Research

Our research may be best characterized as biophotonics, photonic materials and molecular engineering. Particular emphasis focuses on the synthesis and characterization of nonlinear optical, photoresponsive, electrostrictive, and magnetostrictive nanostructured materials. Molecular self-assembly and development of new polymer grafting methods are being investigated to prepare stable, highly functionalized polymeric materials.

	Biophotonic Probes: Synthesis and Applications in Biological Imaging We are developing probes for labelling biological samples and for advanced bioimaging.
	High-Density Optical Data Storage We are pioneering the development of new materials for 3-D lithography and multilayer 3-D optical data storage and displays, resulting in seminal publications in the field and a number of patents.
	Photodynamic Cancer Therapy Photodynamic therapy works by injecting patients with light-sensitive cancer-fighting drugs. These chemicals disperse through the patient’s entire body, but remain inactive until they are activated by light.
	Artificial Muscles: Plastics that Change Shape We are creating macromolecules (i.e., plastics) that change shape when exposed to magnetic fields. These artificial muscles may be used in next-generation miniaturized mechanical devices, like robots.

Polymeric Materials for Biomedical Applications
We are developing light weight, high strength ploymers and plastics that are increased important in a number of medical applications such as, artificial joints, ardiovascular implants, opthamological vision correction, surgical aids, and tissue scaffolds.