Research Interests

Actuators | Sensors | Microsystems | Materials | Robotics

Projects

Acoustic Sonoporation for Controlled Cellular Delivery​​
January 2018 - Present

Surface acoustic waves (SAWs) have recently gained attention as means of contactless manipulation of single cells and cellular suspensions. We hypothesize that SAWs can be used to induce acoustic streaming in cellular droplets to enable controllable sonoporation of cell membrane and thus controlled delivery of macromolecules into the cell. 

Passive control of laminar flow profile in a 2D microchannel for time-dependent cellular studies
August 2017 - Present

To support the precise timing requirements of the SPARTA project (see below) and time-dependent studies like it, we have developed a system of active and passive technologies to reshape the natural parabolic profile of laminar flow through a microchannel. The goal is to produce a flow profile that results in a planar concentration gradient of a diffused drug.

SPARTA: Subcellular Pan-Omics for Advanced Rapid Threat Assessment​ (in the news)
March 2017 - Present
​DARPA

Utilizing novel microfluidic devices, we are able to culture cells and then expose them to a diluted drug species in very precise concentration and time doses. Controlled lysis and subsequent protein analysis using state-of-the-art mass spectroscopy techniques enables us to take a "snapshot" of the cells' proteomic state. By referencing this information to the short exposure times enabled by the microfluidic device, a temporal map of the early cellular response to the drug of interest can be determined. We are utilizing this technology platform to perform rapid threat assessment in regard to biochemical agents of interest to the DoD, as well as to enable faster, safer, cheaper drug screening techniques.