Research
Targeted Nanoparticle Imaging Probes for Contrast-Enhanced CT
The overall objective of this project is to enable quantitative molecular imaging capabilities with CT using targeted nanoparticle contrast agents.
Hydroxyapatite Whisker Reinforced Biocomposites for Synthetic Bone Substitutes
In order to meet the challenges of the next century, new synthetic biomaterials must be developed that are able to interact synergistically with natural tissues and biological processes.
Structural and Mechanical Anisotropy in Human Cortical Bone Tissue
The objectives of this work are to 1) characterize and quantitatively correlate anatomic variation in the mechanical anisotropy of human cortical bone with measurements of relevant structural features, 2) use this data to develop new micromechanical models which account for non-uniformity and anisotropy prior to hierarchical scaling, and 3) apply the knowledge gained in the design and synthesis of new orthopaedic biomaterials which can be tailored to function as a mechanical analog to human cortical bone.
Synthesis of Ceramic Powders of Tailored Size and Morphology
The objectives of this work are to 1) examining processing effects on the size and morphology of precipitates and 2) delineate governing reaction mechanisms in order to improve process control.
