Research > Faculty Projects

IREE Supplement-Modeling and Synthesis of 3D Self Assembly Processes

Principal Investigator
Karl F. Bohringer

Sponsor(s)
National Science Foundation (NSF)

Award Period
07/01/2005 - 06/30/2008

Abstract
Increasing economic globalization is making it essential that the education experience of engineering students includes a global perspective and an appreciation of the global marketplace where nations are increasingly interlinked. Today, the conceptualization, design and manufacture of devices and systems involve global market analyses and implementation through distributed work centers and worldwide supply chains. Often, engineers are assigned overseas and must deal with foreign manufacturing units and multinational design and marketing teams. In this new environment, it is important for engineering students to be proficient in the technical subjects, informed about international technological trends and business practices, and be familiar with foreign languages and culture.

In this project, the PI builds on existing ties to the University of Tokyo, Japan to provide a meaningful international experience for one graduate and one undergraduate student. In 2005, the PI spent 6 months with Professor Hiroyuki Fujita’s group in the center for International Research on MicroMechatronics (CIRMM) at the University of Tokyo. During that time, he started collaboration in two projects that are closely related to the current NSF award on self assembly processes: 1. Selective adsorption and assembly of proteins and cells guided on thermo-responsive thin film polymers. 2. A nano-scale, stochastic electrostatic motor inspired by “Brownian ratchets”. Both projects have already resulted in peer-reviewed publications in international conferences. Within this project, the PI will return to Tokyo with one graduate and one undergraduate student in Spring/Summer 2008. Under his guidance and in collaboration with faculty and students at CIRMM, the students will work on these projects.

Updates or corrections to this page should be sent to gheaton@u.washington.edu.