Faculty Projects

The seven weeks spent in each faculty mentor’s lab proves to be an insightful and singular experience that allows participants to witness the reality of academic research.

Biology:

Radu Popa:
Microbial ecology, geomicrobiology, and astrobiology: His group studies the life cycle of magnetic bacteria and the structure and evolution of microbial populations. They also look for microbial biosignatures in silicate minerals from Earth and Mars. Another interest is researching the connection between energy flux and the origin of order and complexity in prebiotic systems.

Sarah Eppley
Ecology and evolution of angiosperms and bryophytes: Current research is centered on investigating 1) the ecological consequences of combined versus separate sexes and sex ratio variation in plants and 2) the interactions between environmental stress and breeding systems in the survival and maintenance of plant populations. Understanding the role of stress, particularly extreme environmental stress, in the ecology and evolution of plant species is critical to our ability to protect rare and endangered plant species and to predict the impacts of climate change on plant communities. Researchers in the lab are using an array of ecological, physiological, and molecular tools to address questions in these areas.

Chemistry:

Mingdi Yan
Functional surfaces and interfaces: Research in Prof. Yan’s laboratory focuses on integrating synthesis and microfabrication with molecular recognition. Two major themes are (1) polymer thin films by photochemically or thermally initiation immobilization, and (2) microfabrication of molecularly imprinted polymers. Professor Yan has mentored eight (8) REU students since the inception of the program. Students participated in research projects ranging from synthesis, surface functionalization, and fabrication of polymer thin films. The applied instrumentation and analytical techniques to characterize compounds and materials, including SEM, AFM, NMR, IR, UV-vis, optical and fluorescence microscopy, and ellipsometry. Some of their work has been published on peer reviewed journals such as Chemistry of Materials, Advanced Materials where the REU students were co-authors of these papers.

Andrea Goforth
Research in the Goforth laboratory is directed toward the advancement of the field of bionanotechnology by the development of novel, nanometer sized inorganic imaging agents. The primary research efforts are three-fold: 1) optimization of the inorganic core structure for maximal imaging property (e.g., maximal quantum yield and suitable emission characteristics for fluorescence imaging, maximal magnetic moment for magnetic resonance imaging, or maximal X-ray scattering power for computed tomography X-ray imaging), 2) development of surface-tailored inorganic particles for specific targeting and imaging of biological processes, and 3) synthesis of less toxic imaging agents for non-invasive in vivo imaging. Current research efforts are focused on development of fluorescent silicon nanoparticles and bimodal fluorescent/magnetic nanoparticle systems targeted to the cell surface protein 4 1 integrin, believed to be involved in cell-cell adhesion interactions in the formation of new blood vessels and in cancer metathesis.

Physics:

Jun Jiao
Development of nanofabrication techniques: A desktop scanning electron microscope (SEM) is a miniaturized SEM that has a shape and size comparable to a desktop computer. Unlike the conventional SEM, the desktop SEM consists of a miniaturized electronic column and vacuum chamber integrated into a slightly enlarged computer tower case. The instrument requires a relatively low vacuum and is operated with a low accelerating voltage (< 5KeV) that brings a completely new approach to microscopy. A local high-tech company, FEI Company, located in Hillsboro, Oregon, is developing this instrument as well as the accompanying image analysis “simulator” software. The PI is funded by ONAMI through a nanometrology initiative grant (awarded by the DoE) to evaluate the capability of FEI’s desktop SEM.
           
Erik Sànchez
Development and implementation of nano-scale imaging techniques: The research in Prof. Sánchez’s group focuses on the development of novel imaging and spectroscopic techniques utilizing field enhancement concepts for the study of biological systems. We routinely use a high resolution SEM and FIB to assist in the design and modification of high-resolution near-field probes. Apertureless probes typically require milling by a FIB system, which is then followed by inspection with a high resolution SEM. Another recent development is the creation of near-field probes utilizing a precursor gas (such as TEOS, or organometallic gases) in the presence of a scanning electron beam. This technique has the ability to create nanometric scaled SiO2 optics which may be able to further enhance the resolution of near-field microscopy.

Rolf Könenkamp
Fabrication of nano-structured devices: One of Prof. Koenenkamp’s research projects at PSU focuses on nanofabrication and characterization of nanodevices. For this purpose, oriented and patterned arrangements of compound semiconductor nanocrystals, such as CdTe, ZnO, and ZnTe, will be prepared on poly-crystalline conducting substrates and then processed further to basic devices (solar cells, nanoscale emitters, and detectors).

Rajendra Solanki
Biosensor Research: Dr. Solanki's group has a broad program on developming electrical sensors to detect a wide range of bio-molecules that are responsible for diseases ranging from Celiac to certain kinds of cancer. The REU student will be assigned to engineer DNA (aptamers) or proteins (antibodies) to recognize the presence of a target analyte responsible for one of our target diseases. This work will involve handling of bio-molecules and interfacing them with the sensor, characterization of bio-molecular activity using standard techniques such as ELISA and finally testing the response of the electrical bio-sensor.

Environmental Science

Catherine deRivera
Limits to and consequences of biological invasions and how ecological factors affect mating behaviors and reproductive success: She also is interested in the intersection between behavior and invasions. For example, she plans to test whether successful non-native species are more behaviorally plastic than their less successful counterparts or native species. Her research projects, discussed here, can be further developed in multiple ways, and aspects of each are ideal for local research with students.

Mechanical & Materials Engineering

William Wood
Synthesis, structure, and properties of materials: Analysis of the structure/property/compositional relationships of super-alloys, ultrahigh strength and structural steel alloys, hydrogen embrittlement delayed cracking, laser surface alloying, welding of thick section ferrous and nonferrous alloys, and electroslag surfacing.