Biomaterials Related Research
The Knowton Research Group is conducting experiments in several areas related to biomaterials:
DNA Nanostructures
Image of a DNA Nanotube
Headed by Prof. Bernie Yurke and in collaboration with Professors Will Hughes, Wan Kuang, Jeunghoon Lee and Bill Knowlton, DNA is being used to engineer nanostructures for biomolecular sensor and device applications.
Nanomechanical Properties of Biomaterials
We are investigating the ultrastructure and nanomechanical properties of biomoterials using scanning probe microscopy. Primarily, we study the extracellular matrix of cartilage on the nanometer scale. In particular, we are interested in the nanomechanical aspects and ultrastructure of the extracellular matrix. We collaborate with Professor Julie Oxford's research group. We have established the Biomaterials Laboratory to synthesize biomaterials.
Molecular Electronics
Research Staff:
Students:
Graduate Students:
Undergraduate Students:
- Jason Brotherton (MSE, Summer 2006)
- Jonathan Henderson (MSE, Summer 2006)
- Ross Butler (ECE, Summer 2006)
- Amber Cox (MSE, Spring 2008)
- Davis Daniel (MSE, Spring 2008)
- Stephanie Barnes (MSE, Spring 2008)
- Dave Schenker (ME, Spring 2008)
Senior Design Teams:
- 2007 ECE: Dave Estrada, Antonio Oblea, and Curtis Perkins
- 2008 ECE: Hieu Bui and Dency Daniels
Collaboration:
- Prof. Bernie Yurke (Materials Science & Engineering and Electrical & Computer Engineering)
- Prof. Will Hughes (Materials Science & Engineering)
- Prof. A.J. Moll (Materials Science & Engineering)
- Prof. Wan Kuang (Electrical & Computer Engineering)
- Prof. Jeunghoon Lee (Chemistry)
- Prof. Julie Oxford (Biology)
- Prof. J. Callahan (Materials Science & Engineering)
- Prof. C. Jorcyk (Biology)
Funding:
- DARPA
- NIH INBRE
- NIH/NCRR BRIN 2003 Seed Award Program
- *Idaho BRIN Undergraduate Summer Fellowship Program (NCRR- NIH program)
- NIH/NCRR BRIN Faculty Development Award Program (NIH/NCRR P20 RR16454)