The Nanoscale Science Ph.D. Program is an interdisciplinary program of research and teaching that promotes the understanding, development and manipulation of structures and phenomena that have nanoscale dimensions.

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Research in our group focuses on the design, and synthesis of novel hybrid inorganic-organic materials for a wide variety of applications, predominantly in biomedicine, renewable energy, and catalysis. Our approach is multidisciplinary, interfacing chemistry, biology, and material science. By its very nature our research will provide an excellent training environment for undergraduates, graduate students and postdoctoral research fellows.

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Upcoming Seminar - Jared M. Brown

East Carolina University, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine

“UNDERSTANDING MAST CELL ACTIVATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SAFE NANOTECHNOLOGIES”

Concern about the use of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) has increased significantly in recent years due to potentially hazardous impacts on human health. Mast cells are critical for innate and adaptive immune responses, often modulating allergic and pathogenic conditions. Mast cells act in response to environmental danger signals such as IL-33 and the IL-1 like receptor ST2. We have examined the involvement of mast cells and the IL-33/ST2 axis in adverse responses to ENMs. Mice with normal mast cell populations exhibit significant ENM directed systemic and pulmonary inflammation, fibrosis, altered lung function and exacerbated cardiac IR injury. In contrast, these toxicological effects of ENMs were not observed in mice deficient in mast cells or mice with mast cells unable to respond to IL-33. Lastly, we have established that certain ENMs are capable of inducing mast cell activation in vitro. Our findings establish for the first time that mast cells orchestrate adverse immune effects to ENMs giving insight into a previously unknown mechanism of toxicity and thereby providing a realistic therapeutic target. Lastly, the use of mast cells and the IL-33/ST2 axis as a screening tool for ENM safety and in the preclinical development of nanomedicines will be presented.

Thursday, October 11, 2012 @ 3:30 PM in Burson 115. Refreshments served at 3:15 PM

Congratulations to Sharonda LeBlanc!

Sharonda LeBlanc Sharonda recently defended her Ph.D. dissertation, entitiled: "Electric field dependent spectroscopy of single nanocrystal systems" in front of a packed audience. She completed the work under the supervision of Dr. Patrick Moyer (Physics and Optical Science) and Dr. Marcus Jones (Chemistry) and will soon be starting a postdoctoral position with Dr. Gloria Elliot (Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science) at UNC Charlotte.

New faculty opening

ANALYTICAL CHEMIST

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR POSITION

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte seeks applications and nominations for a tenure-track position in ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY at the ASSISTANT PROFESSOR level. The successful candidate will support the mission of the Department of Chemistry, especially initiatives in nanoscale science or biochemistry, and will have a strong commitment to working with faculty, staff, and students from diverse backgrounds. Appointment to the position will be effective August 15, 2013. Required qualifications: a Ph.D. in chemistry or related area; relevant postdoctoral, academic or industrial experience; a commitment to establishing a productive, externally funded research program; and a commitment to excellence in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels.