Welcome to the Distributed Microsystems Lab!

What are we about?

Our Research:

Our goals as a research lab are to integrate sensors and microdevices into viable microsystems in such a way that the whole becomes more than the sum of the parts. Many, many outstanding sensor technologies are available in the world today, but often do not achieve commercial viability because of the lack of an appropriate system design to fit the sensor technology.

As a group, we seek to resolve the system level issues associated with designing and fabricating optimized and commercially viable sensing instruments. Our emphasis is in chemical and biological sensing technologies (both optical and solid-state) but we also participate in projects related to acoustic, imaging, thermal, and radiation sensors. Alternative means for microdevice integration are investigated within the context of organic materials, fabrication processes, and design frameworks.

Research experiences in our lab provide technical expertise in analog and digital circuit design at both discrete (PCB) and integrated (VLSI) levels. Students also learn about the theory of operation and practical use of a wide variety of sensors, including some exposure to chemistry and biology

We also host a program in engineering education dedicated to improving the affective experience of undergraduate engineers. Students working in our engineering education effort learn about a mix of quantitative and qualitative research methods and are able to translate engineering research results to effective interventions and changes within the engineering curricula.

Our Lab Environment

The lab environment is one "without walls". Educationally and pedagogically, we seek to enhance learning by providing an open, positive, and healthy community for students to share ideas, to seek help, and to rely on each other during high stress periods. It is our goal that the lab feel like family and that EE159 seem very much like a home away from home.