RIGOBERTO ADVINCULA
Associate Professor, Chemistry
Phone: 713.743.1760
E-mail: rcadvinc@uh.edu
Web site:http://www.nanostructure.uh.edu/
Rigoberto Advincula is an expert in the preparation of thin films and surfaces using polymers and nanomaterials and molecular and macromolecular assembly methods. His research has practical applications in display devices, nanocoatings, and sensors. Advincula’s projects and approaches are multidisciplinary, combining elements of organic and polymer synthesis, engineering, biorelated phenomena, and physical methods. He has the following interests in the area of the biomedical field: 1) DNA adsorption on polyelectolyte and dendrimer layers for DNA chips, 2) modification of particle permeability for drug delivery, and 3) layer-by-layer solgel and polyelectrolyte deposition methods for bioimplants. In addition, Advincula recently received part of a $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop nanoscale “Velcro” materials based on polymer brushes.

VEMURI BALAKOTAIAH
John and Rebecca Moores Professor of Chemical Engineering
Phone: 713.743.4318
E-mail: bala@uh.edu
Web site: http://www.chee.uh.edu/faculty/balakotaiah/
Vemuri Balakotaiah's research in the biomedical area, jointly with Professor Akhil Bidani, involves the multiscale mathematical modeling of physiological systems, both under normal and patho-physiological conditions. One project involves modeling of Hepatopulmonary Syndrome, characterized by the clinical triad of chronic liver disease (generally, but not always, cirrhosis), hypoxemia while breathing room air and pulmonary capillary dilatation, believed to be due to local excess of intravascular nitric oxide (NO) activity. The modeling efforts are tightly coupled with experimental data from patients and nuclear medicine scans obtained at UT Health Science Center. Other projects in this area include detailed modeling of transport and binding of reactive gases (oxygen, CO, and NO) in the red blood cell and quantifying CO and NO poisoning in the blood.

STEVEN BALDELLI
Assistant Professor, Chemistry
Phone: 713.743.5107
E-mail: sbaldell@mail.uh.edu
Web site: http://www.chem.uh.edu/Faculty/Baldelli/web/index.html
Steven Baldelli is an expert in surface chemistry, optics, and electrochemistry. His current projects include near-field optical spectroscopy of metal, polymer, and composite nanoparticles and investigation of organic monolayers that inhibit the corrosion of metals. Baldelli’s research goals are to develop spectroscopic imaging techniques for biological and materials surface characterization and to obtain molecular-level information on nanostructure and material surfaces. His research has applications ranging from solar cells, photocatalysis, and environmental remediation to biomaterials, corrosion, and energy conversion.

JAMES BRIGGS
Associate Professor, Biology and Biochemistry
Associate Professor, Chemical Engineering
Associate Professor, Chemistry
Phone: 713.743.8366
E-mail: jbriggs@uh.edu
Web site: http://vnet.nsm.uh.edu/webpages/nsm/homepage/homepage.lasso?155622-961-5=jbriggs
James Briggs studies the application and development of theoretical methods for use on biological and organic molecular systems. He developed the first computerized model consistent with experimental data that predicts how the HIV integrase molecule binds with viral DNA. Since HIV integrase is an enzyme essential to the viral life cycle, Briggs' research is a breakthrough that paves the way to develop drugs to combat AIDS.

CHENGZHI CAI
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Phone: 713.743.2710
E-mail: ccai@mail.uh.edu
Chengzhi Cai's research focuses on positioning single biomolecules at surfaces for detection and studying single molecular interactions. His group has developed a robust, atomically flat, protein-resistant platform on silicon surfaces. They use conductive atomic force microscopy (AFM) to pattern the platform and covalently attach large molecules to the resulted nanospots. Other research includes synthesis of large, “sticky” dendron molecules that contain only one functional group for binding biomolecules and attachment of single functional molecules to the apex of AFM tips. This research contributes to the development of ultra-sensitive analytical tools for early diagnosis of disease.

ADAM CAPITANO
Assistant Professor, Chemical Engineering
Phone: 713.743.4319
E-mail: acapitano@uh.edu
Web site: http://www.chee.uh.edu/faculty/capitano/
Adam Capitano is using engineered biological tissues to solve real-world problems. His research relies on the control of cell-to-cell interactions to create tissue cultures designed for purposes ranging from the sensing of chemical warfare agents to organ repair. In addition to applications in sensing technology, a second research thrust will involve the adaptation of three-dimensional fabrication technologies to construct tissues. This methodology will allow greater control over the location of cells and key matrix components than has been achieved with traditional technologies.

DAR-CHONE CHOW
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Phone: 713.743.1798
E-mail: dchow@mail.uh.edu
Dar-Chone Chow researches the basis of conformational changes in the function of a protein. His group is studying two model systems that both have distinct conformational states during their functional processes. One of these systems is the assembly of cytokine/receptor complexes of the family of gp130 cytokines, also called IL-6 cytokines. Numerous cytokines and the corresponding receptors have been identified in the family. Based on recent progress that has elucidated some structural and biophysical features of the IL-6 signaling complex assembly, Chow is further studying the structural basis of the receptor-induced conformational changes within the IL-6 cytokine. He is expanding these studies to other cytokines to understand their signaling complex assemblies.
Another model system Chow is studying is the gastric H,K-ATPase. The goal is to characterize the thermodynamics and kinetics of substrate-bindings and substrate-induced conformational changes in the pumping cycle. In parallel, the laboratory will undertaking the structural studies of the H,K-ATPase. The long-term goal is to elucidate the structural and thermodynamics basis of the conformational changes during the pumping cycle, thus the pumping mechanism.

VINCENT M. DONNELLY
Professor, Chemical Engineering
Phone: 713.743.4313
E-mail: vmdonnelly@uh.edu
Web site: http://www.chee.uh.edu/faculty/donnelly/
Vincent M. Donnelly studies the use of gaseous plasmas for nanometer-scale patterning of microelectronic materials. The research ranges from very basic studies of plasma chemistry and physics, such reactions on plasma-exposed surfaces and studies of plasma-assisted carbon nanotube growth, to new methods for fabricating nano-structures. One concept, dubbed “nano-pantography,” is being explored as a novel method for forming nano-patterned materials over large areas. Any arbitrary pattern can be replicated simultaneously in billions of selected regions on a substrate by focusing ions to nanometer-sized spots and by rastering them along the bottoms of orderly arrays of sub-micron sized ion-focusing lenses. Materials can be deposited, as well as removed, making it possible to obtain a wide range of nano-structured materials.

DEMETRE J. ECONOMOU
John and Rebecca Moores Professor of Chemical Engineering
Phone: 713.743.4320
E-mail: economou@uh.edu
Web site: http://www.chee.uh.edu/faculty/economou/
Demetre Economou studies the fundamentals and applications of gaseous discharge plasmas for materials processing with emphasis on nanomaterials and nanofabrication. His work in nanopantography emphasizes a radically different approach to high-throughput and versatile fabrication of nanometer scale complex patterns over large areas (tens of cm2). He also is studying neutral-bean etching, which involves patterning of microelectronic materials in dimensions below 100 nm using reactive neutral beams, without the adverse effects of charging damage, associated with conventional reactive ion etching.

MATTHEW FRANCHEK
Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Chair, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Director, Biomedical Engineering Program
Phone: 713.743.4371
E-mail: mfranchek@uh.edu
Web site: http://www.egr.uh.edu/me/faculty/franchek/
Matthew Franchek’s nano-related research is directed toward the dynamic modeling and control of interconnected dynamical systems on the nano-scale. The nano-scale dynamic modeling effort is focused on the development of analytical tools linking nano-particle geometry/properties, surface properties, and surround medium to adhesion forces (both short range and long range forces). His biomedical research involves wellness modeling and health prognosis for accurate bedside care using information synthesis. Fast MRI scans will be used to validate the resulting models. These results will lead to quality home health monitoring thereby expanding health care to the underserved.

XIAOLIAN GAO
Professor of Chemistry and Biology and Biochemistry
Phone: 713.743-2805
E-mail: xgao@uh.edu
Chemistry Web site: http://www.chem.uh.edu/Faculty/Gao/ResearchWebpages/index.html
NSM Web site: http://vnet.nsm.uh.edu/webpages/nsm/homepage/homepage.lasso?155622-961-5=gao
Xiaolian Gao is an expert in nucleic acid chemistry, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology, structural biological chemistry and combinatorial chemistry. Research in her lab involves the interface of chemistry, and biological sciences. She holds patents in biochip technologies. Her current focus is to understand the relationships of function and structure of complex genomes of human and other species.

DAN GRAUR
John and Rebecca Moores Professor of Biology and Biochemistry
Phone: 713.743.7236
E-mail: dgraur@uh.edu
Web site: http://nsm.uh.edu/~dgraur/
Dan Graur researches several theoretical, statistical, and analytical topics in evolutionary bioinformatics. His research ranges from physico-chemical characterization of deleterious and neutral amino-acid replacements to development of methodologies for the identification of contact points within the three-dimensional structure of proteins, using evolutionary and phylogenetic information. For his methodological research, Graur uses maximum-likelihood and Bayesian approaches to reconstruct ancestral amino-acid sequences. Currently, Graur’s research is focused on the phrasing of the dynamic and static descriptions of the compositional features of genomes. This research has applications in human medical genetics and genetic engineering.

SUSAN HARDIN
Associate Professor, Biology and Biochemistry
Phone: 713.743.2686
E-mail: shardin@uh.edu
Web site: http://vnet.nsm.uh.edu/webpages/nsm/homepage/homepage.lasso?155622-961-5=shardin
Susan Hardin developed new technology for direct molecular sensing that could be used to sequence an entire genome in less than twenty-four hours. Her areas of expertise include molecular genetics and biotechnology, especially with respect to the mechanisms of enzymatic DNA synthesis and DNA replication. The process that she and her colleagues pioneered could eliminate many time-consuming intermediary steps as well as require the use of only a single molecule of DNA to ïread.Í

ALEX IGNATIEV
Professor, Physics, Chemistry, and Electrical and Computer Engineering
Director, Texas Center for Superconductivity and Advanced Materials
Phone: 713.743.3621
E-mail: ignatiev@uh.edu
Web site: http://vnet.nsm.uh.edu/webpages/nsm/homepage/homepage.lasso?155622-961-5=aignatie
Alex Ignatiev's research interests include experimental solid-state physics and chemistry, superconductivity and thin film and superlattice processing and devices. He is developing a method for capturing optical micro-detectors for improved surgical handling during implantation into an eye. This project ultimately improves handling of the optical
micro-detectors during transfer and implantation.

DONALD KOURI
Cullen Professor of Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics
Phone: 713.743.3245
E-mail: kouri@uh.edu
Web site: http://www.chem.uh.edu/Faculty/Kouri/ResearchWebpages/Index.html
Donald Kouri's research originally dealt with theoretical and mathematical chemistry and physics. The current focus is on combining their recently developed time-independent wave packet formulation of reactive scattering with various approximations, in order to treat large molecular systems such as occur in biology. A second major area of research in mathematical chemistry and physics involves a new approach to functional approximation and discretization called the "distributed approximating functionals" (DAFs). They have been used to solve a variety of both linear and nonlinear partial differential equations important in the sciences and engineering. Growing out of the DAF-research, is work on the fundamentals of quantum theory and the connections to digital informatics. Of particular interest are new minimizers of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, which has lead to new approaches to multi-resolution analysis in multi-dimensions. This has also made possible new advances in image analysis and 3-D visualization.

KURT L. KRAUSE
Associate Professor, Biology and Biochemistry, and Chemistry
Phone: 713.743.8370
E-mail: kkrause@uh.edu
Web site: http://vnet.nsm.uh.edu/webpages/nsm/homepage/homepage.lasso?155622-961-5=klkrause
Kurt L. Krause is an expert on protein structure and proteomics. He has a long-standing interest in BioNano Technology as represented in the fields of drug discovery, diagnosis and drug delivery. The main focus of his lab is on the structure and function of drug targets, virulence factors and redox proteins, especially those from highly pathogenic organisms.

RAMANAN KRISHNAMOORTI
Associate Professor, Chemical Engineering
Phone: 713.743.4312
E-mail: ramanan@mail.uh.edu
Web site: http://www.chee.uh.edu/faculty/krishnamoorti/
Ramanan Krishnamoorti's research focuses on understanding and controlling the structure—processing—properties of polymer-based nanocomposite materials for mutli-functional applications. Materials prepared with dispersed carbon nanotubes and nanometer thick-layered silicates have shown dramatic increases in mechanical properties while demonstrating unique electrical, optical or barrier properties. He also is collaborating with Professors Lee and Rigoberto Advincula toward preparing electroluminiscent polymer nanocomposites as organic light-emitting diodes.

T. RANDALL LEE
Professor, Chemical Engineering
Professor, Chemistry
Phone: 713.743.2724
E-mail: trlee@uh.edu
Chemistry Web site: http://www.chem.uh.edu/Faculty/Lee/Web/index.htm
NSM Web site: http://vnet.nsm.uh.edu/webpages/nsm/homepage/homepage.lasso?155622-961-5=trlee
T. Randall Lee uses nanotechnology to synthesize new materials for technological and biological applications. This use of synthesis helps to prepare new materials for technological applications. His groupÍs latest research efforts include using self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) to create ultrathin surface coatings for miniature electronic devices, and using SAMS that are biologically active to enhance the growth of protein crystals for applications of tissue engineering.

HAN LE
Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Phone: 713.743.4465
E-mail: hqle@uh.edu
Han Le’s research focuses on optical sensing in the infrared region ranging from specialized devices to enabling components and system architecture. His current research includes tunable lasers, waveguide Bragg gratings, micro/nano photonics, microscopic biomedical IR imaging, multi-spectral CDMA optical sensor architecture, and laser-based stand-off sensing for chemical/biological agents.

GLEN B. LEGGE
Assistant Professor, Biology and Biochemistry
Phone: 713.743.8380
E-mail: glegge@uh.edu
Web site: http://vnet.nsm.uh.edu/webpages/nsm/homepage/homepage.lasso?155622-961-5=glegge
Glen B. Legge uses structural biology to link the fields of biology and chemistry by understanding the molecular mechanisms of biological processes. He is currently researching how tissue factor, which initiates blood coagulation, is activated. When tissue factor is improperly regulated, thrombosis, atherosclerosis, septic shock, and cancer can result. A concurrent project on bacterial biofilms seeks to understand how bacterial colonization can be inhibited during long-term space flight.

DMITRI LITVINOV
Associate Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Phone: 713.743.4168
E-mail: dlitvinov@uh.edu
Web site: http://www2.egr.uh.edu/%7Edlitvino/
Dmitri Litvinov’s research covers a broad range of applications of nanomagnetic systems including biosensors with biodetection capabilities at a single-molecule level, next-generation computing systems based on magnetic quantum cellular automata, ultra-fast/ultra-high density nonvolatile random access memory, and chip-size terabyte data storage systems. The unifying theme behind the research is nanomagnetic, which promises effective control of magnetic states at the single domain level and scalability all the way down to the superparamagnetic limit near 2-3 nm. It is this scalability that can provide a long-term, evolutionary path for industrial development and power the information age far beyond the roadmaps of the semiconductor and data storage industries.

JOHN H. MILLER, JR.
Associate Professor of Physics
Phone: 713.743.8257
E-mail: jhmiller@uh.edu
Dr. Miller's research interests include the electromagnetic properties of live cells and complex biological macromolecules, including proteins. A live cell in an electrolyte or other extracellular medium has a finite membrane potential due to a net negative charge in the interior, and can thus be polarized by an applied electric field. In addition, most proteins in their native (folded) state are either electrically charged (eg. actin, which self assembles into 8-nm diameter filaments) or have a net electrical dipole moment (eg. the 5-nm wide a-b tubulin heterodimer). These properties lead to enormous dielectric responses at low frequencies, which can be probed non-invasively at various length scales.His research group has observed changes with time in the dielectric properties of a-b tubulin dimers as they self assemble to form 25-nm diameter microtubules, a major component of the cellular cytoskeleton and substantial reductions in the dielectric response of eucaryotic cells when exposed to respiratory inhibitors, such as cyanide, that attack the mitochondria. This is significant, because it shows we can non-invasively probe the metabolic states of these internal organelles. More recently, our group has found evidence for novel phase transitions in biological systems, such as a dramatic change with temperature in the dielectric response of E. coli .

KISHORE K. MOHANTY
Professor of Chemical Engineering
Phone: 713.743.4331
E-mail: mohanty@uh.edu
Dr. Mohanty's research focuses on transport of simple and complex fluids in complex microstructured materials for applications in energy, environment and biotechnology. Many naturally occurring materials such as sandstones, carbonates, aquifers, human bones and tissues are microstructured. Many fluids used in these systems are nanostructured. This research is aimed at imaging these structures, understanding the physics of transport, relating the microstructures to transport coefficients and developing new materials for enhanced targeted transport. Surfactants are being developed to control the adhesion of oil molecules to calcite surfaces and thus enhance oil recovery. Delivery materials are being developed for controlled and targeted drug and gene delivery. The relation between the molecular interaction, material nanostructure and transport/interfacial properties are being probed. Nanomaterials are being developed to image transport in many different scales.

SHIN-SHEM (STEVEN) PEI
Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Physics
Deputy Director, Texas Center for Superconducting and Advanced Materials
Associate Dean for Research, Cullen College of Engineering
Phone: 713.743.4433
E-mail: spei@uh.edu
Web site: http://www.egr.uh.edu/ece/faculty/pei/
Steven Pei’s research interests are in the quantum wells, quantum dots, and carbon nanotubes for infrared and high-speed electronic applications, in particular, the mid-infrared lasers and far-infrared detectors. His research helped to pioneer the development of semiconductor mid-infrared lasers operating at the 3-5 micron wavelength transmission window in the atmosphere for space exploration, environmental monitoring, trace gas detection, medical diagnostics, and biodefense applications. He achieved the first semiconductor mid-infrared laser operating at near room temperature in 1995 and demonstrated the first type-II quantum cascade laser in 1996. Later, he also realized the first very long wavelength infrared photodetector operating at 15-21 micron wavelength for space surveillance and far-infrared imaging and spectroscopy applications.

SCOTT S. PERRY
Professor, Chemistry
Professor, Chemical Engineering
Phone: 713.743.2715
E-mail: perry@uh.edu
Web site: http://www.chem.uh.edu/Faculty/Perry/Index.html
Scott Perry researches biomimetic polymer lubricants and properties of supported, nanometer-sized metal clusters, using microscopies to map out the interfacial properties on a nanometer scale and surface analysis probes to assess the chemical and structural nature of these materials. Perry’s studies of biomimetic polymers are aimed at understanding water-based lubrication, and his investigations of metallic nanoparticles seek to establish methods of stabilizing particle size at elevated temperatures, an important characteristic in catalytic applications. This research will allow greater insight into the design of artificial human joints and the methods of stabilizing nanoscale catalysts.

B. MONTGOMERY PETTITT
Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Distinguished Professor of Chemistry
Professor, Physics, Computer Science, and Biology and Biochemistry
Director, Institute for Molecular Design
Phone: 713.743.3263
E-mail: pettitt@uh.edu
Web site: http://www.chem.uh.edu/Faculty/Pettitt/ResearchWebpages/INDEX.HTML
B. Montgomery Pettitt's work is applicable to many areas, including rational drug design. He works to bridge the gap between theoretical and experimental approaches to biomolecular structure and function—an area of increasing importance to medicine and industry because advances in computing make it possible to do accurate theoretical and experimental studies of enzymes, nucleic acids, and biomolecular assemblies. His research ranges from physical chemistry governing polar molecules in the liquid state to work aimed at elucidating the fundamental aspects of biomolecular conformational structure and dynamics in solution.

J. WAYNE RABALAIS
Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Professor of Chemistry
Chair, Department of Chemistry
Phone: 713.743.3282
E-mail: rabalais@uh.edu
Web site: http://vnet.nsm.uh.edu/webpages/nsm/homepage/homepage.lasso?155622-961-5=rabalais
J. Wayne Rabalais developed a method of creating ñnanodots,î nanometer size metallic structures, also known as ñquantum dots.î The method involves irradiation by low-energy ions for subplantation into the surface layer of a solid. This breakthrough in nanotechnology opens the door to develop biological nanodots, which are linked to biomolecules to form sensitive probes for identification of specific compounds and to track biological events.

MICHAEL A. REA
Professor, Biology and Biochemistry
Phone: 713.743.2682
E-mail: mrea@uh.edu
Web site: http://vnet.uh.edu/webpages/bio/homepage_bio.lasso?155622-961-5=mrea
Michael Rea studies the neurobiology of behavior, with an emphasis on the mechanism through which the brain’s biological clock organizes behavior into daily rhythms of activity and sleep. Through collaborative research, Rea has developed a method for the construction of ordered networks of defined neurons on modified gold surfaces. This research will be used to understand how individual oscillatory neurons interact to form an integrated biological clock and how this clock communicates with the rest of the brain to coordinate rhythms in physiology and behavior. Dr Rea is also co-founder of VisiGen Biotechnologies, Inc., where he oversees development of a patented, fluorescence-based, single molecule DNA sequencing system.

DEBBIE ROBERTS
Associate Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Phone: 713.743.4281
E-mail: djroberts@uh.edu
Web site: http://www.egr.uh.edu/cive/faculty/roberts/
Debbie Roberts principally studies the anaerobic metabolism of contaminants in soil and water. Her current studies include the development of a biological process for the removal of perchlorate from ion exchange regenerant brines and directly in groundwater. The studies include engineering as well as microbial ecology research. She also is investigating and developing a model that can predict the fate of synthetic drilling mud base fluids (SBF) in deep Gulf of Mexico sediments. This study, funded by MMS, invesitgates the microbial ecology rates and pathways of anaerobic degradation of SBF using deep Gulf sediments incubated at 4C and under pressure.

PAUL RUCHHOEFT
Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Phone: 713.743.4485
E-mail: pruchhoeft@uh.edu
Web site: http://www.egr.uh.edu/ece/faculty/ruchhoeft/
Paul Ruchhoeft's research is focused on the development of a manufacturing system for fabricating large-area periodic nanostructures using ion beam proximity lithography. His current projects include fabricating large-area water filtration membranes with well-defined pore structure and geometry and infrared filters for thermophotovoltaic energy conversion. He is also collaborating with Professors Vincent Donnelly and Demetre Ecomonou by fabricating orderly arrays of sub-micron sized ion-focusing lenses used in “nano-pantography.”

DONNA STOKES
Assistant Professor, Physics
Phone: 713.743.3588
E-mail: dstokes@uh.edu
Donna Stokes studies materials properties of semiconductors for development of novel infrared detectors and lasers. Her current research includes structural, optical, and electrical analysis of self-assembled nanostructures in type-II semiconducting detectors for chemical and biological sensing in the infrared region; isoelectronic co-doping of GaP for white light sources; iron disilicide for light-emitting diodes for communications applications; and molecular beam epitaxial-grown nanomagnetic materials for information and data storage applications.

PETER G. VEKILOV
Associate Professor, Chemical Engineering
Phone: 713.743.4315
E-mail: peter.vekilov@mail.uh.edu
Web site: http://www.chee.uh.edu/faculty/vekilov/
Peter G. Vekilov studies phase transitions in protein solutions, and has recently disproved some long-standing theories about the basic principles that drive nucleation. His work, which includes the formation of liquid and solid, ordered, and disordered phases of native or of partially misfolded protein molecules. This work has important significance to the proper understanding of several major diseases, such as sickle cell anemia and Alzheimer’s disease.

RICHARD WILLSON
Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering
Phone: 713.743.4308
E-mail: willson@uh.edu
Dr. Willson's research focuses on nanostructured adsorbents for protein and DNA separation and analysis. Ordinary adsorbents (e.g., ion exchangers) are randomly derivitized with functional groups (e.g., charges), sprinkled over their surface area. This produces extensive heterogeneity, in that there are some places where several charges are close together, and many where a smaller number are clustered. So the binding properties are heterogeneous, and the selectivity for purification (e.g., of protein pharmaceuticals) or analysis (e.g., proteomics) is inherently limited. This group is controlling the distribution of charges on a nm scale by immobilizing groups of charges all at once as nanoclusters. This reduces the heterogeneity of adsorption, and confers interesting new specificity for proteins displaying clusters of charges on their surfaces. We are now also exploring nanocluster metal-chelates for DNA/RNA separations.
This group is also studying nanoscale optical labels for DNA, antibodies and cellular structures. They are making detectable, high-information content physical labels for use in diagnostics, DNA chips, and parallel, high-information content drug screening. These labels are synthesized in a collaborative project with the Prof. Paul Ruchhoeft of the UH Department of Electrical Engineering, using massively-parallel helium ion beams patterned using stencil masks, with characteristic feature sizes near 100 nm.

JOHN C. WOLFE
Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Phone: 713.743.4481
E-mail: wolfe@uh.edu
Web site: http://www.egr.uh.edu/ece/faculty/wolfe/
John C. Wolfe is the director of the Nanosystem Manufacturing Center that combines core strengths in nanofabrication and charged particle systems to address the manufacturing needs of the emerging applications of nanotechnology in energy conversion, water purification, and nanomagnetic systems (see below). We are developing, in this context, a novel printing technology that uses atoms, like ink, to transfer a stencil pattern to a surface. It has the very high throughput needed for manufacturing and an ultimate resolution near 2nm. About fifty times smaller than the finest feature in integrated circuits today, these tiny features are needed at the interface between integrated circuits and the molecular world.

DAVID ZIMMERMAN
Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Phone: 713.743.4520
E-mail: dzimmerman@uh.edu
Web site: http://www.egr.uh.edu/me/faculty/zimmerman/
David Zimmerman studies modeling and measurement of dynamic response of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), an emerging technology having potential application in military, environmental, medical, and industrial applications. Though the MEMS concept has been known for more than twenty years, the commercialization of MEMS technology has not progressed as fast as IC chip technology. He is particularly interested in evaluating the quality of manufacturing of the MEMS device using its' dynamic response. He also studies the mechanical characterization of carbon nanotube composite materials.