MSE Seminar Series: John Kasianowicz, NIST
Friday, October 12, 2018
1:00 p.m.
2108 Chem/Nuc (bldg #90)
For More Information:
Ichiro Takeuchi
takeuchi@umd.edu
https://mse.umd.edu/events/seminars

Speaker: John J. Kasianowicz, Ph.D. - Physical Scientist, Physical Measurement Lab, NIST

Title: Identifying Individual Molecules with Single Nanometer-Scale Pores

Abstract: 

Proteinaceous nanometer-scale pores provide the molecular basis of action for nerve, muscle and many other tissues.  We have been developing them for the detection, characterization, identification, and quantitation of single molecules.  I will discuss the potential use of this method for practical applications, including DNA sequencing, single molecule “mass spectrometry”, single molecule force spectroscopy, therapeutics development, and the identification of synthetic nanoparticles, proteins, and other biomarkers.

Bio:

Dr. John J. Kasianowicz is the Leader of the Nanobiotechnology Project in the Physical Measurement Laboratory at NIST and a fellow of the American Physical Society.  He earned a Ph.D. in Physiology & Biophysics from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, a M.A. in Physics from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, and a B.A. in Physics (with Distinction) from Boston University.  John was a National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council Research Associate in the Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory at NIST prior to joining the staff and becoming a Leader of the Biomolecular Materials Group. He pioneered research in four principal areas: single molecule detection, characterization, quantification, and identification; nanopore-based DNA sequencing; elucidating the mechanisms of bacterial toxin action, and development of new methods for membrane protein structure determination.  His work led to two efforts for nanopore-based DNA sequencing technology, which are currently valued at $1.8B.  John’s current major focus area is the development of electronic systems to simultaneously quantify many biomarkers (proteins, DNA, RNA, etc.) in single cells, tissue, and blood.  This research could have a marked impact on understanding basic cellular mechanisms and aid the development of quantitative personalized medicine.

This Event is For: Public