DEPARTMENT OF LIFE and PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Dr. Jennifer Benne, Department Head

Research Areas in the Department

NANO-CHEMISTRY RESEARCH LABORATORY

Dr. Zahra Afrasiabi

Dr. Afrasiabi is looking at the deevelopment of novel gold nanoparticle-based nanosensors to detect hormonal elevation in animal systems. In addition she is also interested in the synthesis of quinonoidal derivatives and their metal complexes with potential antitumor activity.

ADAPTIVE OPTICS AND NANOPHOTONICS

Dr. Sunder Balasubramanian

Dr. Balasubramanian's research uses light as a tool to look at different systems. The effects of light are enhanced by using specific properties of semiconductor thinfilms. Currently he is looking at optical imaging of tumors and the brain, adaptive laser-based ultrasound detection of materials and the development of a nanosenseor to target specific bio-molecules.

Dr. Balasubramanian's Research Group Webpage

GENETIC RESEARCH ON MOSQUITO PHYSIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY

Dr. Jennifer Benne

Dr. Benne's current research interest is in Genetic influences on mosquito physiology and ecology. She is currently working on the Phenotypic Plasticity in Mosquito Populations: Potential for Disease Transmission.

OPTICAL NANO-BIOSENSOR DEVELOPMENT

Dr. Majed El-Dweik

Dr. El-Dweik develops novel nano-biosensors for various applications. He has developed and used enzymatic nano-biosensors to encapsulate inside Red Blood Cells for in-vivo monitoring of blood glucose levels. The fundamentals of this sensor design will be used in other areas like bioterrorism and agriterrorism to detect biological agents like viruses, diseases, pathogens, and bacteria. The sensors can aslo be used in a clinical setting to look at cancer, and AIDS.  

BIO-ENERGY RESEARCH LABORATORY

Dr. Keesoo Lee

Dr. Lee's research looks at novel ways to produce bioenergy (biodiesel and bioethanol) from various types of biomass, including algae.