1978 B.S., Northwestern University
1982 D.D.S., University of Illinois
1993 Ph.D., California Institute of Technology

Our group is focusing on lessons from Nature, i.e., how does Nature create three-dimensional inorganic/organic based materials like sea shells, invertebrate exoskeletons, and vertebrate bone. As we understand it, the process involves proteins that assemble into supramolecular structure that interact with inorganic surfaces (minerals). The resulting biocomposite structure is usually fracture-resistant and can perform other functions such as surface catalysis and transmission of light. Our ultimate goal is to determine the molecular properties that allow these protein-based matrices to assemble and participate in the formation of naturally-occuring organic/inorganic materials.

In addition, we are also working in the area of molecular biomimetics, i.e., the use of phage and bacterial surface-expression polypeptide systems to generate protein sequences that are specific for inorganic solids such as Au, Pt, Pd, silicates, and other materials of nanotechnology interests. This research is part of a Center-wide effort with the University of Washington, Seattle MRSEC (GEMSEC) materials research Center.

Ultimately, solving problems in both areas requires knowledge of polypeptide three-dimensional structure, and how this impacts the self-assembly process and the physical properties of the biocomposite. This information can then be applied in material engineering to create new synthetic materials. The experimental aspects of our research include the use of NMR spectroscopy, SEM and AFM visualization, Circular Dichroism spectrometry, mass spectrometry (ion trap, MALDI), molecular simulations, and other techniques through our various collaborations.

National Science Foundation (DMR)

National Science Foundation (MRSEC)

National Institutes of Health

Department of Energy