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Dr. Venkat Bhethanabotla is a Professor and Director of the Materials Science and Engineering Program at the University of South Florida's College of Engineering. He holds a B.S. from Osmania University and a Ph.D. from Penn State University, both in Chemical Engineering. His research focuses on chemical/biological sensors, plasmonics, and catalysis, with emphasis on point-of-care biosensors, photocatalytic CO₂ conversion, and acoustic wave applications. Research highlights include development of SAW-based biosensors for protein biomarkers, plasmonic-enhanced fluorescence systems, and silica-supported perovskite catalysts for CO₂ conversion. He has pioneered techniques combining acoustic streaming with plasmonic effects for improved sensor performance. His work spans materials synthesis, computational modeling (DFT), and biomedical applications. Awards: Fellowships from AAAS, AIMBE, and AIChE Labs/Teams: Bhethanabotla Group (focusing on sensors, catalysis, and plasmonics) Over 150 publications span journals like IEEE Sensors, ChemSusChem, and ACS Applied Materials. Active in editorial roles (Associate Editor, IEEE Sensors Journal). Current projects include acoustic manipulation of lipid vesicles, electro-plasmonic neural stimulation, and additive manufacturing of optical interconnects.

• Sensors and Biosensors
• Catalysis (Photocatalytic/Thermochemical)
• Plasmonics
• +4 more

Hyunho Noh is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Oklahoma. His research focuses on heterogeneous electrocatalysts for sustainable energy applications, leveraging metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and transition metal nitrides to achieve molecular-level control over catalyst structure and microenvironments. Education: B.S., University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (2014) Ph.D., Northwestern University (2019) Postdoc, Yale University (2019–2023) Research interests include electrocatalysis, MOF-based catalysis, and structure-activity relationships for energy-relevant transformations such as CO₂ reduction and hydrogen evolution. His group explores how structural modulations in MOFs and nitrides influence catalytic performance through precise control of interfacial thermodynamics and kinetics. Recent work highlights include studies on H-atom transfer thermochemistry in Ti-MIL-125 and Ce-MOF-808, as well as transition metal nitride-catalyzed dinitrogen electro-reduction. Graduate students Hafsa and Gokce, along with undergraduates like Zach and Alex, have contributed to these efforts. Labs/Teams: Noh Lab (Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, OU) actively seeks graduate and undergraduate researchers. The lab is located at Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK.

• Electrochemistry
• Electrocatalysis
• Metal−Organic Frameworks
• +3 more

Edward G. Gillan is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Iowa, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on thermochemically driven syntheses of inorganic materials for energy and catalytic applications. Postdoctoral Research: Harvard University, Rice University PhD: University of California, Los Angeles (Inorganic Materials Chemistry) BS: University of California, Berkeley Gillan's research program addresses: Development of novel synthetic methodologies for inorganic materials with kinetically stabilized structures and tunable properties Design of energetic decomposition reactions to produce materials with metastable chemical compositions and nanostructures Applications in structural materials, magnetic systems, and electrocatalysts for energy conversion (UV/visible light photocatalysis, fuel cell electrochemistry, H 2 storage, water splitting) Recent publications highlight work on: Transition metal borides/phosphides for water splitting electrocatalysis Carbon nitride photocatalysts with nanoscale features Mechanochemical synthesis of zeolites Doping strategies for titanias and oxide materials Botanical templating for macrostructured ZnO Scientific Awards: Research Laboratory Excellence in Safety Award (2025, UI Laboratory Safety Committee) Gillan's group has received NSF-REU program recognition, with alumni advancing to prestigious postdoctoral positions and graduate programs. His work bridges fundamental inorganic chemistry with applied energy and environmental technologies.

• Inorganic Chemistry
• Materials Synthesis
• Environmental Chemistry
• +4 more

Dr. Wenzhuo Wu is a Professor at Purdue University's Edwardson School of Industrial Engineering. His research focuses on advanced manufacturing techniques, renewable energy systems, and human-integrated technologies. With expertise spanning nanomaterials, sensors, and energy harvesting devices, Dr. Wu develops innovative solutions for sustainable technology and healthcare applications. His research interests center on nanomanufacturing processes, self-powered nanosystems for IoT applications, renewable energy conversion technologies, and intelligent sensor networks for human-machine interfaces. Key focus areas include triboelectric nanogenerators, 2D materials engineering, flexible electronics, and printed wearable devices. Recent publications demonstrate consistent focus on energy harvesting materials (33% of articles), tellurium-based devices (27%), and wearable sensors (20%). The work shows strong interdisciplinary integration of materials science, electrical engineering, and robotics. Emerging themes include sustainable manufacturing (2024), quantum material properties (2023), and multi-functional sensor systems (2023). Dr. Wu maintains active research facilities for nanomaterial synthesis and device prototyping. His team collaborates with multiple departments including Materials Engineering and Electrical Engineering, focusing on translational research with industry partners in energy and healthcare sectors.

• Nanomanufacturing
• Self-powered Nanosystems
• Renewable Energy
• +3 more

Dr. Venkat R. Bhethanabotla is a Professor in the Department of Chemical & Biomedical Engineering and Director of the Materials Science and Engineering Program at the University of South Florida , College of Engineering. His research spans chemical and biological sensors, plasmonics, and catalysis, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary technologies for healthcare and environmental applications. He earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Osmania University, India, and Ph.D. from Penn State University, USA. He is a distinguished Fellow of American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) His research interests include surface acoustic wave (SAW) biosensors , plasmonic enhancement of fluorescence , nanoparticle-based neurostimulation , and computational catalysis for CO₂ conversion . He leverages DFT and finite element modeling to study material properties and sensor mechanisms. His group develops point-of-care biosensors with capabilities for biofouling removal and multi-analyte detection. His recent publications reflect strong trends in nanomaterial-based sensing , CO₂ photocatalytic reduction , and acoustic microfluidics . He holds multiple patents in biosensor design and nanoparticle applications. His work is frequently published in journals such as ACS Catalysis , IEEE Sensors Journal , and Physical Review Applied . He has received significant recognition: Fellow, AIChE Fellow, AIMBE Fellow, AAAS Dr. Bhethanabotla actively mentors students and collaborates with researchers like Prof. Robert Frisina . He has secured research funding for projects involving nanoparticle stimulation of auditory systems and upconversion photocatalysis . He serves as an Associate Editor for IEEE Sensors Journal . His lab, the Bhethanabotla Group , includes Ph.D., M.S., and undergraduate researchers working on sensor integration, computational modeling, and nanoparticle synthesis. The group focuses on translating fundamental discoveries into practical biomedical and environmental technologies.

• Chemical and Biological Sensors
• Surface Acoustic Wave Devices
• Plasmonics
• +13 more