Current Research Interests

My work in general revolves around micromachining technologies and their application to medicine and biology (BioMEMS).  Micromachining technologies include the fabrication, modeling, and characterization of nanometer to millimeter size sensors, actuators, and structures.  I have extensive experience using designing, modeling, fabricating, and characterizing MEMS devices and structures.  I also have extensive knowledge of the equipment, laboratory devices, clean rooms, and machinery required for BioMEMS fabrication and testing.  While my interest in micromachining is broad and applicable to several areas, my most basic interests lie in the area of micro total analysis systems (m-TAS) and includes sample preparation systems, microchromatography systems, detection systems, miniature biosensors, microstructured substrates for tissue engineering, and microfluidics.  In depth information on my research can be found at the Center for Biomedical Microfluidics, as well as a list of publications.

I am currently the director of the Center for Biomedical Microfluidics at the University of Utah. The Center currently focuses on applying microfabrication technologies to the development and understanding of microfluidic systems for biological applications.  Summaries of some of the primary projects follow.  More detail can be found on each project's page.

Microscale Field Flow Fractionation
Field flow fractionation (FFF) is a family of techniques used for the separation of nanoparticles, proteins, DNA, viruses, and other materials based on size, charge, or other physical properties.  We have primarily explored how miniaturization effects these systems.  We have explored microscale electrical and thermal systems, as well as the SPLITT versions.  We are also developing techniques using cyclical fields for these systems.  Specific projects included in this area:  

Microscale Chromatography Detectors
To complement the Center's separation capabilities, the Center has developed several microscale particle detectors that can be integrated into microfluidic systems.  These detectors rely on either electrical impedance or optics for detection.

Optical Chemical Sensing Systems
Using electrostatic layer by layer assembly to deposit sensing materials on polymer waveguides, the Center has developed nanoscale sensors for oxygen, glucose, cholesterol, and other biochemicals.  Projects in this area include:  

Integrated Microfluidic Devices for Diagnostics
The Center is working with researchers in the health sciences to create microfluidic systems for diagnostic purposes based on other technologies developed at the Center.  The focus of these projects is on integrating sample preparation steps and automating complex and expensive tasks typically performed by hand.  Projects include:

Micropumps
In collaboration with other labs, the Center is working on several types of pumps including: low flow pumps for drug delivery and microscale separation systems, and rotary micropumps for high flow rate applications.

General Microfluidics
The Center has several projects related to using microfluidics for delivery of biopolymers, the physics of microflows, and ways to minimize unwanted microfluidic (or macroscopic) effects.  For example, we have recently developed a promising technique for the manufacture of microneedles.

Discontinued Research
The Center has been involved in a number of research projects that are no longer ongoing or no longer involve the Center.  Some of these projects include:

MEMS, BioMEMS, and Microfluidics Education

I have a great interest in MEMS, BioMEMS, and microfluidics education, not only because of the need to develop individuals capable of performing research in this area, but because of the significant demand from students for MEMS and microfluidics education.  I have explored MEMS education for both graduate and undergraduate students and am developing classes, labs, and other techniques relevant to this area of education.  I am continuing to develop teaching materials and other resources for the furtherance of the MEMS field and would like to continue developing classes and labs in this area.