Research
Awarded Research Grants
Currently Funded Projects
Funding Agency: NIH R15
Role: Collaborator (with collaboration with PI Dr. Huang, Dept of Chemistry, et al.)
Duration: 2015-2018
Summary: The goal of this application is to develop a versatile system for capture,
detection, enumeration and molecular profiling of circulating tumor cells (CTSs) in
whole blood based on the unique capabilities of dually functional iron oxide-gold
(IO-Au) core-shell nanoparticles (NPs), surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy
and microfluidics. Using breast cancer as a model, the project will be accomplished
through the following specific aims: 1. Develop multicolor IO-Au SERS nanoprobes targeting
different CTC surface markers, 2. Develop a microchip-based system for on-line magnetic
enrichment, SERS detection and molecular profiling of CTCs with multiplexed multicolor
IO-Au SERS nanoprobes, 3. Assess the ability of our system to detect CTCs in blood
samples from metastatic breast cancer patients via comparison with conventional flow
cytometry.
Funding Agency: FedEx Institute of Technology (FIT) – Innovation Grant
Role: CoPI (with collaboration with PI Dr. Tak / Dr. Lin, Dept of Nursing, et al.)
Duration: 2013-2016
Summary: The Center for Technologies and Research in Alzheimer's Care (CTRAC) is a
new multidisciplinary research center committed to research and development for innovative
technologies to improve the health and quality of life of persons with Alzheimer's
Disease (AD) or cognitive impairment. The CTRAC researchers will be involved in three
focused research activities: 1. development of the prototype of Solution for Activity
& Game Engagement (SAGE), an automated and adaptive software system that assists persons
with AD or cognitive impairment in performing computer activities and games, 2. demonstration
of the feasibility of integrating an innovative new flexible neuro-sensing micro device
for continuous tracking of cognitive neurological changes, and 3. examining effects
of a therapeutic computer-assisted stimulating activity program on neurocognitive
improvement in persons with AD.
Funding Agency: FedEx Institute of Technology (FIT) – Innovation Grant
Role: PI
Duration: 2013-2016
Summary: Body worn sensors are considered the next generation medical devices for
patient monitoring, diagnosis, prognosis and assessment of treatment efficacy. One
aspect of this project is to develop multiple wireless analog fully-passive sensors
(rWAPS) that will be simultaneously interrogated to collect various physiological
parameters. The other aspect of this proposal is to develop a sparsely distributed
V-CNT based dry EEG electrode that will maintain improved signal quality (high surface
contact area, low interfacial potential, active electrodes), ability for long duration
of operation (dry, stable electrode), conformable (flexible), and breathable (sparse
array).
Funding Agency: FedEx Institute of Technology (FIT) – Innovation Grant
Role: CoPI (with collaboration with Dept of Nursing, PI: Dr. Tak / Dr. Lin)
Duration: 2012-2016
Summary: The need for the point of care local delivery system to be smart multiple
stimuli-responsive is the next enhancement required to achieve both infection prevention
and bone restoration in the complex musculoskeletal injuries and surgical sites. Specific
aims of this project are to: 1. Design, formulate, develop and select a modified degradable
"smart" chitosan delivery system for the point of care loading and delivery of antibiotics
and growth factor 2. Evaluate the elution kinetics, bioactivity of eluates, and biocompatibility
3. Investigate the "smart" chitosan delivery system in a relevant in vivo model.
Past Funded Projects (Since joining the University of Memphis)
Funding Agency: FedEx Institute of Technology (FIT) – Innovation Grant
Role: CoPI (with collaboration with PI Dr. Huang, Dept of Chemistry, et al.)
Duration: 2014
Summary: Our goal is to develop a versatile system for capture and detection of circulating
tumor cells (CTCs) in whole blood based on the unique capabilities of nanotechnology,
microchip technology and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. We
will accomplish these aims through a two-phase set of studies: (I) Development of
multiplexed multicolor IO-Au SERS Nanoparticles (NPs) and a microscopic system for
fluorescent imaging and SERS detection and (II) Development and evaluation of a microfluidic
device for on-line capture and detection of CTCs.
Funding Agency: Strengthening Communities Initiative (SCI) – Capacity Building Grant
Role: PI (with collaboration with Special Kids and Families (SKF), Memphis TN)
Duration: 2012-2014
Summary: Children with developmental delays are full of potential and have very diverse
needs and learning differences. The project aims: 1. to create a wireless electroencephalogram
(EEG) for easy and immediate feedback of children in classroom, 2. to improve teaching
strategies for children with developmental delays utilizing this technology, and 3.
to impact the community be strengthening it's children who have developmental delays.