Start
Jan 13, 2012 - 17:15
End
Jan 13, 2012 - 18:15
Venue
F.C. Kohli Auditorium KReSIT Building
Event Type
Speaker
Prof. David H. Gracias Johns Hopkins University Baltimore USA
Title
Three-Dimensional Self-Assembly at Small Size Scales
Abstract: Nature is the master of engineering across a wide range of length scales from the nano to the macro. In contrast while human engineering is good at constructing three-dimensional (3D) devices and machines at the macroscale it faces considerable challenges at sub-millimeter length scales. At these small sizes while engineers have learned how to define complex devices such as computer chips and microelectromechanical devices they utilize methods that are inherently two-dimensional (2D). Moreover it is very challenging to harvest energy to perform mechanized functions especially off-chip and in a wireless manner at these small size scales. Self-assembly is a biologically inspired methodology that seeks to construct functional materials and devices using precursors that interact with each other via physical or chemical forces. In this talk the Speaker will describe static and reconfigurable self-assembly of 3D micro and nanostructures for applications in metamaterials cell culture drug delivery bio-artificial organs and minimally invasive surgery. Their research goals are the development of intelligent micro and nanosystems which include precisely patterned micro and nanoparticles reconfigurable smart materials and wireless surgical tools.About the Speaker: Prof. David Gracias did his undergraduate studies at IIT Kharagpur and received his Ph.D. from UC Berkeley in 1999. Prof. David did his post-doctoral research on surface modification and self-assembly with George Whitesides at Harvard and learned integrated circuit fabrication as a Senior Engineer at Intel. Dr. Gracias is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Gracias’s research has resulted in 115 scientific articles including 74 in research journals and 20 issued patents. Dr. Gracias’s notable awards include the NIH Director’s New Innovator Award NSF Career Award Humboldt Fellowship for Experienced Researchers Beckman Young Investigator Award Camille Dreyfus Teacher Scholar Award Maryland Academy of Sciences Outstanding Young Engineer Award and the DuPont Young Professor Award.