Presidential Young Investigator Award

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The PI's research interests are in the fields of applied immunology, bioseparations, artificial organs, and protein science and engineering. In the area of applied immunology, he has an interest in a variety of phenomena with application to important issues in biotechnology and medicine. These include: (1) studies on the structure and dynamics of antigen-antibody complexes and their interaction with various blood-borne molecules and cells, (2) development of novel targeting therapies with light-activatable drugs, and (3) studies of the dynamics of activation of lymphoid cells by lymphokines. In the area of artificial organs, the PI's current research involves development of an artificial liver and an artificial pancreas by encapsulating pancreatic or liver cells with semipermeable membranes. In the field of bioseparations, several; new approaches are under investigation including: (1) affinity chromatographic separations using electric fields and high pressure, (2) development of affinity reversed micelles, and (3) development of electrically controlled polyelectrolyte membrane technology. In the fields of protein science and engineering, the PI's research interests lie in defining the phenomena that contribute to protein stability in different environments.