work on G-protein coupled receptors and Li-S batteries demonstrates methodological innovation through quantum mechanics and machine learning . Horizon Prize , Royal Society of Chemistry Over 1548 total publications (1967–2022) As Director of Caltech's Material and Process Simulation Center , he leads development of software like ReaxFF for reactive dynamics. He teaches Ch 120 ab (Nature of the Chemical Bond) and Ch 121 ab (Atomic-Level Simulations), emphasizing hands-on computational applications for experimentalists and theorists.

• Quantum Chemistry
• Molecular Dynamics
• Statistical Physics
• +7 more

Edward Hirschowitz, MD is an Associate Professor in the field of Internal Medicine with significant affiliations including the Markey Cancer Center , the Cancer Research Priority Initiative , and the Translational Oncology Research Program . His academic and clinical work focuses on advancing cancer research and treatment through innovative methodologies.

• Lung Cancer
• Immunotherapy
• Cancer Screening
• +6 more

Vincent Rotello is a University Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He holds multiple affiliations including Faculty in the Graduate Program in Molecular & Cellular Biology, the Center for Bioactive Delivery, the Models to Medicine program, the Center for Personalized Health Monitoring, and the Materials Science and Engineering Interdisciplinary Graduate Program at the Institute for Applied Life Sciences. Dr. Rotello received his B.S. in Chemistry (Honors) from Illinois Institute of Technology in 1985, followed by an M. Phil and Ph.D. in Chemistry from Yale University in 1987 and 1990, respectively. He completed an NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 1990-1993 before joining the faculty at UMass Amherst. Professor Rotello's research focuses on supramolecular chemistry, particularly the study and application of non-covalent interactions including hydrogen bonding and aromatic stacking. His work spans nanotechnology, bionanotechnology, bioorthogonal chemistry, drug delivery, and antimicrobial development. His laboratory explores how these molecular recognition concepts can address essential questions in biology, biomedicine, and material chemistry, with particular emphasis on using synthetic organic chemistry to engineer interfaces between synthetic and biological worlds. The group has published over 650 peer-reviewed papers to date. His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward bioorthogonal catalysis, particularly 'nanozymes' and 'polyzymes' - nanomaterial scaffolds incorporating transition metal catalysts for localized drug and imaging agent generation. His research increasingly addresses biomedical applications including cancer treatment, bacterial infection control, and diagnostic development, with significant focus on antimicrobial applications and biofilm eradication. Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award (2023) Highly Cited Researcher by Clarivate (2014, 2015, 2018-2023) Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (UK) NSF CAREER award Cottrell Scholar award Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Sloan Fellowship Professor Rotello has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, with recent PhD graduates including Dr. Aarohi Gupta and Dr. Aritra Nath Chattopadhyay. His research group maintains active collaborations across multiple disciplines and has secured significant funding for their work in nanotechnology and bionanotechnology. The group has published over 650 peer-reviewed papers, demonstrating consistent productivity and impact in their field. The Rotello Lab operates within the Lederle Graduate Research Tower at UMass Amherst, with office in room 379 and laboratory space in room 320. The group consists of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and visiting scholars from around the world, working collaboratively on projects spanning antimicrobials, bioorthogonal chemistry, drug delivery, and sensing technologies. The lab has documented numerous visiting scholars from institutions across Europe, Asia, and North America, indicating strong international collaborations.

• Supramolecular chemistry
• Nanotechnology
• Bionanotechnology
• +7 more

John T. Ngo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Boston University. He leads The Ngo Lab , focusing on developing novel technologies to study cellular function and disease through principles of evolution, chemistry, and engineering. His research emphasizes live-cell imaging, protein engineering, and advanced microscopy techniques. Education: PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics from the California Institute of Technology Research Interests: His work spans three core areas: live-cell imaging of signal transduction , innovative labeling techniques for high-resolution imaging , and protein engineering applications in biotechnology and nanotechnology . Recent projects include developing nanobodies for intracellular antigen detection and synthetic receptors for mechanotransduction. Publications: Over 20+ peer-reviewed articles since 2013, with recent focus on drug-controlled synthetic biology circuits, tension-tuned receptors, and RNA tracking tools. His work bridges molecular engineering and biomedical applications, emphasizing cross-disciplinary innovation. Labs/Teams: The Ngo Lab at Boston University collaborates on developing next-generation tools for live-cell analysis and synthetic biology. Current projects include antiviral drug-controlled systems and high-resolution imaging probes.

• Protein and Biomolecular Engineering
• Directed Evolution
• Fluorescence Microscopy
• +5 more

Professor Bruce J. Hinds serves as the Campbell Professor in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at the University of Washington, where he relocated in July 2014 after nine years at the University of Kentucky. His pioneering work focuses on nanoscale membrane technologies with applications spanning water purification, energy storage, and medical devices. Hinds' academic foundation includes: B.S. in Chemistry, Harvey Mudd College (1991) M.S. in Chemistry, Northwestern University (1992) Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry, Northwestern University (1996) His research centers on engineering active nanometer-scale architectures inspired by natural protein channels, particularly carbon nanotube membranes exhibiting 10,000-fold enhanced fluid flow. Current projects target programmable transdermal drug delivery, electrochemical water remediation, and biochemical separation systems. The lab's innovations include an award-winning artificial kidney prototype using photoelectrochemical membranes for nutrient recovery during dialysis. Recent publications (2014-2018) reveal escalating integration of electrochemical control with biomimetic membranes, advancing applications in protein separation, addiction treatment, and energy storage. This trajectory demonstrates convergence of nanofluidics, materials science, and biomedical engineering to solve critical healthcare and environmental challenges. His accolades include: NSF Early Career Award (2004) Presidential Early Career Award (PECASE, NIH) (2009) JSPS Post-Doctoral Fellowship (1998) Kavli Frontiers of Science Fellow (2010) Supported by prestigious grants including NSF CAREER and PECASE funding, Hinds mentors graduate researchers in developing membrane platforms that electro-pump biomolecules for dialysis innovation and environmental applications. His lab collaborates with the Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute to transform theoretical nanofluidic principles into compact medical devices. The Hinds Lab pioneers 'active' membrane technologies at the University of Washington's Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, focusing on electro-pumped biomolecular systems. Recent breakthroughs include transdermal nicotine delivery validation and continuous protein separation platforms, with ongoing work targeting commercialization of dialysis-enhancing membranes that recover essential nutrients during treatment.

• Nanotechnology
• Membrane Science
• Nanofluidics
• +5 more

Susan Zhou is a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). Her research focuses on biosensors, bionanotechnology, and microfluidics, with applications in healthcare and infectious disease detection. She teaches Advanced Chemical Processes and Fluid Mechanics, emphasizing project-based learning and global education. Education: MS in Chemical Engineering, Clarkson University, 1999 PhD in Chemical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, 2002 Research Interests: Dr. Zhou's team develops biosensors using microfabrication and nanotechnology, targeting applications in healthcare diagnostics. Key areas include electrochemical (EC), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technologies. Recent work includes portable biosensors for viral infections like COVID-19 and durable electrocatalysts for fuel cells. Professional Highlights: Recipient of WPI's Faculty Promotion and Tenure Award (2021) Contributed to WPI's record research funding milestone (2018) Co-developed a biosensor for Clostridium difficile detection featured in the Worcester Business Journal Labs/Teams: Leads research on bio-nanotechnology and electrochemical systems, collaborating with industry and academic partners. Active in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in interdisciplinary projects.

• Biosensors
• Bionanotechnology
• Microfluidics
• +3 more

Andrea De Vizcaya Ruiz is a Professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) School of Public Health . She is Graduate Program Director for Environmental Health Sciences and leads research at key centers including the Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (COEH) , Air Pollution Health Effects Lab (APHEL) , and AirUCI Atmospheric Integrated Research Unit . Her expertise spans environmental toxicology, nanotoxicology, and air pollution health impacts , with a focus on particulate matter (PM), microplastics, and nanomaterials. Educational Background: Bachelor's in Veterinary Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) Doctorate in Toxicology, University of Surrey, UK Research Interests center on toxic effects of environmental pollutants , including: Health impacts of particulate matter (PM2.5/PM10) Toxicokinetics of nanomaterials Oxidative stress and inflammation mechanisms Health equity in environmental exposure Neurotoxic and cardiorespiratory effects Biomarker development for toxicity assessment Recent Publications highlight her work on PM-induced nephrotoxicity, nanoparticle neurotoxicity, and synergies between urban pollutants and metabolic stressors . Her studies frequently employ in vitro and in vivo models to dissect toxicity pathways. Scientific Awards: 2011 Young Investigator Award, Society of Toxicology, USA 2015 1st place BioNanoTechnology Award, Cinvestav and Neolpharma Inc., Mexico City Student Mentorship includes advising PhD and MSc students like Aidee Solorio Rodriguez and Josefina Poblano Bata, with their work presented at international conferences including the International Nanotoxicology Congress and IUTOX Trainee Awards. Labs & Collaborations: She actively collaborates with research groups in Mexico, the Netherlands, Canada, and the US, integrating toxicology, aerosol science, and public health to address evolving biotechnology challenges. Her advisory roles for the Mexican Ministry of Health and Environment further demonstrate her policy impact.

• Environmental Toxicology
• Particulate Matter (PM2.5/PM10)
• Nanotoxicology
• +4 more

Gaurav Arya is a Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at Duke University, with additional appointments in the Department of Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering. His research laboratory employs physics-based computational tools to investigate biological and soft-material systems at the molecular scale. Ph.D. from University of Notre Dame (2003) B.Tech. from Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (1998) Research focuses on: Molecular modeling and simulations Statistical mechanics DNA nanotechnology Viral DNA packaging Chromatin biophysics Polymer-nanoparticle composites Recent research trends emphasize AI-driven materials discovery and programmable DNA nanostructures. Key grants include: NSF DMREF: Architecting DNA nanodevices (2023-2027) DOE Mesoscale Self-Assembly (2020-2027) UC San Diego Ligand-Nanocrystal Interlayer Studies (2024-2027) Scientific contributions: Featured in 2025 Nature Communications on DNA superstructures 2022 Science Advances on DNA nanodevice reconfiguration 2021 PNAS on viral DNA packaging motors

• Viral DNA Packaging
• Polymer-Nanoparticle Composites
• Virus Assembly
• +7 more

Professor Wei Wei is a distinguished researcher in the Department of Neurobiology at the University of Chicago, where he leads a lab focused on understanding the synaptic basis of neural computation in the retina. His work bridges cellular and systems neuroscience, with particular emphasis on how retinal circuits process visual information to detect motion and other visual features. Institution: University of Chicago Department: Neurobiology Research Focus: Retinal circuitry and visual processing Current Funding: Multiple NIH R01 grants Dr. Wei received his PhD in Neurobiology from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in 2008, followed by postdoctoral training at the University of California, Berkeley from 2008-2011. His educational background provided him with a strong foundation in both molecular/cellular neuroscience and systems-level approaches to neural circuit function. Wei's research primarily investigates how neural circuits in the retina are assembled to perform specific computations, with particular focus on motion detection. His lab leverages genetic tools that label specific retinal neuron types to target synapses of interest, using multiphoton microscopy, visual stimulation, electrophysiology, and molecular biology to characterize synaptic maturation and function. A key area of investigation involves starburst amacrine cells and their role in direction selectivity. His work has revealed how dendritic computations, synaptic plasticity, and circuit organization contribute to visual processing. Analysis of Wei's recent publications shows a clear progression from fundamental circuit mechanisms toward understanding more complex visual processing in naturalistic contexts. His work spans from cellular and synaptic physiology to systems-level circuit function, with a consistent focus on motion detection mechanisms. The research increasingly incorporates advanced imaging techniques and computational approaches to understand how retinal circuits transform visual inputs into neural representations. 2012 Whitehall Foundation Grant 2013 Sloan Research Fellowship 2013 E. Matilda Ziegler Foundation Grant 2014 Karl Kirchgessner Foundation Grant 2016 McKnight Scholar Award As Principal Investigator on multiple NIH R01 grants totaling millions of dollars, Wei directs a well-funded research program investigating the synaptic basis of motion detection in the retina. His current projects explore dynamic interactions between synaptic and intrinsic properties of starburst amacrine cells, circuit mechanisms for encoding naturalistic motion, and the developmental basis of motion detection circuits. The lab maintains strong collaborations with other researchers in visual neuroscience, as evidenced by co-authorship with scientists at multiple institutions. The Wei Lab operates within the University of Chicago's Department of Neurobiology, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities for retinal imaging and electrophysiology. The lab employs a multidisciplinary approach that combines genetic, optical, electrophysiological, and computational techniques to dissect retinal circuit function. Current research directions include investigating how short-term plasticity shapes circuit function, how dendritic computations contribute to visual processing, and how retinal circuits adapt to changing visual environments.

• neural circuit
• neural computation
• synaptic physiology
• +3 more

Nicholas A. Peppas is a distinguished professor holding multiple positions across various departments at the University of Texas at Austin, including the McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Pediatrics, Surgery and Perioperative Care at Dell Medical School, and Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery at the College of Pharmacy. He also holds several honorary professorships and doctorates from international institutions such as the National Technical University of Athens and the University of Santiago de Compostela. His educational qualifications include a Sc.D. from MIT (1973) and numerous honorary degrees (Doc. Hon. Causa) from global universities. He teaches courses in biomedical engineering, drug delivery, and polymer science, reflecting his interdisciplinary expertise. Peppas' research focuses on biomaterials, controlled drug delivery, and bionanotechnology. His group pioneered intelligent hydrogels for drug delivery, molecularly imprinted polymers for diagnostics, and bioMEMS for medical applications. Recent work emphasizes nanoparticle-mediated delivery for cancer and autoimmune diseases, alongside regenerative medicine scaffolds. His awards span five decades, including the Warren K. Lewis Award (2021), Ellis Island Medal of Honor (2020), and over 300 academic fellowships. Peppas has advised numerous graduate students and led groundbreaking projects funded by the NIH, NSF, and industry partnerships. He directs the Laboratory of Biomaterials, Drug Delivery, and Bionanotechnology, which develops next-generation systems for healthcare. Current projects address challenges in targeted drug delivery, biosensing, and tissue engineering, with applications in diabetes, bone regeneration, and cancer therapy.

• Biomaterials
• Controlled Drug Delivery
• Biomedical Engineering
• +7 more

Abdennour Abbas is an Associate Professor in Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering at the University of Minnesota, affiliated with the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center. His research focuses on nanotechnology applications in diagnostics and environmental solutions, including rapid pathogen detection systems and antiviral materials. He has led numerous grants from USDA, NSF, and industry partners like Claros Technologies. Recent projects include developing functional antiviral face masks for pandemic response and sorbent technologies for eDNA-based pathogen detection in aquaculture. Key research interests include nanosensors, biosensors, and bionanotechnology with applications in water treatment and medical diagnostics. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean water, sustainable agriculture, and health innovations. Abbas has supervised multiple collaborative projects involving interdisciplinary teams and has published over 48 peer-reviewed articles, focusing on molecular diagnostics, nucleic acid purification, and nanoassembly-based detection methods.

• Nanotechnology
• Nanosensors
• Biosensors
• +4 more

Narayana Aluru is a Professor and Cockrell Family Regents Chair in Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, holding positions in the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences. He joined UT Austin in 2021 after a 23-year tenure at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he served as a Professor, Director of Computational Science and Engineering (2012–2017), and held leadership roles in academic and professional organizations. Education: B.E. (Hons), Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, India (1989) M.S., Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1991) Ph.D., Stanford University (1995) Postdoctoral Associate, MIT (1995–1997) Research Interests: Dr. Aluru specializes in computational nanotechnology, focusing on multiscale methods integrating quantum, atomistic, mesoscale, and continuum scales. His work addresses nanofluidics, bionanotechnology, nanomaterials, and soft matter, with applications in water desalination, nanopower generation, DNA sequencing, and energy storage. His group develops advanced simulation techniques to study phenomena such as ion transport, surface interactions, and nanoscale energy conversion. Publications: His recent work highlights advancements in nanofluidics, nanomaterials, and multiscale modeling. Key themes include dielectric behavior in confined fluids, charge inversion in electric double layers, and energy harvesting via MoS₂ nanopores. These studies bridge fundamental physics and engineering applications. Awards: Charles Russ Richards Memorial Award (ASME, 2024) Cockrell Family Regents Chair (UT Austin, 2023) Fellow of AAAS, APS, ASME, and IACM National Science Foundation CAREER Award (1999) Advising & Grants: A dedicated educator, Dr. Aluru has advised numerous graduate students and postdocs. He has led research supported by grants from NSF, DOE, and industry, emphasizing computational methods and nanotechnology. His teaching excellence was recognized repeatedly at UIUC. Labs/Teams: He leads the Multiscale Nanotechnology Group and collaborates with the Oden Institute, advancing interdisciplinary research in computational engineering and nanotechnology.

• Computational Nanotechnology
• Multiscale Methods
• Nanofluidics
• +6 more

Ann Valentine is a Professor and Department Chair at Temple University's Department of Chemistry within the College of Science and Technology. Her research specializes in bioinorganic chemistry, particularly focusing on biologically relevant metals such as iron and titanium. Her investigations span metal uptake mechanisms, therapeutic applications of metal complexes, and biomineralization processes. Research Interests: Metal homeostasis in biological systems Development of titanium-based therapeutics Nanoparticle-biomolecule interactions Biomineralization mechanisms Environmental fate of engineered nanomaterials Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on titanium biochemistry, nanoparticle interactions, and microbial metal processing. Research trends include advanced characterization of metal-biomolecule complexes, nanomaterial environmental impacts, and development of metal-based therapeutics. Computational and experimental approaches are combined to study metal speciation and reactivity in biological contexts. Scientific Awards: American Cancer Society Research Scholar Award Paul D. Saltman Award for Metals in Biology Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award ACS PROGRESS/Dreyfus Lectureship Award Chemical Pioneer Award As principal investigator of the Valentine Lab, she mentors graduate and undergraduate researchers in bioinorganic chemistry. Current research is supported by grants including an NIH R01 from NIGMS. The lab utilizes spectroscopic, microbiological, and nanomaterial characterization techniques to investigate metal processing in biological systems. Laboratory Focus: Spectroscopic analysis of metalloproteins Microbial metal transformation studies Nanoparticle synthesis and characterization Molecular mechanisms of metal homeostasis

• Bioinorganic Chemistry
• Metal Homeostasis
• Iron Biochemistry
• +3 more

Tim Lenoir is a Distinguished Professor at the University of California, Davis, affiliated with Cruess Hall. His work examines the history of biomedicine, the societal impact of computational media (e.g., bioinformatics, robotics, AI), and the intersection of military simulation technologies with commercial gaming industries. He is known for interdisciplinary research on science policy, university-industry collaborations, and global nanotechnology trends. Lenoir also leads the Virtual Peace project, repurposing military simulations for conflict resolution education. Tim Lenoir holds the following academic degrees: Ph.D. in History & Philosophy of Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 1974 B.A. in Integrated Liberal Arts, St. Mary's College, Moraga, CA, 1970 His research interests span critical media studies, exploring how digital technologies reshape human-technology relationships and contemporary culture. He investigates themes like neuroengineering, regenerative medicine, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies. Lenoir’s work in critical game studies critiques the military-entertainment complex and the dual-use potential of virtual reality systems. His scholarship also addresses historical transformations in university-industry partnerships and the socio-political drivers of scientific innovation. Recent publications highlight his focus on global nanoscience dynamics, federal funding impacts on biomedicine, and the philosophical dimensions of technological singularity. These works reflect his commitment to analyzing how technological advancements intersect with cultural, economic, and political systems. Lenoir has received notable awards such as the NATO Postdoctoral Fellowship, Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung Fellowship, and a John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship. He was also honored with the Peter Bing Distinguished Teaching Fellowship at Stanford University and a MacArthur Foundation grant for digital media initiatives. In advising and grants, Lenoir spearheaded the Virtual Peace project with MacArthur Foundation support, demonstrating his ability to translate military simulations into tools for social good. His teaching integrates historical analysis with contemporary debates on technoculture, offering courses on biotechnology ethics, media studies, and innovation policy. Collaborative work with Luke Caldwell on the military-entertainment complex underscores his engagement with interdisciplinary teams. Lenoir’s lab initiatives include the Virtual Peace project, which operates at the intersection of technology and conflict resolution. His research teams often address global science policy issues, such as China’s rise in bionanotechnology and the cultural production of scientific disciplines.

• History of Biomedicine
• History of Science
• Media Studies
• +8 more

Emil Khisamutdinov is a Professor of Chemistry at Ball State University's Department of Chemistry, part of the College of Sciences and Humanities. Prior to joining BSU in 2014, he conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Kentucky under Prof. Peixuan Guo in RNA nanotechnology. His research focuses on designing RNA-based nanoparticles for applications in nanomedicine, biosensing, and nanoelectronics, leveraging interdisciplinary techniques from chemistry, biology, and materials science. Dr. Khisamutdinov holds a Ph.D. from Bowling Green State University (2012), where he studied DNA damage mechanisms, and M.S. and B.S. degrees from the National University of Uzbekistan (2007 and 2005). He teaches Biochemistry courses and leads the BioNanoTechnology Research Laboratory, emphasizing RNA 3D design, bioconjugation, and advanced characterization techniques like AFM and TEM. His lab's current projects aim to develop programmable RNA nanoparticles with controlled immunorecognition and functional properties. Recent work includes studies on shape transitions, fluorogenic aptamer logic gates, and non-immunostimulatory nanoparticles. The lab collaborates widely, hosting students through programs like the Chemistry Research Immersion Summer Program (CRISP). Dr. Khisamutdinov has advised numerous students, many of whom present at national conferences such as the ACS National Meeting and the Indiana Academy of Science. His lab's work bridges fundamental RNA structure-function relationships with applied nanotechnology, addressing challenges in drug delivery and diagnostic systems.

• RNA Nanotechnology
• Nucleic Acids
• Bioorganic Chemistry
• +4 more