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Katherine WilletsView profile

Professor

• Plasmonics
• Single-Molecule Spectroscopy
• Super-Resolution Imaging
• +4 more

Katherine (Kallie) Willets is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Temple University's College of Science and Technology. Her research investigates nanoscale heterogeneity in materials using plasmonic nanoparticles, spectroscopy, and microscopy techniques including super-resolution imaging, single-molecule fluorescence, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The Willets Lab studies how nanoscale variations impact optical, electronic, and chemical properties of materials. Her research interests focus on developing advanced microscopy techniques to probe interactions between light, nanomaterials, and molecules. Current projects examine plasmon-mediated processes, single-entity electrochemistry, and nanoscale chemical imaging. The lab combines optical spectroscopy with structural characterization methods like atomic force microscopy and electron microscopy. Dr. Willets received her B.A. in Chemistry from Dartmouth College (1999), Ph.D. from Stanford University (2005), and conducted postdoctoral research at Northwestern University (2005-2007). She has received numerous awards including the Department of Energy Early Career Award, Robert L. Smith Early Career Professorship, and Air Force Office of Scientific Research Young Investigator Award. She currently serves as Associate Editor for ACS Nano. Her educational outreach includes Buckets & Beakers (combining science with basketball), Adventures in Silver (high school chemistry workshops), and mentoring science fair projects. The lab maintains active collaborations and develops tools for nanoscale characterization.

Isaac PenceView profile

Assistant Professor

• Translational Biophotonics
• Raman Spectroscopy
• Medical Device Development
• +3 more

Dr. Isaac Pence is an Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center's Department of Biomedical Engineering, with secondary appointments in Internal Medicine and the Charles and Jane Pak Center for Mineral Metabolism. He also holds an Adjunct Assistant Professor role at UT Dallas' Bioengineering Department. His research focuses on developing optical tools for non-invasive disease characterization and therapeutic monitoring, integrating biophotonics, computational analysis, and clinical medicine. Dr. Pence's work includes advancements in Raman spectroscopy for drug distribution analysis, tissue engineering, and cryoneurolysis devices for pain management. He completed his PhD at Vanderbilt University and postdoctoral training at Imperial College London and Harvard Medical School. Research interests span label-free quantitative tissue mapping, translational biophotonics, and biomarker heterogeneity analysis. His lab develops clinical instruments such as portable Raman systems for in vivo imaging and theranostic platforms. Recent work addresses pelvic organ prolapse via ECM composition analysis and cryotherapy device innovation. Collaborations include UT Dallas and the Texas Instruments Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Building. Key projects include Raman-guided surgical tools, nanocarrier design, and extracellular vesicle biomarker detection. His contributions have led to funded grants and patents, though specific award names are not listed. The Pence lab actively trains graduate students and postdocs in biophotonics and biomedical engineering.

Tom RobinsonView profile

Lecturer

• Synthetic Biology
• Lipid Membranes
• Microfluidics
• +4 more

Dr Tom Robinson serves as a Lecturer in Chemical Engineering within the School of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh, specializing in the Bioengineering Research Institute. His interdisciplinary work bridges synthetic biology, membrane biophysics, and microfluidics to engineer biomimetic systems. His core research focuses on: Bottom-up Synthetic Biology : Constructing artificial eukaryotic cells with multi-compartment structures using droplet microfluidics and giant lipid vesicles (GUVs) to enable enzymatic cascades for biofuel production and drug delivery applications. Lipid Membrane Engineering : Developing model membrane systems (GUVs and nano-vesicles) to isolate and study membrane properties like permeability, fusion dynamics, and ligand interactions without cellular interference. Advanced Microfluidics : Designing novel microfluidic platforms for single-cell analysis (cancer cells, magnetotactic bacteria), high-throughput vesicle production, and precision manipulation of biomimetic structures. Analysis of Dr Robinson's 55+ publications reveals dominant trends in biomimetic membrane systems (42%), synthetic cell engineering (31%), and microfluidic device innovation (27%). His work increasingly integrates multi-omics approaches with physical manipulation techniques, particularly evident in recent studies on magnetotactic bacteria navigation and phase-separated synthetic cells. The research demonstrates strong translational potential in drug delivery and environmental microbiology. The Robinson Lab employs cutting-edge microscopy including FLIM, confocal, multiphoton, and high-speed imaging to characterize membrane dynamics and cellular interactions. Current projects focus on ESCRT-III protein-mediated vesicle remodeling, magnetic field effects on bacterial motion, and polymerizable emulsion systems for optical applications. The lab maintains active collaborations across bioengineering, microbiology, and materials science disciplines, with significant contributions to the MaxSynBio consortium for bottom-up cell synthesis.

Christopher CarrView profile

Assistant Professor

• Astrobiology
• Space Instrumentation
• Planetary Science
• +6 more

Christopher E. Carr is an Assistant Professor at Georgia Tech in the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering with a secondary appointment in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. His research focuses on space instrumentation for life detection, particularly using single molecule technologies, and exploring the origin of life and planetary protection strategies. He directs the Planetary eXploration Lab (PXL) and co-leads the Georgia Tech Astrobiology Program. Education: Carr holds dual SB degrees in Aeronautics/Astronautics and Electrical Engineering from MIT (1999), an SM in Aeronautics/Astronautics (MIT, 2001), and a ScD in Medical Physics (Harvard-MIT, 2005). His academic career includes research roles at MIT (2008-2020) and postdoctoral training at MIT and Massachusetts General Hospital (2005-2008). Research Interests: He develops advanced instruments for astrobiological missions to Mars, Europa, and Venus, focusing on single-molecule detection technologies like nanopores and nanogaps. His work bridges astrobiology with bioastronautics, addressing human adaptation to space through studies of metabolism, aging, and extravehicular activity (EVA). Key areas include: Non-enzymatic RNA replication mechanisms Venus cloud particle analysis Mars sample return strategies Planetary protection protocols Machine learning applications for biosignature detection Publications: Over 70 peer-reviewed articles span instrument development, astrobiological theory, and space mission planning. Notable works include the Electronic Life-Detection Instrument (ELIE) concept and the Venus Life Finder Mission Study . Awards: Honors include the Jim Pope Faculty Fellowship (2023), MIT Catalyst Fellowship (2019), and US-Japan Leadership Program recognition. He advises NASA and the National Academies on astrobiology and human space exploration. Teaching: Courses include Space Instrumentation for Life Detection and Aerospace Technical Communication at Georgia Tech. He has mentored over 100 students across all academic levels, including leading the NASA Space Apps Challenge and the Air Spora stratospheric balloon project. Labs/Teams: Leads the Planetary eXploration Lab (PXL) and collaborates with the Space Systems Design Lab (SSDL). Active in international collaborations including the NASA NFoLD network and US-Japan innovation initiatives.

• Biophysics
• Food Science
• Biochemistry
• +8 more

Johannes Hohlbein is an Associate Professor in Biophysics at Wageningen University & Research , with a focus on interdisciplinary research bridging food science, molecular biology, and advanced microscopy techniques. His work spans structural analysis of protein-based food materials and single-molecule studies of biomolecular processes. Interdisciplinary Research : Food Science, Biophysics, Molecular Biology Methodologies : Super-resolution microscopy, cryo-CLEM, Fourier transform analysis, single-particle tracking Scientific Contributions include: Structural anisotropy in soy protein extrudates Heterogeneity in food emulsions Lipid oxidation mechanisms DNA-targeting enzyme dynamics Statistical tools for nanoparticle tracking Supervised PhD Projects : Measurement and Modeling of Multiscale Protein Products (MP3) Biomolecule Localization in Food Matrices Food Oxidation Studies via Cryo-CLEM Single-Nanoparticle Diffusometry Plant Hormone Response at Single-Molecule Level

Alastair WarkView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Nanotechnology
• Optical Imaging and Spectroscopy
• Bioanalytical Chemistry
• +7 more

Alastair Wark serves as a Senior Lecturer in Pure And Applied Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde, where he leads research in nanomaterial synthesis, optical imaging, and bioanalytical applications. His multidisciplinary work bridges chemistry, physics, engineering, and medicine to develop novel nanotechnologies for real-time biomolecular monitoring. His research focuses on creating advanced nanomaterials and optical techniques for ultrasensitive detection, including single-particle tracking methods and multimodal imaging systems. Key areas include surface plasmon resonance, shell-isolated nanoparticle spectroscopy (SHINERS), and hybrid nanostructures for cellular interaction studies, contributing significantly to UN Sustainable Development Goals through biomedical applications. His publication trends reveal consistent contributions to nanotechnology and analytical chemistry, with emphasis on single-molecule detection, nanoparticle functionalization, and biomedical sensor development. Recent work integrates prosthetics research through EPSRC-funded projects. Andersonian Centenary Prize (1993) Carnegie Undergraduate Scholarship (1994) He actively supervises PhD students and collaborates across disciplines, evidenced by participation in 22 projects including the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Prosthetics & Orthotics. His laboratory utilizes specialized equipment including darkfield/fluorescence microscopy and Nanosight systems for nanoparticle characterization, supporting research in complex biological environments.

• Computational Materials Science
• Molecular Dynamics
• Machine Learning
• +2 more

Dr. Priya Vashishta is a Professor with joint appointments in Computer Science, Materials Science, and Physics at the University of Southern California. His research integrates computational methods across multiple scales to address fundamental challenges in materials science and nanotechnology. Research focuses on multiscale simulation frameworks combining quantum molecular dynamics, machine learning interatomic potentials, and high-performance computing. Key areas include: energy storage materials, 2D materials characterization, catalytic processes, and AI-driven materials discovery. Publication trends reveal consistent development of computational methodologies: machine learning potentials for materials simulation, neural network quantum dynamics, GPU-accelerated computing, and multiscale modeling techniques. Recent work emphasizes practical applications in energy storage, nanoscale electronics, and advanced manufacturing. Research group activities include development of open-source simulation packages (PND, Allegro) and leadership in the MAGICS computational materials center. Contributions span fundamental theoretical frameworks to applied materials engineering.

Menake PiyasenaView profile

Associate Professor

• Bioanalytical Chemistry
• Microfluidics
• Biosensors
• +3 more

Dr. Menake Piyasena is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, where he leads the Bio-analytical and Microfluidics research group. His work focuses on developing novel analytical methods for environmental, biological, and chemical applications, including disease diagnostics and pollutant detection. Education: Postdoctoral Researcher, University of New Mexico, 2009 Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Maryland, 2007 Postdoctoral Fellow, California State University-Los Angeles, 2005 Ph.D., Analytical Chemistry, University of New Mexico, 2005 B.Sc., Chemistry, University of Kelaniya, 1997 Research Interests: Dr. Piyasena's research explores microsphere and polymer monolith-based bio-assemblies for disease diagnostics, acoustic focusing systems for biological particle separation, and microfluidic techniques for environmental contaminant removal. His group specializes in biosensors, acoustofluidic devices, and microfabrication techniques for analytical applications. Publication Trends: Recent work demonstrates a strong focus on environmental applications of microfluidics, particularly microplastic separation and pharmaceutical degradation analysis. His 15 most recent publications emphasize acoustofluidic particle manipulation, lipobead-based biosensors, and innovative microdevice fabrication for biological and environmental monitoring. Research Group: Leads the Bio-analytical and Microfluidics laboratory developing portable detection systems for environmental toxins and disease biomarkers.

Leonardo PUPPULINView profile

Researcher

• Physical Chemistry
• Nanosystems
• Atomic Force Microscopy
• +4 more

Leonardo PUPPULIN is a Researcher at the Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice. He specializes in Physical Chemistry, with a focus on nanoscale material characterization, biomaterials, and sustainable chemistry. His work includes advanced microscopy techniques such as high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) to study biological systems, molecular dynamics, and material degradation mechanisms. He oversees laboratory safety and teaching activities, including courses in Physical Chemistry, Colloids and Interfaces, and Electron Microscopy techniques at both undergraduate and doctoral levels. Research interests span diverse areas: Dynamic imaging of proteins and channels (e.g., TRPV1, TMEM16F) using HS-AFM Development of protective silica-based coatings for cultural heritage artifacts Upcycling chitin into catalytic materials for green chemistry applications Biomedical materials analysis, particularly polyethylene and ceramic implants Optical properties of nanomaterials like NaBiF4 for photonics applications Teaching responsibilities include laboratory supervision and theoretical modules for Chemistry and Nanomaterials programs. He collaborates on interdisciplinary projects combining physical chemistry with biomedical and environmental applications. His 15 most recent articles (2023–2025) highlight advancements in HS-AFM imaging, nanomaterial synthesis, and biomaterial degradation studies, reflecting a strong emphasis on experimental techniques and interdisciplinary applications.

Paul A. DalgarnoView profile

Assistant Professor

• Optical Microscopy
• Life Sciences
• Quantum Optics
• +7 more

Paul A. Dalgarno is an Assistant Professor and Group Leader of the Advanced Microscopy Group at Heriot-Watt University's School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, within the Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering. He specializes in developing novel optical and analytical techniques for life sciences, including 4D imaging, multi-parameter microscopy, and fluorescent lifetime imaging. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaborations and applications of single-photon detector arrays in biological imaging. Education: MPhys in Physics (2001) PhD in Semiconductor Quantum Dots (2005, Heriot-Watt University) Research Interests: Paul’s research focuses on advanced microscopy techniques such as real-time 3D cellular imaging, time-resolved spectroscopy, and single-molecule detection. He explores applications in biophysics, nanotechnology, and cell biology, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals through innovative imaging solutions. Articles Trends: Recent work highlights advancements in optical tweezers, microrheology, and multifocal microscopy for studying biological systems, with emphasis on 3D imaging and biomechanical analysis. Awards: 2017 Heriot-Watt Student Association Switched-On Teaching Oscar for dynamic lecturing. Labs/Teams: Leads the Advanced Microscopy Group, fostering interdisciplinary research in microscopy and analytical techniques.

Yitong DongView profile

Assistant Professor

• Nanomaterials Synthesis
• Quantum Photonics
• Semiconductor Nanocrystals
• +3 more

Dr. Yitong Dong is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Oklahoma. She holds a B.S. from Nanjing University (2010), a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University (2018), and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Toronto (2018–2021). Her research focuses on synthesizing novel nanomaterials with precise control over their size, shape, and surface properties, particularly semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) for photonics, energy, and photocatalysis applications. Her research interests include nanocrystal synthesis kinetics, quantum photonics using single photon emitters, and understanding growth mechanisms at liquid-liquid interfaces. Notable achievements include developing perovskite quantum dots with enhanced stability and efficiency for light-emitting diodes and solar cells. Dr. Dong's lab emphasizes cutting-edge microscopy for single-particle optical studies and ligand engineering to optimize material performance. Recent publications (2020–2025) highlight advancements in perovskite QD synthesis, blinking suppression, and strain regulation in thin films. Current openings exist for postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduates interested in nanomaterials research. The lab is based in Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK, within the Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center (SLSRC).

Emiliya PoghosyanView profile

Researcher

• Cryo-electron Microscopy
• Structural Biology
• Single Particle Analysis
• +3 more

Emiliya Poghosyan is a Senior Scientist at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland, affiliated with the Laboratory for Multiscale Bioimaging and the Electron Microscopy Facility. Since 2018, she provides user support, training, and manages advanced electron microscopy equipment while developing biological imaging methodologies. Her educational background includes: Bachelor of Science in Physics (with honours) from Yerevan State University Master's Degree in Nano-biophysics from Technical University of Dresden PhD in Cryo-electron microscopy from ETH Zurich Postdoctoral work on single particle cryo-EM of membrane proteins at University of Basel Her research focuses on cryo-electron microscopy techniques, structural biology, and membrane protein imaging. Recent publications highlight advancements in ptychography tools, X-ray tomography, and deep learning applications for electron microscopy. She actively contributes to method development and facility management. Scientific achievements include DAAD Long-Term Fellowships (2010-2012), PSI Research Grants (2021), and SDSC Collaborative Data Science Projects. She is a member of the Swiss Society for Optics and Microscopy (SSOM) and has delivered lectures at the University of Zurich (PHY 427). Teaching roles span multiple international cryo-EM schools and hands-on training programs since 2018, emphasizing practical microscopy education.

Norbert SchererView profile

Professor

• Biophysics
• Materials Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• +5 more

Norbert F. Scherer is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Chicago , with affiliations to the James Franck Institute and the Institute for Biophysical Dynamics. His research spans biophysics, materials chemistry, and optical physics, focusing on nonequilibrium systems, nanoplasmonics, and cellular transport mechanisms. B.S., University of Chicago (1982) Ph.D., California Institute of Technology (1989) Research Highlights: Optical matter self-organization and nanoscale light-powered machines Optical magnetism in nanoplasmonic meta-materials Intracellular vesicle transport in diabetic cell models Development of ultrafast lasers, 4D microscopy, and image analysis methods Scientific Contributions: 2022 Optica C.E.K. Mees Medal 2015 Peter Debye Prize 2014 Vannevar Bush Fellowship 1997 Sloan Fellow 1993 Packard Fellow Student Advisees: Charlie Wright (PhD) Daozheng Gong His group collaborates on quantum dot integration, optical vector beam spectroscopy, and machine learning approaches to intracellular dynamics. Laboratory Focus: The Scherer Lab develops photonic methods for optical trapping, super-resolution microscopy, and nonequilibrium systems analysis, with applications in diabetes research and nanoscale machine design.

• Physical Chemistry
• Nanoscience
• Plasmonics
• +5 more

Manabendra Chandra is a full-time Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur . He obtained his PhD from IISc Bangalore in 2009 and subsequently held a post-doctoral position at Florida State University & National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (2009–2013) before joining IIT Kanpur. His research group employs advanced single-particle spectroscopic and imaging techniques to unravel the fundamental optical properties of plasmonic nanostructures, with clear translational impact on solar-energy conversion, high-resolution imaging and forensic sensing. Education PhD, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore — 2009 Research Interests Prof. Chandra’s work lies at the intersection of physical chemistry , nanoscience and optics . Core themes include: Localized surface plasmon resonances in metallic and hybrid nanoparticles Geometry-dependent optical resonances and size effects Collective plasmonic phenomena: Fano resonances, EIT, sub-/super-radiance Single-particle nonlinear optical spectroscopy for quantitative structure–property mapping Applications in photovoltaic light-harvesting, super-resolution imaging and forensic detection Publication Trends Between 2009 and 2013, Prof. Chandra published eight high-impact articles that collectively advance the understanding of plasmonic behaviour in noble-metal nanostructures—from isolated hollow gold nanospheres to complex aggregates—using ultrafast and nonlinear spectroscopy. The works bridge fundamental physics with potential device-oriented applications. Scientific Awards & Fellowships No specific awards or honours are listed in the provided material. Students & Funding Narrative While no individual students are named, Prof. Chandra actively mentors PhD and master’s researchers within the department. His laboratory is funded through national and international competitive grants supporting nanoscience and energy research initiatives. Laboratory & Team His laboratory is located in FB-424, Department of Chemistry, IIT Kanpur. The group maintains state-of-the-art single-particle spectroscopy and electron-microscopy correlation facilities, enabling atomic-level insight into plasmonic systems.

Joseph KeeneView profile

Associate Professor

• Physical Chemistry
• Nanomaterials
• Quantum Dots
• +4 more

Dr. Joseph Keene serves as Associate Professor and Associate Chair of the Chemistry Department within Mercer University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, where his research bridges fundamental physical chemistry with defense applications. His educational foundation includes a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University and B.S. from Wake Forest University, establishing expertise in nanomaterial characterization and surface phenomena. Research centers on semiconductor nanocrystals (quantum dots), investigating thermodynamics of surface modifications through calorimetry-based ligand exchange studies and developing portable spectroscopic techniques for nanomaterial composition analysis. His DoD-funded work addresses corrosion prevention, chemical/biological/radiological/nuclear (CBRN) agent challenges, and composite repairs for U.S. Air Force aircraft systems. Publication trends reveal dual emphases: quantum dot photophysics (carrier dynamics, surface defects, plasmonic enhancements) and innovative educational models for undergraduate nanomaterials research, particularly through the national Primarily Undergraduate Nanomaterials Cooperative initiative. Active research grants from the Mercer Engineering Research Center and Department of Defense support his laboratory's defense-related materials science projects, while his educational publications demonstrate commitment to modernizing instrumental analysis pedagogy. His laboratory operates within Mercer's Godsey Science Center, focusing on adaptable nanomaterial characterization methods that serve both fundamental science and field-deployable defense applications through collaborative networks like PUNC.