Chemical and Biomedical Engineering

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Education:

• Ph.D. Chemical Engineering, 2005, Columbia University
• M.E. Biomedical Engineering, 1994, University of Virginia
• B.S. Chemical Engineering, 1992, Lehigh University

Specialization: Biointerfaces, Nanomaterials, Biosensors, Biomaterials

Summary of Research Activities

I have a research program that has focused on new materials and biointerfaces. Research topics have included advanced carbon materials, spider silk biomaterials, SERS biosensors, and immobilized enzyme systems. My teaching interests include biomaterials, biomedical engineering, biochemical engineering, and sustainability topics. I teach a study abroad course in Costa Rica on sustainability and systems thinking over the J-term.

Selected Publications:

• Zhang, H, Harpster, MH, Wison, WC, Johnson, PA, Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering Detection of DNAs Derived from Virus Genomes Using Au-coated Paramagnetic Nanoparticles, Langmuir, 28 (8): 4030–4037 (2012).
• Zhang, H, Harpster, MH, Park, HJ, Wilson, WC, Johnson, PA, Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Detection of DNA Derived from the West Nile Virus Genome Using Magnetic Capture of Raman-Active Gold Nanoparticles, Analytical Chemistry 83: 254-260 (2011).
• Park, HJ, McConnell, JT, Boddohi, S, Kipper, MJ, and Johnson, PA, Synthesis and characterization of enzyme–magnetic nanoparticle complexes: effect of size on activity and recovery, Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 83 (2): 198-203 (2011).
• Neng, J, Harpster MH, Zhang H, Mecham JO, Wilson WC, Johnson, PA. A versatile SERS-based immunoassay for immunoglobulin detection using antigen-coated gold nanoparticles and malachite green conjugated protein A/G, Biosensors and Bioelectronics 26 (3):1009-1525 (2010).
• Harpster, M, Zhang, H, Sankara-Warrier, AK, Ray, BH, Ward, TR, Kollmar, JP, Carron, KT, Mecham, JO, Corcoran, RC, Wilson, WC, and Johnson, PA, SERS detection of indirect viral DNA capture using colloidal gold and methylene blue as a Raman label, Biosensors and Bioelectronics 25 (4): 674-681 (2009).