"My current research interests include the following: Transport in bone tissue Large-scale algae processing for biofuels"

"Research Facilities: Research is conducted in the Cell Culture Lab in the Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Department, with equipment including laminar flow hood, incubators, microscopes (including fluorescent), fully-instrumented (2) 1-liter bioreactors, glucose-lactate analyzer, ELISA plate reader, UV/Vis spectrophotometer, autoclave, -70C freezer, centrifuge, and other instrumentation specific to the research projects. Equipment for fermentation (shaker bath, 3-liter fermentor) are available in the separate Fermentation Lab. Transport in Bone Tissue Mechanical loading is known to increase osteocyte activation and bone density. In collaboration with The Cleveland Clinic, we have developed methods to measure the transport rates of bioactive compounds in dense cortical bone tissue, and the enhancement of these transport rates when the bone is subject to mechanical loading. This research can be used to predict transient characteristics and possibly the efficacy of specific drugs that may be used to treat osteoporosis. Algae for Biodiesel Large-scale cultivation of algae is a potential major source of biofuels that does not divert farmland from fuel and that also mitigates carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. In our lab, we are determining media compositions that maximize oil productivity from algae and we develop kinetic models for algae growth and nutrient consumption. Both of these activities are important for optimal operation of large-scale algae processes."