RESEARCH INTERESTS
- Alternative Fuel: Process optimization
for fuel extraction from Algae. Development of an algae-based biofuel
production system for household applications.
- Biomimicking: Development of
bio-smart materials, with macro-, micro-and nano-level mechanical
interlocking schemes. Columnar and layered geometries of composites made
of thick minerals separated by thin organic interlayer films.
- Robotic Construction: Automated
construction using bio-mimicked materials; Use of robotics in the
construction of structures via rapid prototyping techniques. Mimicking layered
structures of naturally tough materials such as nacre in the fabrication
of bio-smart buildings.
- MEMS: Fabrication of MEMS
structures for mechanical, electrical and biomedical applications
including cantilevers for cancer cell detection; Reliability and
durability of MEMS structures including mechanical characterization
(monotonic and cyclic loading) of metallic and non-metallic MEMS
components in ambient and aggressive environments.
- BioMEMS, Synthesis and
characterization of bio-compatible thin films and coatings for biomedical
applications such as implants. Texturing biomaterial surfaces on
micro-scale and nanoscale using femto-second lasers and focused ion beam
microscopy for study of cell/surface adhesion, contact guidance, and scar
tissue formation. Cancer cell detection by MEMS cantilevers using
functionalized surfaces of microcantilevers.
- Nanotechnology, Processing and
characterization of nano-structured materials and nano-size structures
including the fabrication of nanofins for optical, mechanical,
microfluidic, and biomedical applications. Fabrication and
characterization of nano-size hollow structures for use in MEMS and
BioMEMS.
- Thin films,
surface and interfacial processes that govern the behavior of solid thin films.
Atomistic and nano-scale mechanisms that influence the structure and
properties of surfaces and thin films at various stages of film growth.
Application of knowledge of surfaces and thin film processes to the areas
of microsystems (MEMS), Bio-MEMS, nano-structures; Fatigue and fracture of
thin structures.