Abstract: While the biomedical importance of detecting cellular heterogeneity is widely accepted, we lack tools for detection of the vast majority of molecular heterogeneity, as expressed in proteins. In fact, oncoproteins and their proteoforms are implicated in tumor progression, metastasis, and drug resistance across different cancer types. Yet, a severely limited set of isoforms are even detectable, with single-cell resolution. A next-generation of cancer subtype classification tools that include protein isoforms are urgently needed.

Immunoassays are the de facto standard for direct measurement of endogenous, unmodified oncoproteins, including use of immunohistochemistry (IHC) in tissue analysis. Unfortunately, immunoassays lack the specificity needed for quantitation and even detection of important proteins, including truncated cancer isoforms like those of HER2 (t-erbB2).

We introduce a suite of high-specificity, protein analysis tools – with single-cell and sub-cellular resolution – that a profile protein isoform expression. The precision microfluidic tools are designed to augment classic IHC and single-cell genomics and transcriptomics – shedding light on ‘blind spots’ in pathology.

We will describe microfluidic systems engineered for precise cellular and molecular manipulation and measurement, centered around a single-cell immunoblotting (native, western, complexes, and isoelectric focusing). We discuss new strategies for sample preparation and imparting molecular selectivity, including through key physicochemical properties. Integration of standards to quantify and control technical variation will be presented, as both analytical variability (lack of isoform-specific antibody probes) and biological variability (small cell subpopulations diluted in bulk analysis) can render oncoproteins undetectable. We detail the important role of thermodynamic partitioning of immunoprobe into an immunoassay scaffold, and informed design of new hydrogel metrology tools and materials to overcome transport limitations.

We see refined taxonomies that include both cellular and molecular heterogeneity as essential to underpinning needed advances in cancer diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Bio: Amy E. Herr received a BS degree in Engineering & Applied Science from the California Institute of Technology and MS and PhD degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University, where she was an NSF Graduate Research Fellow. She is currently Professor of Bioengineering at the University of California, Berkeley and a Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Investigator. Until 2020, she held an appointment as the Lester John & Lynne Dewar Lloyd Distinguished Professor. Prior to joining UC Berkeley, she was a staff member in the Biosystems Research Group at Sandia National Laboratories. Her research interests include bioinstrumentation innovation to advance quantitation in the biosciences & biomedicine, in particular the study and application of electrokinetic phenomena in single-cell and sub-cellular analyses. Her pedagogical interests are in bioengineering design and transport. Prof. Herr is an elected Fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering and an elected member of the National Academy of Inventors. She is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the NSF CAREER award, NIH New Innovator Award, Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship, and DARPA Young Faculty Award.

Wei Gao - Assistant Professor of Medical Engineering
Division of Engineering & Applied Science, California Institute of Technology

Abstract: The rising research interest in personalized medicine promises to revolutionize traditional medical practices. This presents a tremendous opportunity for developing wearable devices toward predictive analytics and treatment. In this talk, I will introduce our recent advances in developing fully-integrated skin-interfaced flexible biosensors for non-invasive molecular analysis. Such wearable biosensors can continuously, selectively, and accurately measure a wide spectrum of sweat analytes including metabolites, electrolytes, hormones, drugs, and other small molecules. These devices also allow us to gain real-time insight into the sweat secretion and gland physiology. The clinical value of our wearable sensing platforms is evaluated through multiple human studies involving both healthy and patient populations toward physiological monitoring, disease diagnosis, and drug monitoring. This talk will also feature our very recent works on laser-engraved lab on the skin and biofuel powered battery-free electronic skin toward metabolic/nutritional management as well as dynamic stress monitoring. These wearable and flexible devices could open the door to a wide range of personalized monitoring, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications.

Bio: Wei Gao is an Assistant Professor of Medical Engineering in the Division of Engineering and Applied Science at the California Institute of Technology. He received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at University of California, San Diego in 2014 as a Jacobs Fellow and HHMI International Student Research Fellow. In 2014-2017, he was a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences at the University of California, Berkeley. He is a recipient of IEEE EMBS Early Career Achievement Award, IEEE Sensor Council Technical Achievement Award, Sensors Young Investigator Award, MIT Technology Review 35 Innovators Under 35 (TR35) and ACS Young Investigator Award (Division of Inorganic Chemistry). He is a World Economic Forum Young Scientist (Class of 2020) and a member of Global Young Academy (Class of 2019). His research interests include wearable devices, biosensors, flexible electronics, micro/nanorobotics, and nanomedicine. For more information about Gao’s research, visit  www.gao.caltech.edu/.

Hosted by: Professor W. Hong Yeo; Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Tech

Hitesh Handa, Assistant Professor
School of Chemical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering
University of Georgia

Abstract: Blood/material interaction is critical to the success of implantable medical devices, ranging from simple catheters, stents and grafts, to complex extracorporeal artificial organs which are used in thousands of patients every day.  There are two major limiting factors to clinical application of blood contacting materials: 1) platelet activation leading to thrombosis, and 2) infection.  Despite a thorough understanding of the mechanisms of blood–surface interactions, and decades of bioengineering research effort, the ideal non-thrombogenic prosthetic surface remains an unsolved problem.  One approach to improving the hemocompatibility of blood-contacting devices is to develop materials that release nitric oxide (NO), a known potent inhibitor of platelet adhesion/activation and also an antimicrobial agent.  Healthy endothelial cells exhibit a NO flux of 0.5-4x10^-10 mol cm^-2 min^-1, and materials that mimic this NO release are expected to have similar anti-thrombotic properties.  The potential of incorporating NO donor molecules such as S-nitrosothiols (RSNOs) into various polymers, and their hemocompatibility and antibacterial properties in short-term (4 h) and long-term (9 d) animal models will be discussed

Bio: Dr. Hitesh Handa is a faculty member in the School of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Georgia.  Dr. Handa's area of focus is in translational research for development of medical device coatings, wound healing materials, therapeutic nanoparticles, and microfluidic artificial lungs.   This work in designing innovative materials and testing them in animal models has resulted in over 70 publications and 12 patent applications.  Hitesh’s work has been funded by NIH, CDC, Department of Veteran Affairs, US Army, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Geneva Foundation, and industrial grants. Hitesh is also the founder of inNOveta Biomedical LLC which is exploring possibilities of using nitric oxide releasing materials for medical applications. With his experience in biomolecular interactions, materials/surface science, polymeric coatings, blood-surface interactions and animal models, his goal is to bridge the gap between the engineers and clinical researchers in the field of biocompatible materials.

Dr. Sourav Banerjee | Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of South Carolina

July 23, 2020 | 11AM EST | The Cyber

Abstract: Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are gradually transforming at the interface of biology for multiple novel applications in the future. Integrated Material Assessment and Predictive Simulation Laboratory (i-MAPS) at the University of South Carolina (UofSC) has significant thrust on acoustical biomimetic for various applications. The approach is primarily based on observation, modeling and fabrication. All applications are derived from natural acoustic processes that we tend to ignore but naturally developed in the mammalian body. Through observation of the mechanism, understanding of the physics is derived from modified optimized physics-based models. Upon confirmation, the systems are fabricated for testing and validation. a) Inspired by the human cochlea, which is a magnificent acoustic device, an artificial basilar membrane is fabricated for potential use as mechanical Fourier Transformer. The device has potential applications in artificial hearing aids and artificial hearing devices for efficient human-robot interactions in the future. b) Natural transport of medicine and molecules through blood-brain-barrier (BBB) is challenging, however, with the aid of acoustical perturbation it is found to have increased absorption. Through understanding the physical mechanism acoustically aided artificial BBB are researched with neural experiments in acoustically aided microfluidic system. c) The lab-on-a-chip devices are very effective in sensing different mechanical and physical parameters related to biosensing, irrespective of their field of application, but has noticeable limitations. The limitation comes mostly from the demands posed by the users in a simultaneous sensing and the actuation environment, employing mutually exclusive physics and mechanisms. To overcome such limitations, acoustic waves devices are proposed for both sensing and actuation in a single platform simultaneously. The physics of surface acoustic wave (SAW) is one valuable physics used in MEMS that gives SAW devices to cover a wide range of applications such as filters, oscillators, transformers, sensors and actuators for biosensing.

Bio: Dr. Sourav Banerjee is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at University of South Carolina (UofSC). Before joining UofSC Dr. Banerjee served as Senior Research Scientist and then Director of Product Development in Acellent Technologies Inc. during 2008 and 2011. Dr. Banerjee’s research is focused on Ultrasonic and Acoustic waves while catering to multiple fields including ultrasonic wave based biomedical device applications. He serves in the editorial board of Scientific Reports published by Nature Publishing Group, International Aeronautics Journal, International Journal of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering. Dr. Banerjee also serve as an advisory board member of the Journal of Nondestructive Evaluation, Diagnostics and Prognostics of Engineering Systems, published by ASME. He has numerous research and teaching awards such as Achenbach Medal, 2010, Michael J. Mungo Award 2017, SHM person of the year award (2019) etc. for his contribution. Dr. Banerjee received Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics and Applied Mathematics from University of Arizona, Tucson, USA in 2005.

https://tinyurl.com/saws2020

M.G. Finn, Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry; Georgia Institute of Technology

"Spring 2020 NanoFANS (Focusing on Advanced Nanobio- Systems) program will be offered in a weekly webinar format during the month of May. The focus of this event will be “Nanotechnology in Infectious Diseases (Diagnostics/Therapeutics).”

In the current global pandemic situation, infectious diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with viruses such as, ebola, SARS-Cov, SARS-Cov-2 in particular, making global impact on healthcare and socio-economic development. The rapid development of drug resistance to currently available therapies and associated side effects leads to serious public health concern; hence, devising novel treatment strategies is of paramount importance. The application of nanotechnology in infectious diseases is fast-revolutionizing the biomedical field and the healthcare sector and has a potential to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases."

Abstract: Virus detection and immunization both require exquisite molecular recognition of virus-specific structures. Achieving such recognition is one of the chief functions of the immune system. Over the past three months, we have asked the mouse immune system to accomplish this, in a straightforward but intense series of experiments focused on the obvious coronavirus target: the “spike” protein that the pathogen uses to interact with and invade human cells. The general approach, platform design and manufacture, and current results will be described, along with a discussion of where we and others may go next in the rapid development of SARS-nCoV-2 detection and therapy.

Bio: M.G. Finn received his Ph.D. degree in 1986 from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology working with Prof. K.B. Sharpless, followed by an NIH postdoctoral fellowship with Prof. J.P. Collman at Stanford University. He joined the faculty of the University of Virginia in 1988, where his group studied and developed a variety of transition metal-
mediated processes. Prof. Finn moved to the Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology at The Scripps Research Institute in 1998, and then to the School of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the School of Biology at Georgia Tech in 2013. His current interests include the use of virus particles as molecular and catalytic building blocks for vaccine and functional materials development, the discovery of click reactions for organic and materials synthesis, polyvalent interactions in drug targeting, and the use of evolution for the discovery of chemical function. He was the first recipient of the annual Scripps Outstanding Mentor Award, and is Editor-in- Chief of the journal ACS Combinatorial Science.

Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/nanofanswebinar

Event Address: Webinar link will be sent to all those registered prior to the event

Paul Joseph, Ph.D., Georgia Institute of Technology

The Southeastern Nanotechnology Infrastructure Corridor (SENIC) housed at the Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology at Georgia Tech is hosting a series of online technical seminars, from 11am - 12pm, open to the academic and industrial community with an interest in cleanroom fabrication and processing for materials, biological, and electronics research.

We invite you to join us at any of the lectures  by registering at the link at the bottom of the page. On the registration form, please check the seminars for which you are interested (you are not limited in the number) so that appropriate accompanying materials, if needed, are prepared.

Abstract: Soft lithography (SL) refers to a family of techniques for fabricating or replicating structures using elastomeric stamps, molds, and conformable photomasks. Fabrication of microfluidic devices by SL is the most popular approach due to simplicity and low cost. In this approach PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) is cast on a SU-8 master mold to generate elastomeric stamps that are then sealed against glass slides using oxygen plasma. SL plays a vital role in microfluidics, ranging from simple channel fabrication with inlet/outlet to the creation of micropatterns onto a substrate surface. SL includes a collection of fabrication methods that are all based on using an elastomeric (or PDMS) stamp. These methods with reference to Microfluidics device fabrication (µDF), Replica Molding (REM), Micro-contact printing (µCP), Micro-transfer molding (µTM), and Micro-molding in capillaries (MIMIC) will be presented. The goal for this presentation is to impart a basic understanding of soft lithography for microfluidic applications as practiced in academia and industry.

Bio: Paul J Joseph received his PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Madras, India in 1997. From 1997 to 2000, he was a Visiting Scientist for the National Science Council of Taiwan at the National Tsing Hua University. From 2001, he was a Research faculty at the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA. His research focused towards the development of new sacrificial polymeric materials and its application in the field of Microelectronics, Microfluidics, and Microelectromechanical Systems. Dr. Joseph is currently a Principal Research Scientist and is also serving as an external user coordinator at the GT-Institute for Electronics & Nanotechnology and his current research interests are in Nano-biotechnology, Bio- MEMS, Microfluidics, and Biosensors’ application as Diagnostics and Detection Systems. Dr. Joseph’s original research work overall resulted in 85 publications, reports, conference presentations, trade publications, and 7 awarded US and international patents.

Join the Online Event April 29^th at this Link: https://bluejeans.com/205120439

Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/IENexperts2

The other events are below....

May 7:     "Elionix ELS-G100 100 kV Electron Beam Lithography System – Enabling Nanotechnology" 

May 14:   "Photolithography at GT-IEN: An Overview of Processes and Equipment"

May 21:    "Laser Micromachining at GT-IEN"
May 28:    "Etching at GT-IEN: A Review of Processes and Equipment"

Devin K. Brown, Georgia Institute of Technology

Hang Chen, Ph.D., Georgia Tech Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology (GT-IEN)

"The Southeastern Nanotechnology Infrastructure Corridor (SENIC) housed at the Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology at Georgia Tech is hosting a series of online technical seminars, from 11am - 12pm, open to the academic and industrial community with an interest in cleanroom fabrication and processing for materials, biological, and electronics research.

We invite you to join us at any of the lectures  by registering at the link at the bottom of the page. On the registration form, please check the seminars for which you are interested (you are not limited in the number) so that appropriate accompanying materials, if needed, are prepared."

Abstract: Photolithography has always been the most important technique in microelectronics fabrication. It uses light to transfer a geometric pattern from a photomask (also called an optical mask) to a photosensitive (that is, light-sensitive) chemical photoresist on the substrate, or it can be directly written with a UV-laser equipment. It provides precise control of the shape and size of the objects it creates and can create patterns over an entire surface cost-effectively. The Georgia Tech Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology (IEN) cleanroom provides various types of photolithography equipment to satisfy different processing needs. Each tool has its own unique characteristics and serves different purposes. In this seminar, a brief introduction to the equipment and patterning capabilities of the IEN will be presented. Common processing issues related to photolithography will also be discussed.

Bio: Dr. Hang Chen received his bachelor and master degrees in chemistry from Fudan University in Shanghai, China.  He obtained his doctorate, also in chemistry, from Georgia Tech in 2005 and was a post-doc at the Nanotechnology Research Center before joining the IEN as a Research Scientist in 2008. Currently, he is the process support manager at IEN. His research interests include chemically sensitive field-effect transistors, MEMS-CMOS device integration, and organic electronics. 

Join the Online Event May 14^th at this Link: https://bluejeans.com/883593994

Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/IENexperts2

The other events are below....

May 21:    "Laser Micromachining at GT-IEN"

May 28:    "Etching at GT-IEN: A Review of Processes and Equipment"

Richard Shafer, Georgia Tech Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology (GT-IEN)

"The Southeastern Nanotechnology Infrastructure Corridor (SENIC) housed at the Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology at Georgia Tech is hosting a series of online technical seminars, from 11am - 12pm, open to the academic and industrial community with an interest in cleanroom fabrication and processing for materials, biological, and electronics research.

We invite you to join us at any of the lectures  by registering at the link at the bottom of the page. On the registration form, please check the seminars for which you are interested (you are not limited in the number) so that appropriate accompanying materials, if needed, are prepared."

Abstract: The Institute of Electronics and Nanotechnology (IEN) Laser Micro-machining Laboratory has been in operation since 2014. The mission of the laser micro-machining laboratory is to provide the capability to laser machine parts to researchers from academic, industry and government agencies at an affordable rate. Come learn about what services the IEN micro-machining laboratory offers including, Nd:Ylf laser machining, deep ultraviolet (DUV) laser ablation, RF-excited CO2 laser machining and a new Femtosecond Laser Micromachining System . The lab houses laser cutting machines that operate at several wavelengths to allow machining on a broad spectrum of materials and also offers an Areosol Jet Printer that allows the printing of ink onto various substrates down to 10um line widths.

Bio: Richard Shafer was born in Bloomfield, New Jersey on August 6, 1952. He moved to Lexington, KY, in 1958 when his father took a position at the newly constructed IBM plant in Lexington. Richard studied Electrical Engineering at the University of Kentucky, and afterword’s worked in various fields. Shafer came to Georgia Tech in 1999 to work in the MSE department on an improved electron emitter source for deep space ion engines. He worked along with the JPL on a part of an ion engine for the Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter (JIMO) project. When Richard started working with Dr. Mark Allen in 2005 as a lab manager, part of his responsibilities were to run the laser micromachining operations that were commissioned to make MEMS devices. In 2015, the laser micromachining equipment became part of the shared facilities at the IEN. Mr. Shafer manages the Laser Micromachining Lab and external labs in room 148 of the Petit Building. Richard has his name on+ 12 published papers and over 50 acknowledgments of his work and assistance in other researcher’s publications.

Join the Online Event May 21^st at this Link: https://bluejeans.com/163726384

Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/IENexperts2

The other events are below....

May 28:    "Etching at GT-IEN: A Review of Processes and Equipment"

Mikkel Thomas, Ph.D., Georgia Tech Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology (GT-IEN)

"The Southeastern Nanotechnology Infrastructure Corridor (SENIC) housed at the Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology at Georgia Tech is hosting a series of online technical seminars, from 11am - 12pm, open to the academic and industrial community with an interest in cleanroom fabrication and processing for materials, biological, and electronics research.

We invite you to join us at any of the lectures  by registering at the link at the bottom of the page. On the registration form, please check the seminars for which you are interested (you are not limited in the number) so that appropriate accompanying materials, if needed, are prepared."

Abstract: Etching is one of the fundamental building blocks of microelectronic fabrication. Removing material through chemical or physical means is an essential skill found in most microelectronics laboratories. The Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology (IEN) at Georgia Tech offers a wide variety of tools and technologies to etch materials during a multitude of fabrication processes. Tools range from typical plasma enhanced etchers to vapor based etchers. With 15+ etch tools in the facility, IEN staff has the flexibility to configure each tool with a different selection of gases, which enables different etch capabilities and allow the IEN to segregate processes within the facility. In this seminar, a brief introduction to the tools and technologies available in the IEN cleanrooms will be presented. Common etching issues and concerns will also be discussed.

Bio: Dr. Mikkel Thomas has worked for the Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology since 2008. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1997, a Master’s of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1999 and a Ph.D in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Optoelectronics in 2008, all from the Georgia institute of Technology. Prior to his employment at Georgia Tech, Dr. Thomas worked at OptiComp Corporation located in Zephyr Cove, Nevada. His research at the company revolved around the development of a VCSEL based, integrated optical communication system for use in satellites and other aerospace applications. Since arriving at Georgia Tech, in the IEN, Dr. Thomas provides cleanroom processing support to the academic faculty and their graduate students. He also provides processing support and fabrication services for entities not directly affiliated with the institute. He is the current lab instructor for ChBE 4050.

Join the Online Event May 28^st at this Link: https://bluejeans.com/553388236

Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/IENexperts2

Gabe Kwong, Professor of Biomedical Engineering; Georgia Institute of Technology

"Spring 2020 NanoFANS (Focusing on Advanced Nanobio- Systems) program will be offered in a weekly webinar format during the month of May. The focus of this event will be “Nanotechnology in Infectious Diseases (Diagnostics/Therapeutics).”

In the current global pandemic situation, infectious diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with viruses such as, ebola, SARS-Cov, SARS-Cov-2 in particular, making global impact on healthcare and socio-economic development. The rapid development of drug resistance to currently available therapies and associated side effects leads to serious public health concern; hence, devising novel treatment strategies is of paramount importance. The application of nanotechnology in infectious diseases is fast-revolutionizing the biomedical field and the healthcare sector and has a potential to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases."

Abstract: The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has highlighted the importance for rapid testing to track and contain the outbreak of infectious diseases. Current tests rely on RT-qPCR which requires a thermocycler and limits point-of-care (POC) use. POC tests that can amplify signals without specialized instrumentation could be deployed for rapid screening
and reach a broader segment of the population. Here we will highlight strategies for isothermal amplification to allow major classes of biomarkers – including nucleic acids, proteins, and cells – to be detected with minimal sample processing. Central to our strategy is taking advantage of enzymatic turnover, such as with proteases or Cas12a, to amplify detection signals. We aim to adapt these methods with paper-based assays to allow visualization of test results by eye. These strategies are generalization to a broad range of diseases to increase access to POC testing.

Bio: Dr. Kwong is an Associate Professor in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory. His lab pioneers transformative biotechnologies to address frontier clinical challenges in cancer, organ transplant rejection, and infectious diseases. His work has published in leading scientific journals and featured by the media including The Economist, NPR, BBC, and WGBH-2, Boston’s PBS station. Dr. Kwong earned his B.S. with Highest Honors from UC Berkeley, his Ph.D. from Caltech with Professor James R. Heath, and conducted postdoctoral studies at MIT with Professor Sangeeta N. Bhatia. In recognition of his work, Dr. Kwong has been honored with selective distinctions including the Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award and the NIH Director’s New Innovator Award. Dr. Kwong co-founded Glympse Bio in 2015, and holds 20+ issued or pending patents in biomedical technology.

Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/nanofanswebinar

Event Address: Webinar link will be sent to all those registered prior to the event

M.G. Finn, Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry; Georgia Institute of Technology

"Spring 2020 NanoFANS (Focusing on Advanced Nanobio- Systems) program will be offered in a weekly webinar format during the month of May. The focus of this event will be “Nanotechnology in Infectious Diseases (Diagnostics/Therapeutics).”

In the current global pandemic situation, infectious diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with viruses such as, ebola, SARS-Cov, SARS-Cov-2 in particular, making global impact on healthcare and socio-economic development. The rapid development of drug resistance to currently available therapies and associated side effects leads to serious public health concern; hence, devising novel treatment strategies is of paramount importance. The application of nanotechnology in infectious diseases is fast-revolutionizing the biomedical field and the healthcare sector and has a potential to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases."

Abstract: Virus detection and immunization both require exquisite molecular recognition of virus-specific structures. Achieving such recognition is one of the chief functions of the immune system. Over the past three months, we have asked the mouse immune system to accomplish this, in a straightforward but intense series of experiments focused on the obvious coronavirus target: the “spike” protein that the pathogen uses to interact with and invade human cells. The general approach, platform design and manufacture, and current results will be described, along with a discussion of where we and others may go next in the rapid development of SARS-nCoV-2 detection and therapy.

Bio: M.G. Finn received his Ph.D. degree in 1986 from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology working with Prof. K.B. Sharpless, followed by an NIH postdoctoral fellowship with Prof. J.P. Collman at Stanford University. He joined the faculty of the University of Virginia in 1988, where his group studied and developed a variety of transition metal-
mediated processes. Prof. Finn moved to the Department of Chemistry and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology at The Scripps Research Institute in 1998, and then to the School of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the School of Biology at Georgia Tech in 2013. His current interests include the use of virus particles as molecular and catalytic building blocks for vaccine and functional materials development, the discovery of click reactions for organic and materials synthesis, polyvalent interactions in drug targeting, and the use of evolution for the discovery of chemical function. He was the first recipient of the annual Scripps Outstanding Mentor Award, and is Editor-in- Chief of the journal ACS Combinatorial Science.

Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/nanofanswebinar

Event Address: Webinar link will be sent to all those registered prior to the event

Aniruddh Sarkar, Professor of Biomedical Engineering; Georgia Institute of Technology

"Spring 2020 NanoFANS (Focusing on Advanced Nanobio- Systems) program will be offered in a weekly webinar format during the month of May. The focus of this event will be “Nanotechnology in Infectious Diseases (Diagnostics/Therapeutics).”

In the current global pandemic situation, infectious diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with viruses such as, ebola, SARS-Cov, SARS-Cov-2 in particular, making global impact on healthcare and socio-economic development. The rapid development of drug resistance to currently available therapies and associated side effects leads to serious public health concern; hence, devising novel treatment strategies is of paramount importance. The application of nanotechnology in infectious diseases is fast-revolutionizing the biomedical field and the healthcare sector and has a potential to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases."

Abstract: Current worldwide challenges in scaling COVID19 diagnosis underscore the need for developing inexpensive point-of-care diagnostics for infectious diseases. The heterogeneity of the disease – a large number of mild or asymptomatic cases coupled with the rapid degradation in symptoms in some patients – pose a challenge for the healthcare system and emphasize the need for developing predictive biomarkers of disease severity. We are harnessing microscale technology to solve these challenges by developing devices for high-throughput discovery and inexpensive electronic detection of biomarkers. Here, I will present our progress with these approaches – in the context of Tuberculosis and other infectious diseases – and end by outlining our current work in applying them to COVID19 diagnosis and prognostic monitoring.

Bio: Aniruddh Sarkar is an Assistant Professor in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University where he leads the Micro/Nano Bioelectronics Lab. He was earlier a Research Fellow at the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard with research affiliations at Harvard Medical School and
at MIT. His research has evolved around the theme of exploiting unique physical phenomena that occur at the micrometer to nanometer length scales to develop devices and systems for solving various technological problems with a special focus on applications in biology and medicine. His earlier work, with Prof. Galit Alter (MGH/HMS) and Prof. Jongyoon Han (MIT), involved the development and application of microfabricated and nanofabricated devices to further the prevention, diagnosis and therapy of infectious diseases such as Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. He received his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science with a minor in Biology at MIT, developing microfluidic tools for single-cell analysis. He received his bachelors and master’s degrees, both in Electrical Engineering at IIT Bombay.

Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/nanofanswebinar

Event Address: Webinar link will be sent to all those registered prior to the event

Philip Santangelo, Professor of Biomedical Engineering; Georgia Institute of Technology

"Spring 2020 NanoFANS (Focusing on Advanced Nanobio- Systems) program will be offered in a weekly webinar format during the month of May. The focus of this event will be “Nanotechnology in Infectious Diseases (Diagnostics/Therapeutics).”

In the current global pandemic situation, infectious diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with viruses such as, ebola, SARS-Cov, SARS-Cov-2 in particular, making global impact on healthcare and socio-economic development. The rapid development of drug resistance to currently available therapies and associated side effects leads to serious public health concern; hence, devising novel treatment strategies is of paramount importance. The application of nanotechnology in infectious diseases is fast-revolutionizing the biomedical field and the healthcare sector and has a potential to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases."

Abstract: RNA-based drugs for treating influenza and SARS-CoV-2 will be discussed. In particular, I’ll talk about why we make drugs based on synthetic mRNA and why RNA based drugs make sense for treating infections. In addition, I’ll discuss how my lab has been using mRNA-based Cas13 to target and mitigate influenza virus A (IAV) and SARS-CoV-2. I’ll discuss how we have made strides towards a pan-influenza treatment and show significant mitigation of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Last, I’ll talk about how we administer these drugs in vivo and preliminary data demonstrating function.

Bio: Dr. Philip J. Santangelo is a Professor in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering. He graduated from Polytechnic University (NY) in 1991 with a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering. In 1998, he obtained his Ph.D. in Engineering from the University of California at Davis under Dr. Ian Kennedy, on the development of laser-based diagnostics for multiphase reacting jets and droplet streams. Dr. Santangelo followed his Ph.D. with a postdoctoral fellowship at Sandia National Laboratories in Livermore, California under Christopher Shaddix, and a position in industry, at Micron Optics, Inc., in Atlanta, Georgia. Next, Dr. Santangelo returned to academia as a postdoctoral fellow and then as a research faculty member at Georgia Tech under Dr. Gang Bao. In 2007 he started as an Assistant Professor in BME and was promoted with tenure in 2013 to Associate Professor and is a professor currently. Dr. Santangelo’s current research focuses on the development of imaging and detection technology for the study of RNA regulation and the pathogenesis of RNA viruses.

Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/nanofanswebinar

Event Address: Webinar link will be sent to all those registered prior to the event

Susan Thomas, Professor of Mechanical Engineering; Georgia Institute of Technology

"Spring 2020 NanoFANS (Focusing on Advanced Nanobio- Systems) program will be offered in a weekly webinar format during the month of May. The focus of this event will be “Nanotechnology in Infectious Diseases (Diagnostics/Therapeutics).”

In the current global pandemic situation, infectious diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with viruses such as, ebola, SARS-Cov, SARS-Cov-2 in particular, making global impact on healthcare and socio-economic development. The rapid development of drug resistance to currently available therapies and associated side effects leads to serious public health concern; hence, devising novel treatment strategies is of paramount importance. The application of nanotechnology in infectious diseases is fast-revolutionizing the biomedical field and the healthcare sector and has a potential to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases."

Abstract: The transport of fluids, biomolecules and cells to draining lymph nodes is facilitated by the concerted influence of the blood and lymphatic vascular systems. Our efforts to characterize the impact of these transport processes on disease progression, in particular by regulating immunity, as well as to develop novel therapeutic approaches for immunotherapy that mitigate these effects, will be described.

Bio: Susan Napier Thomas, Ph.D. holds the Woodruff Professorship and is an Associate Professor with tenure of Mechanical Engineering in the Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience at the Georgia Institute of Technology where she holds adjunct appointments in Biomedical Engineering and Biological Science and is a member of the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University. Prior to this appointment, she was a Whitaker postdoctoral scholar at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (one of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology) and received her B.S. in Chemical Engineering with an emphasis in Bioengineering cum laude from the University of California Los Angeles and her Ph.D. in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Department as a NSF Graduate Research Fellow from The Johns Hopkins University. For her contributions to the emerging field of immunoengineering, she has been honored with the 2018 Young Investigator Award from the Society for Biomaterials for "outstanding achievements in the field of biomaterials research" and the 2013 Rita Schaffer Young Investigator Award from the Biomedical Engineering Society "in recognition of high level of originality and ingenuity in a scientific work in biomedical engineering." Her interdisciplinary research program is supported by multiple awards on which she serves as PI from the National Cancer Institute, the Department of Defense, the National Science Foundation, and the Susan G. Komen Foundation, amongst others.

Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/nanofanswebinar

Event Address: Webinar link will be sent to all those registered prior to the event

Paul Joseph, Ph.D., Georgia Institute of Technology

The Southeastern Nanotechnology Infrastructure Corridor (SENIC) housed at the Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology at Georgia Tech is hosting a series of online technical seminars, from 11am - 12pm, open to the academic and industrial community with an interest in cleanroom fabrication and processing for materials, biological, and electronics research.

We invite you to join us at any of the lectures by registering at the link at the bottom of the page. On the registration form, please check the seminars for which you are interested (you are not limited in the number) so that appropriate accompanying materials, if needed, are prepared.

Abstract: The Southeastern Nanotechnology Infrastructure Corridor (SENIC) is one of 16 members of the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI), a network of academic user facilities serving the needs of nanoscale science, engineering, and technology by providing state-of-the-art equipment, staff expertise, and training resources. SENIC assists researchers with a broad range of micro and nanofabrication and characterization projects, such as nanostructures, nanoelectronics, MEMS, biological/chemical sensors and systems, biomaterials, photonics, materials growth and synthesis. This 30-minute webinar will provide an overview of NNCI and SENIC with a discussion of shared lab resources, external user services, and education/training programs followed by Q & A.  

Bio: Paul J Joseph received his PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Madras, India in 1997. From 1997 to 2000, he was a Visiting Scientist for the National Science Council of Taiwan at the National Tsing Hua University. From 2001, he was a Research faculty at the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA. His research focused towards the development of new sacrificial polymeric materials and its application in the field of Microelectronics, Microfluidics, and Microelectromechanical Systems. Dr. Joseph is currently a Principal Research Scientist and is also serving as an external user coordinator at the GT-Institute for Electronics & Nanotechnology and his current research interests are in Nano-biotechnology, Bio- MEMS, Microfluidics, and Biosensors’ application as Diagnostics and Detection Systems. Dr. Joseph’s original research work overall resulted in 85 publications, reports, conference presentations, trade publications, and 7 awarded US and international patents.

Join the Online Event April 22^nd at this link: https://bluejeans.com/283995794

Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/IENExperts

The other events are below....

April 29:   "Soft Lithography Methods of Fabrication"

May 7:     "Elionix ELS-G100 100 kV Electron Beam Lithography System – Enabling Nanotechnology" 

May 14:   "Photolithography at GT-IEN: An Overview of Processes and Equipment"

May 21:    "Laser Micromachining at GT-IEN"
May 28:    "Etching at GT-IEN: A Review of Processes and Equipment"

The Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology (IEN) at Georgia Tech will offer a short course on micro-fabrication from March 16th - 18th, 2020. This in tensive 3 day short course combines classroom lectures and laboratory based hands-on fabrication in the IEN cleanroom. The goal of the course is to impart a basic understanding of the science and technology of micro-fabrication processes as used in academia and industry.

This short course will cover essential micro-fabrication techniques including, photolithography, thin film deposition, etching, packaging, and characterization. Attendees will gain valuable experience by fabricating simple devices in one of the most advanced uni versity cleanrooms in North America.

Attendance is open to the general technical community and is not limited to current Georgia Tech students or IEN users. Anyone interested in cleanroom fabrication techniques is strongly encouraged to attend this course. The course is suitable for both new and experienced researchers interested in micro-fabrication techniques and applications.

A course emphasis will be placed on IEN cleanroom resources, however, the concepts and techniques discussed are applicable to a broad array of research in this field.

Rates: *Rates include lunches on all days*

• Georgia Tech Rate: $200
• Academic and Government Rate: $400
• Industry Rate: $800

Due to the nature of the lab portion of the course, registration has a maximum of 15 participants. Registration and full payment MUST be completed online by March the 11th at 4PM EST, 2020: NO EXCEPTIONS. No one will be allowed to register or pay on-site.

Read the Course Agenda and Register Here
https://tinyurl.com/mfab2020

Abstract: Bulk optical materials like glasses and semiconductors (for infrared appli-cations) have continuous translational symmetry on the scale of the design wavelength, and hence support a continuum of allowed modes with frequency dependent optical constants dictated by the material dispersion relationship. Much of the recent progress in optical materials has been driven by periodic structuring of materials on finer and finer scales relative to the design wave-length. Recently metasurface optics employing planar plasmonic structures ar-rayed in a two-dimensional (2D) array to affect beam steering and lensing were reported. Subsequent analysis of the physical mechanisms at play revealed that such a planar system has a maximum theoretical efficiency of 25%. The analysis further showed that by enabling current flow in the third dimension, the direction of travel through the lens, this restriction could be lifted.

In this seminar, I will discuss our recent work on fabrication and characterization of 3D meta-films, suspended structures with sub-wavelength structuring along all three dimensions and a total thickness of < 4-μm. The struc-tures are fabricated on ~ 1-μm thick silicon nitride membranes using a new CMOS compatible membrane pro-jection lithography (MPL) approach. Elimination of the bulk substrate allows us to collect almost all the transmit-ted and reflected light from the sample and simplifies modeling and design. The response of these 3D meta-films possesses features characteristic of the metallic meta-atoms as well as slab photonic crystal resonances resulting from the periodic unit cell array, the nitride walls and support membrane. I will outline the fabrication sequence and present measured infrared transmission characterization of 3D unit cells with vertically oriented elliptical plasmonic inclusions in the unit cell. Furthermore, we demonstrate control over the coupling between the plasmonic modes of the metallic inclusion and photonic crystal slab modes of the support matrix by adjusting the dimensions of the inclusions. The ability to control the coupling between the unit cell decoration and the unit cell matrix while also allowing for current flow in all three dimensions offers a powerful new design element for next generation optical elements.

Bio: Bruce Burckel received his BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Mexico in 1993, at which point he was evenly split between attending graduate school, medical school or law school. Graduate school won out, probably costing him millions of dollars in lifetime earnings, but he is only mildly bitter about this. He received his MS (1995 – optical non-contact temperature measurement) and PhD (2004 – generalized transverse Bragg waveguiding) also from the University of New Mexico, separated by a stint contemplating a software start-up, studying control system theory, designing space-based relay mirror telescopes and studying atmospheric propagation for high power laser applications. Although his PhD was centered on photonic applications of interferometric lithography at the micro and nano-scale, he secured a Post-Doctoral position in an inorganic chemistry lab studying self-assembled nanocomposite coatings. He is currently a Principal Member of the Technical Staff at Sandia National Laboratories, where he leads several efforts in micron-scale 3D fabrication and structured electromagnetics. He is frequently found counseling students on the importance of career planning, as well as studying for the LCAT in local coffee shops.

If you wish to meet with the speaker, please contact Tianren Fan at: tianren.fan@gatech.edu.

Speaker: Sung Jin Park, Ph.D. - Assistant Professor, Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering; Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University School of Medicine

Abstract: The cellular phenotypes caused by inherited arrhythmia mutations have been studied using human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). However, arrhythmias are the emergent properties of cells assembled into tissues, and the impact of these mutations on tissue-level properties of human myocardium has not been reported. In this talk, I will present an in vitro hiPSC-CM-based platform to study the tissue-level properties of engineered human myocardium. I will illustrate how this hiPSCCM- based platform can be used to investigate pathogenic mechanisms in the deadly, exercise-triggered inherited arrhythmia catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). In addition, I will show how we combined this novel platform with genome editing and identified new therapeutic target for CPVT.

Lunch Provided at 1pm
RSVP link: https://forms.gle/5VV1PzeduPaUBEKg8

BlueJeans: https://bluejeans.com/870397059
 

Jeremy V. Golden, General Manager, KemLab
October 29, 2019 | 12pm - 1pm

In Engineering & Lithography Fun - Practical Problem Solving, KemLab present several real & practical issues our customers encounter in the field of engineering & lithography.
Some examples to be covered:

• Lift-Off application
• Adhesion on substrates
• Photoresist Design

Bio: Mr. Golden is the General Manager of KemLab, responsible for day to day operations, including product development, manufacturing and QC, with particular focus on collaborative initiatives for new products. He is a senior engineering and applications technologist in the field of photo sensitive chemistries used in the microelectronics industry. He has over 20 years of experience in the disciplines of manufacturing, QC and product applications development for these specialty chemicals. Mr. Golden also holds publications in customer applications of these photoresist products developed. Since starting KemLab in 2012, several products have been developed and commercialized, including photoresists for MEMS, Packaging, Lift-off, and image reversal. Mr. Golden has degrees in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, and an MBA with concentration in entrepreneurship.

Pizza Lunch Provided with Prior Registration

Register now at
https://tinyurl.com/KemLitho

Use of company name or logo does not constitute an endorsement by the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Microfluidics & International Research Collaborations --Shuichi Takayama
This seminars-plus-lunch program aims to catalyze scientific and cultural exchange between Georgia Tech students and 12 visiting undergrads from Japan. It will also provide GaTech students a brief preview of a planned international exchange program for summer 2020 and beyond. My presentation will start with description of an interesting microfluidic phenomenon and its application to microfluidic sperm sorting used for in vitro fertilization. This was an international industry-academia collaboration that led to an FDA-cleared medical device that is used clinically. The presentation will also describe a computer-controlled microfluidic pumping technology that was developed by an undergraduate student, then applied to biomedical needs such as microfluidic embryo culture, another device that has been tested clinically. A final microfluidic topic will be efforts, including work by Ga Tech Undergrads, to construct microscale intestine models with human intestinal organoids and a microbiome.

The presentation will also give a short preview of two components of the planned exchange program:
(i)    Mentoring opportunity for GRADUATE STUDENTS to host a Japanese Undergrad Researcher for ~5 weeks in Aug/Sept 2020. Mentors will be invited to cultural exchange programs and also receive $3000 to be used for travel to scientific conferences or materials and supplies for the lab.
(ii)    Another component is an opportunity for Georgia Tech BME UNDERGRADS to do a fully-sponsored Global Internship Program
(GIP) in Japan in summer 2020 (mid May - July) doing research at leading Japanese Universities.

Ultrafast microfluidic cell compression for convective intracellular macromolecule delivery--Anna Liu
Efficient intracellular delivery of target macromolecules remains a major obstacle in cell engineering, cell labeling, and other biomedical applications. Our lab has discovered the unique cell biophysical phenomenon of convective intracellular macromolecule delivery using mechanically induced, transient cell volume exchange. Ultrafast microfluidic cell compressions are used to cause brief, deformation­induced cell volume loss followed by volume recovery through uptake of surrounding fluid. Macromolecules suspended in the surrounding fluid enter the cell on convective fluid currents. We harness this cell volume exchange behavior for high-throughput, convective intracellular delivery of large macromolecules, including plasmids (>10 kb) and particles (>30 nm), while maintaining high cell viability (>95%). Successful experiments in transfection and intracellular labeling demonstrate potential to overcome the most prohibitive challenges in intracellular delivery for cell engineering.

Investigating health effects of aerosol particles on single-cells in a high-throughput air-liquid interface platform --Jenni Li
Air pollution and its detrimental health effects have been an increasingly alarming concern for the world. Cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and different types of cancers can all be linked to air pollution effects. Furthermore, over 4 million people die per year from the direct effects of ambient particulate matter. One conventional method for studying the health effects of aerosol particles is to collect particulate matter (PM) from the atmosphere, resuspend the PM in cell culture media, add the PM/media to cell cultures, and assess single cell oxidative stress. However, this method does not resemble the in vivo conditions of alveolar macrophages. Alveolar macrophages are found in the alveoli of the lungs where the oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange between blood and air takes place and are a key cell type that is affected by PM. In this project, we aim to create a microfluidic air-liquid interface environment that mimics how alveolar macrophages are exposed to PM in order to study effects of PM at a single-cell level. Utilizing a microfluidic platform provides uniform microenvironment and enables high-throughput and high content single-cell analysis for hundreds of cells. We adapted a previously developed microfluidic single-cell analysis technology and developed a method for exposing cells to an air-liquid interface. We then characterized cells by microscopy and LIVE/DEAD staining to assess if cells remain viable during air exposure. Following this validation of the air-liquid interface platform, we will use it to study the single cell responses of intracellular reactive oxygen species in exposure to aerosol particles.

Please RSVP at: https://forms.gle/Dy3ND2XpFRqL5DmbA

BlueJeans session: https://bluejeans.com/947188326

Key Features

• Current-voltage (IV) measurement capabilities of spot, sweep, sampling and pulse measurement in the range of 0.1 fA - 1 A / 0.5 µV - 200 V
• AC capacitance measurement in multi frequency from 1 kHz to 5 MHz and Quasi-Static Capacitance-Voltage (QS-CV) measurement capabilities
• Advanced pulsed IV and ultra-fast IV measurement capability from minimum 5 ns sampling interval (200 MSa/s)
• Up to 40 V high voltage pulse forcing for non-volatile memory evaluation
• Configurable and upgradeable measurement modules up to 10 slots in a box
• 15-inch wide touch screen supports intuitive GUI operation of the EasyEXPERT group+
• Windows Embedded Standard 7 (WES7)
• GPIB, USB, LAN interfaces, and VGA video output port

Using a 4K CMOS Sensor, the VHZ-7000 series can deliver 2D and 3D measurements, roughness, contamination, grain size, and other analyses with one tool. Additionally, observation can be carried out automatically at magnifications from 20× to 6000× without changing the lens.

Key Features

• Optical Shadow Effect Mode: makes subtle contours stand out and enhances uneven surfaces and stains with the push of a button
• Multi-Directional Light Mode: varied illumination allows users to detect subtle irregularities on a sample
• 3D Image Stitch: capturing multiple images while the stage is moving, 3D data capture and stitching can be performed simultaneously

Rates: *rates include lunch on both days*
• Georgia Tech Rate: $150
• Academic and Government Rate: $300
• Industry Rate: $600

Registration:
Due to the nature of the lab portion of the course, registration has a maximum of 15 participants. Your registration is not guaranteed until full payment is received. If you wish to charge the course to an IEN Cleanroom account, please contact us immediately so that we can provide the proper forms, and so that we may notify the PI or accounts representative. Credit cards are the only payment option for people outside Georgia Tech. Once you submit your registration, follow the appropriate links in your confirmation email. A waiting list of overflow registrants will be maintained in case of cancellations.

REGISTER FOR THE COURSE AT: ien.gatech.edu/s2019-sl

Abstract : The mechanical properties of metastatic cancer cells can be modulated to better migrate through tissues. We evaluate cell stiffness as a biomarker for isolating of cancer cells and subtypes of cells. In this case, the heterogeneity of cancer cells can be reduced through rapid label-free isolation and sorting to improve our understanding of invasive or drug-resistant subpopulations. Microfluidic channels are designed that reposition flowing cells in proportion to important biomechanical properties of stiffness, size, and adhesion. The repositioned cells are then collected at the outlets. We demonstrate three examples of how this sorting process can be used to collect invasive ovarian cancer, drug resistant leukemia, and purer stem cell cultures.

Bio: Todd Sulchek conducts fundamental and applied research in the field of biomechanics. His research program focuses on creating new micro-technologies to apply to questions in cellular mechanics and adhesion. He joined Georgia Tech in July 2008 as an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering. Dr. Sulchek also holds program faculty positions in Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. Prior to Georgia Tech, he was a Postdoctoral Researcher and Staff Scientist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Dr. Sulchek graduated with his PhD in Applied Physics from Stanford University. He is a recipient of the NSF CAREER award, the CETL/BP Junior Faculty Teaching Excellence Award, the Lockheed Inspirational Young Faculty award, 2012 Petit Institute Above and Beyond Award, Class of 1940 Course Survey Teaching Effectiveness Award, and is a Woodruff Fellow. Over his research career he has published 74 journal papers (H-index of 34 on Google Scholar) and has filed or been issued 12 patents.

*Pizza lunch will be provided, however we ask that you limit yourself to two slices so that all attendees are accommodated.

The Optec system has 2 cutting heads, a fixed spot 6um head and a galvo-scanning 15um spot head. With a scanning area of 50mmX50mm, the Optec software allows coordinated moves between the galvo head and the stage to create patterns that are uninterrupted over the entire stage area. This will be ideal for microfluidics and photonics applications as well as material thinning and layer removal. The scan head allows for high speed patterns for photovoltaics and battery electrode modifications. The system allow material surface modifications to increase both hydroscopic and hydrophilic characteristics.

Flavien Liegeois from Optic will discuss athermal processing using the Optec WS-Flex, followed by a show and tell with the newly installed system in Lab 160.

•     Theoretical basis of Atomic Force Microscopy
•     Important considerations when choosing an AFM instrument
•     Applications for AFM measurements
•     Hands-on measurement with model samples

Register at: https://learnaboutafhatgt.eventbrite.com

Contact Dr. Walter Henderson at: walter.henderson@ien.gatech.edu for more information.

Schedule:
• 9:00 – 9:30      Registration and gowning
• 9:30 – 10:00    Inorganic cleanroom tour
• 10:00 – 10:45  Maskless photolithography process demo (Inorganic cleanroom)
• 10:45 – 11:30   Inorganic cleanroom metrology techniques demo (SEM, profilometry, Ellipsometry)
• 11:30 – 12:00   Inorganic cleanroom tour (make-up)

Register at: https://tinyurl.com/y7lk688t

Abstract: This presentation will give an overview of efforts in our laboratory to develop microfluidic systems to control cell microenvironments and to perform high precision biochemical measurements. Microfluidic technologies to be discussed include computer-controlled microfluidics, self-switching microfluidic transistor-like circuitry, microfluidics that utilize aqueous two phase droplets, and fracture fabrication of tunable nanochannels. Specific biomedical applications that will be discussed include lung-on-a-chip, microfluidic assisted reproductive technologies and in vitro fertilization, heartbeat-on-a-chip, chromatin analysis in fracture-fabricated nanochannels, and protein biomarker analysis. The long-term goal is to create miniature patients-on-a-chip for understanding disease mechanisms, testing drugs, performing better cell-based therapies, and validating protein biomarkers. 

Bio: Prof. Shuichi Takayama’s research interests (B.S. & M.S. from the University of Tokyo, Ph.D. from the Scripps Research Institute) started with organic synthesis of enzyme inhibitors.  Subsequently he pursued postdoctoral studies in bioengineered microsystems at Harvard University as a Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Fellow with goal of developing microsystems to perform bioevaluations of the inhibitor molecules he synthesized. He spent 17 years at the University of Michigan in the Biomedical Engineering Department and Macromolecular Science and Engineering Program then moved to the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory School of Medicine in the summer of 2017. He is an associate editor of Integrative Biology and on the board of several other journals. Awards and honors include the NSF CAREER award, Pioneers of Miniaturization Prize, and AIMBE Fellow.

Prof. Hamid Garmestani
School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology

Abstract: The field of materials and microstructure design and characterization techniques has progressed significantly in the past two decades. Materials and processing design methodologies effectively utilize the incomplete materials knowledgebase to link final product properties to initial microstructure. Microstructure representation has become a primary vehicle to reach this goal. Characterization techniques that can provide consistent microstructure representation include x-ray, microscopy (SEM, TEM), and tomography. Methodologies that can make the Inverse Materials Design a reality require novel mathematical and computational frameworks and methodologies in addition to experimentally-based knowledge creation to integrate computational-prediction and experimental-validation approaches. This talk will present current advances in multiscale computational materials frameworks based on Microstructure Sensitive Design and statistical homogenization techniques. Microstructure representation and digitization using spectral techniques are at the heart of such methodologies. Application of the present methodologies in thermo-mechanical processing of advanced magnesium alloys, the effect of machining in Al and Titanium alloys and processing of textured silicon solar cells and solid Oxide Fuel Cells are discussed with respect to inverse methodologies.

Bio: Hamid Garmestani is a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Tech and is a Fellow of ASM International and ASME. He got his PhD from Cornell University in 1989, and after serving as a post-doctoral associate at Yale University, he joined FAMU-FSU college of Engineering as an assistant professor in Mechanical Engineering. Dr. Garmestani has had leadership roles in both the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Materials Division and ASM.  He has organized more than 30 workshops and symposia in the emerging subject of materials design. He was awarded “Superstar in Research” by FSU-CRC in 2000.  He was also the recipient of the Faculty Award for Research from NASA. He is presently funded through DOE, Boeing, NOVELIS and NSF. Dr. Garmestani is a member of the editorial board of International Journal of Plasticity, Journal of Mechanics of Materials, Computers, Materials and Continua and Theoretical and Applied Multi-scale Modeling of Materials. He has developed methodologies in Microstructure Sensitive Design (MSD) framework that address an inverse methodology and innovations in various aspects of processing, structure-property relationships, and simulation-based design of materials.

Agenda Topics:

Atom Probe Tomography (APT): Operational Theory
Introduction to APT Data Reduction
Introduction to APT Sample Preparation
APT Applications

• Metals: Integration with Advanced Modeling
• Ceramics, high performance materials
• Semiconductor Devices: Planar and finFET, LED Devices, III/V
• Geological Materials and Biominerals

Correlative synergy

• t-EBSD
• TEM
• EPMA

Atom Probe Tomography Instrumentation

Lunch will be provided.

Attendance is free of charge but space is limited!
To register, please complete the registration form by August 8th 2017
Register Here

The Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology (IEN) at Georgia Tech will offer a new short course on “Soft Lithography for Microfluidics” on September 21 & 22, 2017. This course module is designed for individuals interested in hands-on training in the fabrication of microfluidic devices using the soft lithography technique. This 2 day intensive short course will be structured to assume no prior knowledge of the technologies by the participants. The course agenda is evenly divided between laboratory hands-on sessions, including SU-8 master mold creation using photolithography and PDMS device fabrication in the IEN cleanroom, and supporting lectures.  The goal for this course is to impart a basic understanding of soft lithography for microfluidic applications as practiced in academia and industry.

Target Audience: This short course is open to off-campus researchers from academia, industry and government laboratories/organizations and is not limited to current Georgia Tech students or IEN users. Anyone who is interested in starting research in the area of microfluidics or PDMS device fabrication is invited and strongly encouraged to participate.

Agenda:

• Welcome & Overview
• Session 1: nSpec® – Tools for the Next Industrial Revolution; A History of Nanotronics & Technological Convergence, Julie Orlando (Chief Product Officer, Nanotronics)
• Session 2: Artificial Intelligence Process Control & Scaling Nanotechnology, Matthew Putman, PhD (CEO & Co-Founder, Nanotronics)
• Session 3: A Discussion of Practical Applications, John Cruickshank (Solution Architect, Nanotronics)

Register at: ien.gatech.edu/issnanotronics

Professor Masoud Agah, The Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech

Abstract: In this talk, I will review the research endeavors in BioMEMS/NEMS and MicroAnalyticalChemistry Thrusts at Virginia Tech MEMS Laboratory (VT MEMS).  The first part (BioMEMS/NEMS) will go over the use of 3D MEMS cavities, atomic force microscopy, and microfluidics for deciphering cancer cell biomechanical and bioelectrical properties.  We will demonstrate how biophysical properties can be used as a potential marker for cancer treatment assessment and for determining tumor-initiating cells. The second part (MicroAnalyticalChemsitry) will demonstrate the innovations and research accomplishments from nano-structured material processing and synthesis to the development of key components of micro gas chromatography instruments including including preconcentrator, microfluidic separation column, and gas detectors.  I will present self-assembly techniques combined with high-aspect-ratio MEMS processing to achieve high adsoption efficiency for preconcentrators and high separation efficiency for the columns.  I will discuss the invention of new GC columns, semi-packed, multicapillary, and width-modulated, and demonstrate the marriage of MEMS and nanotechnology to improve stationary phase coating for GCs.  I will also introduce the first microfabricated purge extractor for the analysis of organic compounds present in aqueous samples and demonstrate a fully integrated platform for in-field environmental monitoring.

Biography: Masoud Agah received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Electrical Engineering from Sharif University of Technology (SUT), Iran, in 1996 and 1998, respectively, and his Ph.D. degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, in 2005. From 1996 to 1999, he was a member of technical staff and then a project manager at Advanced Manufacturing Research Center, Iran, where his work was focused on industrial automation, robotics, and computer vision. In 1999. In 2000, he joined the NSF Center for Wireless Integrated MicroSystems (WIMS ERC), University of Michigan, where he developed MEMS-based gas chromatography columns for environmental monitoring applications. He was the recipient of the 2nd place DAC/ISSCC Student Design Contest Award at the 40th Design Automation Conference, 2003. He joined the faculty of Virginia Tech in August 2005, where he is currently an associate professor in the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering with a courtesy appointment in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He is also a core faculty member of Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences. He established the VT MEMS Laboratory in 2005 and has focused his research on environmental and biomedical applications of MEMS. Dr. Agah received the National Science Foundation CAREER Award in 2008 for his research on micro gas chromatography, the Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering Outstanding New Assistant Professor Award in 2009, the Graduate School's Outstanding Dissertation Advisor Award in 2010, and the College of Engineering's Faculty Fellow Award in 2011. He is a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), as well as its Electron Devices and its Solid-State Circuits Societies.

• 45 Analytical Systems
• 3300+ sq. ft. Lab Space
• Centralized Characterization Lab
• 24/7/365 Shared User Facility
• Low Hourly Rates
• Highly Experienced Staff

Ragy Ragheb Ph.D.
Technical Specialist –NanoSight
ragy.ragheb@malvern.com

Abstract: Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) is a novel technique for direct visualization and analysis of sub-micron particles in suspension, providing high-resolution size distributions, number based count and concentration information and the abilitiy to work under fluorescence mode. The NTA technique combines the speed and statistical validity of traditional light scattering techniques with the resolution and sensitivity of microscopy techniques. This presentation will review the theoretical basis for this new technique, giving example applications and data, and comparisons to other techniques.

Bio: Ragy Ragheb is a Technical Specialist at Malvern Instruments specializing in products using the NTA technique. Ragy received his Ph.D., from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and completed his post-doctoral work at Yale University’s Department of Biomedical Engineering, where he developed a range of particle-based systems for therapeutic delivery and diagnostic applications as well as a magnetically separable carbon-nanotube-polymer nanoparticle hybrid system for immunotherapy. These and other projects have developed a proficiency in real-world applications for particle characterization techniques and research.

Abstract: Microfluidics offers multiple unique and powerful tools with which to address astrobiology’s big questions, including “Is there life beyond Earth?”  One key microfluidic technology in the search for life beyond Earth is the Extraterrestrial Organic Analyzer (EOA) microcapillary electrophoresis (µCE) laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection system.  EOA, because it uses a programmable microfluidic architecture (PMA) in tandem with µCE-LIF, enables rapid, automated, and extremely sensitive analyses of organic biomarkers (down to 70 pM or sub pptr) including amines, amino acids, dipeptides, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.  The PMA, based on normally-closed or lifting-gate monolithic membrane microvalves, enables automated sample processing with complex fluidic manipulation including mixing, dilution, labeling, and transfer for analysis of multiple compound classes within minutes.  EOA technology has been proposed for Mars rover missions and Enceladus fly-by missions.  Recent work in our group has looked at hardening the technology for a 50,000 g 5 km/s impact mission for Europa.  This requires the entire optical subsystem be assembled with sub-micron precision and permanently welded as a single monolithic stack.  It also requires that we transition from pneumatically-actuated microvalves to hydraulic valves with incompressible fluids.  This talk will present an overview of EOA, with detailed descriptions of the microfluidics that makes this technology possible.

This work was performed in collaboration with the Stockton Research Group at Georgia Tech (Z. A. Duca, T. P. Cantrell, G. Tan, M. H. Dorn, M. A. Van Enige, and M. Cato), P. Putnam of Sierra Lobo, J. Kim of Texas Tech, and R. A. Mathies of UC Berkeley.

Bio: Amanda Stockton is an Assistant Professor in Chemistry and Biochemistry at Georgia Tech.  Prior to this appointment, she worked at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology.  Her PhD work was with Richard Mathies at UC Berkeley after she earned a Master’s degree in chemistry from Brown University and Bachelor’s degrees in aerospace engineering and chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The Stockton group’s research focuses on the development of ultra-highly sensitive analytical methods and portable equipment using microfabricated capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection (µCE-LIF) and other microfluidic technologies. Dr. Stockton has extensive experience in the use of µCE-LIF to detect very low levels (sub-pptr) of organic molecules in astrobiologically relevant samples, including samples from the Murchison meteorite, Atacama Desert, Saline Valley, Rio Tinto, etc… Her work also includes a significant field-work component, including field expeditions to map lava tube caves in the Mojave Desert and repeated expeditions to volcanic regions of Iceland as a Martian analogue.

Dr. Nathan Havercroft
ION-TOF USA, Chestnut Ridge, NY
Thursday, March 3, 2016 from 12:00PM to 1:00PM
Marcus Nanotechnology Building | 345 Ferst Drive | Atlanta GA 30332 | Room 1116

In many scientific fields State-of-the-Art is a term used to describe an almost constant change in technology. This is especially true in Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), where recent advances have opened up many new research opportunities.

Historically, ToF-SIMS has been limited to the surface analysis of solid state, vacuum compatible, materials that were mainly inorganic in nature. The development of cluster ion beams (Bi n+, C60+ and Arn+) has enabled the routine analysis of organic materials in both two and three dimensions. This has led to key breakthroughs in research areas including organic LEDs, organic photovoltaics, polymer materials and biological cells and tissues. Research has even been performed on liquids in vacuum.

This seminar will give a brief introduction to ToF-SIMS, discussing its key benefits in surface science before giving examples of the many research opportunities it can provide.

How do scientists and engineers interact with a world too small for the eyes to see? Learn how at Georgia Tech's Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology! Explore how micro and nanoscale objects can be seen with powerful microscopes. Learn hands-on about unique properties at the nanoscale. Bring a sample to view with our tabletop scanning electron microscope (sample must be dry and smaller than an inch) and take home a digital copy of what we see!

On campus visitor parking is located directly across from the Marcus Nanotechnology Building (MNB) and in the visitor parking deck behind MNB. [Please note that these lots are pay lots.]

See more STEM events at the Atlanta Science Festival Website at this link!

The Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology (IEN) at Georgia Tech will offer a short course on micro-fabrication March 21 - 24, 2016. This in­tensive 3.5 day short course combines classroom lectures and laboratory based hands-on fabrication in the IEN cleanroom. The goal of the course is to impart a basic understanding of the science and technology of micro-fabrication processes as used in academia and industry.

This short course will cover essential micro-fabrication techniques including, photolithography, thin film deposition, etching, packaging, and characterization. Attendees will gain valuable experience by fabricating simple devices in one of the most advanced uni­versity cleanrooms in North America

Target Audience: Attendance is open to the general technical community and is not limited to current Georgia Tech students or IEN users. Anyone who expects to become an IEN cleanroom user in 2016-2017 is strongly encouraged to attend this course. The course is suitable for both new and experienced researchers interested in micro-fabrication techniques and applications.

A course emphasis will be placed on IEN cleanroom resources, however, the concepts and techniques discussed are applicable to a broad array of research in this field.

Rates: *Rates include lunches on all days*

Georgia Tech Rate: $200
Academic and Government Rate: $400
Industry Rate: $800

Registration: Due to the nature of the lab portion of the course, registration has a maximum of 30 participants. Your registration is not guaranteed until full payment is received. If the course is charged to an IEN Cleanroom account, we will notify the PI or accounts representative. Credit cards are the only payment option for people outside Georgia Tech. Once you submit your registration, follow the appropriate links in your confirmation email. A waiting list of overflow registrants will be maintained in case of cancellations.

** Registration is NOT complete until you have received a link to pay for your attendance through Georgia Tech's secure payment gateway. You will receive this link via email after completing the initial registration process.

Registration and full payment MUST be completed online by March the 14th, 2016: NO EXCEPTIONS. No one will be allowed to register or pay on-site.** 

Accommodations: Getting to the workshop is easy if you stay at the Georgia Tech Conference Center

Georgia Tech Hotel (attached to Global Learning Center)
800 Spring St., Atlanta, GA 30308
404.838.2100 - Reservations
404.347.9440 - Hotel Main

Hotel reservation’s hours are Monday through Friday 8am-5:30pm; Saturday 9am-3pm

Directions and Parking: Parking is not included in the cost of the course. If you are a visitor and you would like to park on campus you will need to use the pay-by-the hour visitor parking lot, located across from the Marcus Nanotechnology Building. We are also easily reached via public transportation and Georgia Tech transportation services. Information on these services, and directions to Georgia Tech and IEN, can be found here: http://www.ien.gatech.edu/contact/visit-ien-georgia-tech

Schedule Overview:

Day 1: Registration, Introduction, Lectures, Group Lab Session (8:30 am - 4:30 pm)

Day2: Lectures (morning); Group Lab Session (afternoon) (8:30 am - 4:30 pm)

Day 3: Lectures (morning); Group Lab Session (afternoon) (8:30 am - 4:30 pm)

Day 4: Lectures (morning); Lunch & Farewell (afternoon) (8:30 am - 1:00 pm)

Dress Code:  There is a mandatory dress code for access to the IEN clean room which must be adhered to. 

Shoes: Socks or stockings are required. Shoes must be closed-toe shoes that fully enclose the heel and the top of the foot. Additionally, the shoes must not have a high heel (over one inch) or a deep cleat that may hold mud or other dirt. Also, your shoes must be clean and dry when you enter the facility.
Not Allowed: Sandals, open weave shoes, or shoes that expose the top of the foot.    

Shirt: Your shirt must be at least a short sleeve shirt that is long enough to reach your pants (no bare midriffs) and it must not have a deep neckline.
Not Allowed: Tank tops, halter tops, and spaghetti strap tops.   

Pants: Pants must be full-length, from waist to ankle.
Not Allowed: Shorts or short pants, tight pants. NO skirts or dresses.

REGISTER FOR THE COURSE HERE!

Friday March 4th, 2016 12:00pm - 3:00pm Marcus Rm. 1116
Lunch will be provided

Grand Opening Schedule

• 12:00pm - 12:30pm: Introduction to the Soft Lithography Bay
•  12:30pm - 1:00pm: Fundamentals of Soft Lithography
•  1:00pm - 1:30pm: Applications of Soft Lithography
•  1:30pm - 3:00pm: Lab Tour

Soft lithography is a complementary extension of photolithography and is based on rapid prototyping using silicon or negative photoresist SU-8, and on replica molding of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) onto the SU-8 film patterned by UV lithography. Due to its unique advantages, such as low cost, compatibility with large or non-planar surfaces, bio-compatibility and more, it has found applications in many area such as micro- and nanoscale patterning, nano functional devices (OLED, optical transducer, optical waveguides), and most significantly in biological research.

RSVP to Dr. Hang Chen (hang.chen@ien.gatech.edu) or Dr. Jie Xu (jie.xu@ien.gatech.edu) for tour

• Current rate: $20/hr with no entry fee or time limitations
• IEN will offer free SU-8 photoresist to users, please contact hang.chen@ien.gatech.edu

Register for the Soft Lithography Short Course Here!!

The Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology (IEN) at Georgia Tech will offer a new short course on “Soft Lithography for Microfluidics” on April 28 & 29, 2016. This course module is designed for individuals interested in hands-on training in the fabrication of microfluidic devices using the soft lithography technique. This 2 day intensive short course will be structured to assume no prior knowledge of the technologies by the participants. The course agenda is evenly divided between laboratory hands-on sessions, including SU-8 master mold creation using photolithography and PDMS device fabrication in the IEN cleanroom, and supporting lectures.  The goal for this course is to impart a basic understanding of soft lithography for microfluidic applications as practiced in academia and industry.

Target Audience

This short course is open to off-campus researchers from academia, industry and government laboratories/organizations and is not limited to current Georgia Tech students or IEN users. Anyone who is interested in starting research in the area of microfluidics or PDMS device fabrication is invited and strongly encouraged to participate.

Rates: *rates include lunch on both days*

Georgia Tech Rate: $150
Academic and Government Rate: $300
Industry Rate: $600

Registration:

Due to the nature of the lab portion of the course, registration has a maximum of 15 participants. Your registration is not guaranteed until full payment is received. If the course is charged to an IEN Cleanroom account, we will notify the PI or accounts representative. Credit cards are the only payment option for people outside Georgia Tech. Once you submit your registration, follow the appropriate links in your confirmation email. A waiting list of overflow registrants will be maintained in case of cancellations.

** Registration is NOT complete until you have received a link to pay for your attendance through Georgia Tech's secure payment gateway. You will receive this link via email after completing the initial registration process.

Registration and full payment MUST be completed online by April the 25th, 2016: NO EXCEPTIONS. No one will be allowed to register or pay on-site.** 

Register for the Soft Lithography Short Course Here!!

June 3, 2016 | 2pm - 3pm | Marcus Nanotechnology Room 1117

Abstract: To understand how functions and characteristics of neuronal networks arise from the concerted interactions of the involved neurons, it is necessary to have methods that allow for interacting with neuronal functional subunits and ensembles - somas, axons, dendrites, single neurons, and entire networks - at high spatiotemporal resolution and in real time. Extracellular electrical recordings by means of micro-transducer arrays complement well-established patch clamp techniques and optical or optogenetic techniques.

The use of CMOS technology helps to overcome the connectivity problem of how to interface thousands of tightly-spaced electrodes, while, at the same time, it improves signal-to-noise characteristics, as signal conditioning is done on chip next to where the partially very small signals (< 10 µV) are generated. CMOS-based arrays also enable high-throughput monitoring of potentially all action potentials in a larger neuronal network (> 1000 neurons) over extended time to see developmental effects or effects of disturbances. Here, we demonstrate how CMOS high-density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEAs) featuring several thousands of transducers (> 3’000 transducers per mm²) can be used to record from or stimulate potentially any individual neuron or subcellular compartment on the CMOS chip. Future applications may include research in neural diseases and pharmacology.

Bio: Andreas Hierlemann completed his college education in chemistry at the University of Tübingen, Germany, and was awarded a Ph.D. degree in 1996. He then held Postdoctoral positions at Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, USA, in 1997, and at Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, USA, in 1998. In 1999, he joined the Department of Physics, ETH Zurich, Switzerland, where he was appointed Associate Professor in June 2004. In April 2008, he became a Full Professor in the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (BSSE), ETH Zurich, Basel. His research interests include the development and application of microsensor, microfluidic, and microelectronic technologies to address questions in biology and medicine with applications in the fields of systems biology, drug testing, personalized medicine, and neuroscience. For details, see https://www.bsse.ethz.ch/bel/.

Abstract: There is good reason to believe that nonscientists' views of nanotechnology will be strongly influenced by religious beliefs, and not by public knowledge of the relevant science.  If so, it is worth knowing which forms of religious thought will shape public views of nanotech, and what this means for nanotech.  This talk presents the reasons why religious beliefs will be influential that way, and then gives seven examples of religious thought about nanotech.  The principal themes in religious reactions to nanotechnology are identified, so that we may anticipate the general outlines of nonscientists' views of nanotech. 

Bio: Chris Toumey is a cultural anthropologist (Ph.D. from UNC - Chapel Hill) who works in the anthropology of science. Since 2003 he has been involved in societal and cultural issues in nanotechnology.  His interests there include these: public engagement with nanotech; religious reactions to nanotech; issues in the history of nanotech; and epistemological issues of technology and aesthetics in producing and interpreting micrographs of nanoscale objects (e.g., atoms, molecules and atomic surfaces).  He is the author of more than eighty publications on nanotechnology, including his humanistic commentaries that appear four times a year in the journal Nature Nanotechnology, where he aspires to show scientists and engineers that the humanities and social sciences can contribute to our understandings of nanotechnology.  

The Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology (IEN) at Georgia Tech will offer a new short course on “Soft Lithography for Microfluidics” on July 21 & 22, 2016. This course module is designed for individuals interested in hands-on training in the fabrication of microfluidic devices using the soft lithography technique. This 2 day intensive short course will be structured to assume no prior knowledge of the technologies by the participants. The course agenda is evenly divided between laboratory hands-on sessions, including SU-8 master mold creation using photolithography and PDMS device fabrication in the IEN cleanroom, and supporting lectures.  The goal for this course is to impart a basic understanding of soft lithography for microfluidic applications as practiced in academia and industry.

Target Audience:
This short course is open to off-campus researchers from academia, industry and government laboratories/organizations and is not limited to current Georgia Tech students or IEN users. Anyone who is interested in starting research in the area of microfluidics or PDMS device fabrication is invited and strongly encouraged to participate.

Register for the Soft Lithography Short Course Here!!

Rates:  *rates include lunch on both days*

Georgia Tech Rate: $150
Academic and Government Rate: $300
Industry Rate: $600

Registration:
Due to the nature of the lab portion of the course, registration has a maximum of 15 participants. Your registration is not guaranteed until full payment is received. If the course is charged to an IEN Cleanroom account, we will notify the PI or accounts representative. Credit cards are the only payment option for people outside Georgia Tech. Once you submit your registration, follow the appropriate links in your confirmation email. A waiting list of overflow registrants will be maintained in case of cancellations.

Register for the Soft Lithography Short Course Here!!

Beatrice Sartini - M.Sc.Eng., Nanoscribe Field Engineer
Tuesday, February 7, 2017 @ 1:00PM
Marcus Nanotechnology Building 1117-1118

Join us to learn from Nanoscribe engineers how the IEN’s newest tool, the Photonic Professional GT 3D laser lithography system, can enhance and accelerate your lithography based research. The Nanoscribe 3D laser lithography system is ideal for those working in the fields of photonics and micro-optics, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), microsystems and microfluidic components for regenerative medicine, cell biology and tissue engineering, multifunctional nanomaterials, as well as optical and mechanical metamaterials.

System Features:

• Highest resolution commercially available micro 3D printer
• High speed 3D printing by galvo technology
• Accurate and precise by piezo technology
• Two photon polymerization (2PP) of various UV-curable photoresists
• Two-photon lithography of common positive-tone photoresists
• Writing area up to 100 × 100 mm² range
• High-sensitivity microscope camera for realtime observation of the printing process
• User-friendly software package for 3D printing workflow
• Easy CAD import via STL file format

Prof. Eric Freeman
College of Engineering, University of Georgia

ABSTRACT: Biologically inspired materials attempt to replicate the elegant engineering solutions observed in the natural world.  Observing that many of these solutions are multiscale hierarchical structures comprised of nature’s building block, the cell, a new class of stimuli-responsive materials is proposed based on cellular capabilities.  While fully replicating cellular functionality is well beyond the scope of any laboratory, we examine this concept through the creation of synthetic cellular membranes in complex arrangements, combining emulsions, interfacial chemistry, and digital microfluidics.  This envisioned material platform has been successfully applied towards the creation of biological sensors, actuators and energy harvesters, but there is ample room for improvement in the concept.  This presentation focuses on better understanding the underlying mechanics of the membrane networks in order to improve their stability, durability, and reliability in non-laboratory environments, promoting their adoption as novel engineering materials.  This is accomplished by investigating new methods for solidifying the networks, creating models for their behavior under mechanical constraints, and investigating non-contact methods for their manipulation.

BIO: Eric Freeman is currently an assistant professor in the College of Engineering at the University of Georgia.  He completed his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and Material Science at the University of Pittsburgh in 2012, then worked as a postdoctoral associate in the Biomolecular Materials and Systems group at Virginia Tech for two years before joining the faculty at UGA.  He is an active member of the biologically inspired smart materials community, and combines computational and mathematical modeling with experimental validation in his interdisciplinary research.

About the Lecture:
The Cary Lecture Series in the School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering was established in 1984 as a memorial to Ashton Hall Cary, a chemical engineering graduate of Georgia Tech, Class of 1943. Mr. Cary served in the U.S. Army after graduation and later built a career in Georgia’s textile industry. He was a native of LaGrange, Georgia, where he was prominent in local politics and business and active in many charitable and civic organizations. At the time of his death in 1983, Mr. Cary was a production consultant for Kleen-Tex Industries.

The Cary Lecture Series was initiated with a gift from Dr. Freeman Cary, who also studied chemical engineering at Tech. Dr. Cary, who is Ashton’s brother, received his M.D. from Emory University in 1950 and later became the attending physician for the U.S. Congress. The Cary Lectureship Fund is used to sponsor a lecture series by distinguished scholars in fields of significance to chemical engineering. The visiting lecturers, in addition to presenting seminars on recent engineering advances, participate in informal discussions with Georgia Tech faculty and students.